Our Team
Michelle Opal Rutkowski, AIA
Michelle founded MOR Studio in 2016 with a vision to craft designs that transform how people experience and engage with environments. With over 20 years of experience across corporate, municipal, religious, education, recreation, and hospitality projects, she blends artistry, technical skill, and curiosity in her work.
As the founder and educator of the CDMR framework, she leads the firm’s design direction focused on creating spaces that support connection, discovery, movement, and rest while shaping environments that reflect the unique story of each place and its users.
Outside the studio, she enjoys time with family, meditation, art, pool time, and finding the next great gadget.
Founder & Principal Architect✉️: michelle@morstudio.net
📞: 623.663.1906
Katie Sutton
Katie is the Director of Operations at MOR Studio, where she supports the firm’s mission by building the systems, structure, and strategy that allow the design team to thrive.
She leads operations, financial health, people strategy, and long-term planning, ensuring the studio runs with clarity and alignment so the team can focus on designing meaningful environments. She helps create the foundation that supports the studio’s CDMR driven work. Deeply connected to nature, Katie brings a grounded perspective into her work.
Outside the studio, she enjoys gardening, hiking, camping with her family, traveling, amusement parks, and anything that brings a sense of adventure.
Director of Operations
Wren is the Director of Interior Design at MOR Studio, where she leads project teams in delivering thoughtful, coordinated interiors from concept through construction.
With 20 years of experience, she ensures each project is aligned with design intent while maintaining clear communication, strong coordination, and consistent collaboration with consultants, vendors, and stakeholders. She plays a key role in ensuring strong client experience and high-quality design outcomes across every project.
Outside the studio, she enjoys time with her two teenage children and brings her creativity to life through mountain biking and woodworking.
Director of InteriorsWren Visser, IIDA
Lisa brings over 20 years of experience in design development and construction documentation to MOR Studio, helping ensure projects are delivered with precision, coordination, and care.
She supports projects through every phase, carrying design intent through construction with accuracy and attention to detail. Known for her reliability and steady presence, she helps maintain quality and consistency across complex work.
Outside the studio, Lisa enjoys time with her husband, her three recently married children, and her dog Lily. She is also known for her impressive crochet creations.
Senior Project DesignerLisa Blanchard
Sam is a Project Designer at MOR Studio, contributing to projects across municipal, higher education, historic preservation, residential, religious, and corporate environments. A recent master level graduate of Arizona State University, he brings a strong design foundation and a drive to grow as a designer and leader.
Sam is highly skilled in BIM modeling, digital documentation, renderings, marketing visuals, and graphic imagery. He is quick at learning new tools and supporting strong execution throughout all phases of design.
Outside the studio, Sam is actively involved in theological studies and contributes to nonprofit and community focused work, bringing a thoughtful, service-oriented mindset to his design practice.
Project DesignerSam Urbieta
Kristen is the Executive Assistant and Digital Media Coordinator at MOR Studio, where she supports both leadership and the design team while helping keep daily operations running smoothly.
She manages the firm’s website and social media presence and ensures organization and consistency across internal systems. Known for her flexibility and upbeat personality, she is always ready to step in wherever needed to support the team.
Outside the studio, she stays busy with her two teenagers and is actively involved in her church through missions and digital media. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, singing, puzzling, traveling, and exploring her many curiosities and interests in life.
Executive Assistant | Digital Media Coordinator