2022 Year in Review: Krista Manna, KR Architecture & Interiors

What was your most important professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2022? I currently am working on a residential project assisting a client who recently underwent surgery that made him an amputee. I love knowing that the work I do will help him to be able to live a better life at home.

I also have recently been commissioned to do a corporate interiors project for a medium-sized communications company. We will work on refreshing their second floor office space, giving it a more modern feel and function which will help them improve their client service.

What emerging trends will drive investment and development in 2023? We will see an emphasis on flexible workspace and furniture, more informal conversational areas in the workspace, giving offices a more home-like feel. Biophilia, or the desire for humans to connect with nature, will also drive design trends. Look for offices to have additional texture in their walls, more lighting, more neutral looks with pops of color, and the use of technology to create safe spaces (contactless technology, as well as voice recognition and mobile apps).

How has your career path changed in 2022? I am refocusing the residential side of my practice toward serving those with very customized requirements, such as aging-in-place or special needs. I am a Certified Aging-in-place Specialist, and have experience in designing with ADA requirements.