We’re a collection of storytellers.

“I love working together with people on hard problems and leveraging opportunities to create lasting outcomes.”

A pivotal experience as a young boy ignited John’s passion for architecture. He was visiting a construction site with his father and saw a house framed out for the first time. John was fascinated by the process and how the crew came together to create a singular vision. This passion for people continues to drive him today as he strategizes new directions for the firm and new ways to bring communities together through design.

John is always looking for new ideas and thrives on scaled conversations. He finds inspiration in travel; visiting other countries and immersing himself in diverse cultures allows him to think about the many ways that people solve the same fundamental problems. This approach was crucial to one of John’s favorite projects, the Anchorage Museum Expansion. While planning that project, John visited 18 museums in cities worldwide, blending those experiences to create something that truly represents and showcases Alaskan people.

Transparency and collaboration are the values that inform John’s work. He says his biggest accomplishment is helping to build the rich and rewarding company culture at MCG; he really cares.

John’s Favorites

“The way a community views itself is very important.”

Michael has become known as one of Alaska’s most thoughtful designers. As one of the founders of MCG, he has played a pivotal role in many interesting projects over the years. He started work on his first project at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in 1978 and has since completed multiple challenging projects at the facility, building a long and fond relationship with the airport.

Michael’s lifelong passion for design wasn’t so much a choice as it was a tangible way to utilize the passion for creativity and curiosity that have been the hallmarks of his career.

These days he’s looking ahead at the company’s trajectory, looking to build on the legacy that he has helped create as the company continues to grow. He says the most satisfying projects that MCG does are the ones that have a significant positive impact on the people who use and interact with them. His extensive school work is motivated by a desire to create enduring spaces that inspire students to a lifelong love of learning.

A proud Alaskan, Michael enjoys exploring the state on his bike. He is also active in the community, participating in school planning networks and municipal planning committees.

Michael’s Favorites

“We have an atmosphere of curiosity and problem-solving”

Cara’s passion for design started young. As the daughter of a carpenter, she saw from an early age how concepts and ideas take shape, influencing the world around us. Even today, the smell of sawdust brings back the excitement she felt watching as a child.

As that passion turned into a career, Cara discovered that her true satisfaction as a designer came from seeing the positive impact her work could have on others. This spurned a commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and health. She became a life-long student, advocate, and educator, dedicated to developing a greater understanding of how the built environment shapes each of us, both individually and as part of a larger society.

She’s often given the opportunity to put this commitment to the test at MCG Explore Design, serving as both the Director of Interior Design and as a firm principal. She is passionate about design that embraces the human experience and fosters regenerative lifestyles through healthy materials and biophilic design principles.

When she’s not in the office, Cara is a busy mom and an avid artist. She loves both painting and dancing, which allow her to explore space, volume, and color in different ways. When it’s time to recharge she hits the road, getting back to nature with her family to explore the great outdoors.  

Cara’s Favorites

“We’re adventurous, curious, and not afraid to try new things.”

Garrett’s passion for architecture comes from people. He finds the rapport between architect and client – and the trust that grows out of that collaboration – to be extremely rewarding. It’s an experience that is made even better when the results of that collaboration win nationwide recognition.

Raised with winters in Anchorage and summers spent drift netting in Naknek, Garrett is Alaskan to the core, a truth reflected in his passion for the craft of northern building design. He first became interested in design while in high school through drawing and clothing design. He was attracted to the physical texture of materials and the way things connect. Today, this extends to the acoustic properties of the materials he uses. He enjoys creating a holistic experience for his clients. He is currently working with a very demanding client, designing and building an addition to his own home.

Away from the office, Garrett is a committed clarinetist and an avid traveler. He is also active in the community as an artist and volunteer who has worked with the Alaska Design Forum and the International Gallery of Contemporary Art.

Garrett’s Favorites

“Design is an exercise in unpacking the understanding of what we don’t know.”

Jason is in charge of business development and leads MCG’s Aviation Studio. He brings a strong commitment to sustainability to the firm and enjoys the beauty and connectedness of nature and structure. Jason lived and worked in Germany for six years, giving him great insight into alternative perspectives toward design. This experience showed him the value of human experience over cost and speed in designing long-lasting, healthy projects for people.

While working under Gunter Pfeifer, Jason studied “Cybernetics and Structure,” a relationship between the part and the whole of cybernetic nature. This expresses the structural peculiarities of all participating systems (physical, biological, and technical attributes), which relate to each other in a symbiotic relationship.

Serving the community both professionally and as a volunteer through various non-profit organizations, Jason dedicates his work to the development of sustainable building practices. His goal is to reconnect indigenous design with modern innovations, seek cost-effective solutions, and create healthy, energy-efficient environments. Over time, the intent is to eliminate negative environmental impacts and build sustainable communities.

Jason’s Favorites

“We don’t just talk about collaboration; we actually do it.”

For Evelyn, a career in architecture is not just a collection of buildings but a series of relationships. Her passion for design started as a way to combine her love of both arts and sciences, and her clients are key to her creative process.

Evelyn studied art history as an undergraduate and went to architecture school as an opportunity to think scientifically about the creative process. Her greatest satisfaction comes from seeing her design ideas built and implemented. She is proud to have a body of work that positively impacts communities.

She says the biggest strength of MCG Explore Design is our culture of collaboration with team members, clients, engineers, and contractors, because it means ideas can come from all corners.

Active in the community, Evelyn currently serves on the Boards of the Anchorage Community Development Authority and the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. She was a longstanding board member of the Alaska Design Forum and a member and volunteer of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Alaska Chapter. When not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her horse, Carolyn.

Evelyn’s Favorites

“People are the heartbeat of their place.”

Melissa was born and raised in Alaska and her passion to create started at a young age. She frequently provided pop-up art shows in her childhood home, where her parents would purchase drawings of room scenes, homes and nature for steep price tags… of $0.10 to $0.50 per creation. Professionally, she continues to tap into her creativity and is inspired by all that nature offers as well as the power of place.

She lives in Anchorage, Alaska, with her husband Paul and two four-legged adopted fur-babies. Depending on the season, their adventures consist of fishing either from their wooden drift boat or through a hole in the ice. When stuck inside, Melissa paints with oil (her medium of choice), however, she also loves the organic and structured nature of mixed media artworks.

Melissa’s Favorites

“Taking an idea through to bricks and mortar never gets old.”

John loves communicating with people. He enjoys meeting clients and understanding their vision, translating it onto paper, and then talking it through with the builder. The thrill of architecture, for him, comes from developing and fine-tuning ideas and turning them into a physical structure.

The biggest change over the course of his career has been the shift to computer tools in the design process. However, he feels that the fundamental job of the architect has remained the same; the transformation from brain to building is unchanged. He’s proud to have created a legacy of creativity, training younger architects as a professional advisor for United Way. He is also a committee member for the Alaska Association of Architects and the Construction Specifications Institute.

John lives in Alaska and loves the great outdoors. He’s skied across most of the western United States, and when he’s not on the slopes, he enjoys making furniture and picture frames.

John’s Favorites

Don has worked with MCG Explore Design for more than 30 years and brings a wealth of expertise to the team. He’s an experienced detailer and his ability to use computer modeling software has been invaluable in taking designs and translating them into detailed, accurate models. He is often the one who brings our creations to life.

Don stays at the leading edge of developments in the latest drafting software and developments. This depth of knowledge allows him to provide guidance and instruction to colleagues, so that MCG Explore Design remains up to date. He keeps the system running by overseeing all standards for the company.

Tim’s path into the world of architecture began in sixth grade when he was tasked with creating a structure of sorts. But this wouldn’t be like his classmates’ projects, his included an extensive floorplan, walls composed of playing cards, and an exterior blanketed in molding clay. He had immersed himself in this project so much so that when it came time to present, his was still under construction- he had totally lost himself in the details and a passion for architecture had been ignited.
He is a key member of our team, always making himself available to lead or assist on projects. He finds much joy in his career, every day is different and allows him to blend creativity with technology. Tim feels he is making a difference through architecture, whether making spaces safer or more convenient for the people in our community.
He says what makes MCG special is the leadership. Leaders at MCG are forward-thinking, thoughtful, and inclusive. They’re flexible and open, not stuck in their ways. All of this is contagious and creates the unique culture that is MCG Explore Design.
As a proud Alaska, Tim’s favorite project is the expansion of the Anchorage Museum. He has a close-knit family, and they visit regularly. He admires the more modern look of a building in downtown Anchorage.

Meet Sonja Peshkoff, our intrepid architect in training with a flair for creativity and a passion for exploring the unknown. Transitioning from her licensed architect status in Europe to the US, Sonja brings our team a wealth of experience and keen eye for detail. From schematic design to construction administration, she navigates the intricate world of architecture with finesse, always keeping the bigger picture in mind.

Beyond the confines of the office, Sonja finds solace and inspiration in the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness, where she roams the mountains, forests, rivers, and creeks in search of adventure. Balancing her love for technology with a deep appreciation for nature, she revels in the serenity of the great outdoors, whether she’s chasing powder, fishing for salmon, or skillfully evading encounters with curious bears.

Sonja’s journey into architecture wasn’t always a straight path. At the age of 14, a career assessment quiz hilariously suggested she become either a hat maker or an architect. While her attempts at hat-making might leave something to be desired (knitting and crocheting are harder than they look!), her family is undoubtedly relieved she chose the latter path.

For Sonja, the most satisfying part of her job is not just drawing but also sharing laughs with her colleagues. She’s witnessed firsthand the industry’s evolution from 2D to 3D design, proving that change is not just inevitable but often exhilarating. At MCG, Sonja believes our biggest strength lies in our boundless creativity, a rare quality in the competitive world of design.

Sonja’s talents extend beyond the drafting board; she’s a dedicated community member, always ready to lend a helping hand to her neighbors and contribute through donations. And what does Explore Design mean to her? It’s about embarking on a journey of discovery, where the destination is unknown, and the possibilities are endless. For Sonja Peshkoff, the exploration never ends—it’s just the beginning of another extraordinary adventure in the world of design.

Sonja’s crowning achievement.

Designing and overseeing the construction of twelve enchanting treehouses in Bad Harzburg, Germany, a testament to her ingenuity and adaptability across borders and languages.

Sonja’s favorite project at MCG. The Anchorage Museum Expansion is a stunning architectural marvel that transports her back to the grandeur of Europe every time she stands outside its walls. Outside of work, she spends her sunny summer weekends honing her craft by building furniture and saunas and renovating her home, seizing every opportunity to turn her creative visions into tangible reality.

Laurel’s guilty pleasure is a clean balance sheet. She is the keeper of MCG’s financial health and has an ease with which she blends finance and project management. Laurel’s career in accounting started at the age of 19 when she stepped into the corporate world, she’s a “hell of a forecaster”. In the last decade, she switched her focus to the construction industry, where she has “found her people”.
Laurel is an absolute goofball and the life of the party, with a serious side. She is fiercely loyal and is so proud of raising her 2 adult children to be good, kind, people.
Shanti Shanti: One day you’ll find her teaching the way of zen in her own yoga studio in between ski bumming.
Giving Back: Laurel is very passionate about AWAIC, and serves on the board. She also volunteers her time at Bean’s Café.
Adding Value: Schools and federal projects hold a special place in Laurel’s heart. Schools bring people and our communities together and there is nothing more important than giving back to the community.

Halie has a background in marketing and textiles. As a kid, she learned to sew alongside her mom and would spend sick days making purses and accessories for her dolls. She continuously searches for different ways to stretch her creative muscles. One day, she’s sketching costumes; the next, she’s knitting scarves and beading earrings.
She worked as a design assistant for an interiors firm through college, during which time she developed a love for the art of designing space. As an adult she had the opportunity to volunteer for New York Fashion Week and travel internationally to meet designers, visit showrooms, and get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to handcraft fashions from the likes of Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, and Ferragamo. Before moving to Alaska, she spent time as a wardrobe stylist where she took to heart instilling confidence in her clients.  Making people feel special and heard is what brings her joy and what she adds to the marketing team here at MCG Explore Design. 
Romance Amongst History: Halie has a special connection to the Anchorage Museum. She became engaged in the wing of the expansion through whispers and masks during COVID.
Baby Talk: Becoming a mom changed Halie’s perspective on her career. She decided not long after the birth of her son that it was time to leave the corporate world behind and get back into a field that brought her joy and allowed her to be more creative.
Brighter Futures: Helping to create a future that is greener and more compassionate is something Halie strives to create. She’s very involved with local politics and volunteers her time to campaigns that make a difference.

Brianna’s journey to accounting is an interesting and inspiring one. She was working as a barista at a local coffee shop in Fairbanks where they needed some help with their books. She eagerly accepted the task and quickly learned that she reveled in the clean-up and reconciling of accounts. She was pleasantly surprised that while working in this field she still feels like she’s a part of something bigger and can stay involved in the community. Speaking of giving back to the community, when she’s not in the office, Brianna serves as a volunteer EMT. She was even named Ester Fire Department’s 2019 Member of the Year.
Slasher Films: Brianna is a huge fan of Old Sci-Fi, B-rated horror films, and bad special effects.
Exploring Design: Exploring ways to make things better: aesthetically and efficiently.
ANC Concourse C: Brianna’s dad worked for Alaska Airlines when she was growing up, which meant great flight benefits and a lot of time spent in the Anchorage Airport. They flew standby, so it was a lot of time spent getting bumped off flights and being stuck in ANC’s airport. She remembers the first time she walked through the C Terminal and realized she could no longer complain about the horrible Anchorage Airport.  “It was beautiful and a pretty nice place to get stuck.”

“Working with quality people makes all the difference.”

Todd got into the design business because he wanted an office job that gave him the mental challenges he craved. He finds great satisfaction in providing high quality drafts to the project managers and supporting the success of the project. He finds the biggest change has been the shift from 2D to 3D modeling, which now allows a much more detailed understanding of how the individual part so the project will interact with one another.

Todd says MCG Explore Design’s greatest strength is its team, because they strive to look at each problem from as many angles as possible to ensure that the design is as successful as it can be.

When not working, he enjoys racing and tuning cars. He’s also a keen woodworker and crafts furniture and fittings for his home. One day, he hopes to cruise around Australia.

Todd’s Favorites

“Always look at a problem from different angles.”

Charles has been with MCG Explore Design for 22 years, and it is his hard work that keeps us on the cutting edge with the software we use. He loves increasing MCG Explore Design’s sustainability, combining his conscientious nature with his love of the outdoors and his and passion for efficiency.

When not enjoying himself fixing the company’s misbehaving systems, Chuck is spending his time in his community. Whether leading a Boy Scout troop, coaching baseball or volunteering at Alaska’s famous Iditarod sled dog race, he likes helping others.

Chuck is also a farmer and a keen traveler. He wants to see more of the world’s farms and cooperatives to expand his knowledge and gather fresh ideas to try out at home.

Chuck’s Favorites

“Pushing boundaries is part of our company culture.”

Rob loves the thrill of the chase, which works out well in his role as Marketing Director at MCG Explore Design. His passion for design started with an interest in cartooning and animation, which gradually morphed into graphic design, creative writing and marketing. The common theme has always been finding new and creative ways to communicate; moving from the idea phase and into a physical space. That’s where things get real.

When it comes to work, Rob leans heavily on the Adobe Creative Suite. He’s seen first hand how technology has become more accessible over the course of his career and feels like it’s been a great boon to the marketing world, increasing competition and making everything look more polished. Rob is passionate about his profession would love to someday write a book about the science of proposal design.

Outside of work, Rob is active in the community and is proud of the work he’s done in the past for the Providence Children’s Hospital. He enjoys spending time with family and working on remodel projects at home. He’s also an experienced and (somewhat) competitive snow carver.

Rob’s Favorites

You could say that architecture and building are in Ben’s blood. Growing up he watched in awe as his grandfather designed beautiful homes and his cousins brought them to life. So, it only makes sense that Ben is so passionate about drafting and design. He finds great satisfaction in watching ideas come to fruition and sketches to completion. In his 23 years in this industry, he’s seen a lot of change, with advancement in tools used and the blurring of roles within the company. There aren’t offices full of draftsmen; there’s much more cohesion, and it’s not so black and white.
Ben has been bitten by the travel bug. With a little nudge from his wife, they recently spent time in Colombia, which opened a part of him that he didn’t know existed. Ben also has an enthusiasm for auto racing, both local and national.
Explore Design: “Venture out and investigate new territory. Break the mold. Not beholden to the traditional box of design.”
So Much More: Ben’s Favorite MCG project is the Alaska Airlines Hangar, because it “showcases appeal for something that could’ve just been a box”.

Matt prides himself on the relationships he has built across the country. He spent 9 years in the construction industry, so he provides a contractor’s point of view on each project he works on. His attention to detail ensures that projects are delivered to the highest level, from concept design through occupancy. His greatest satisfaction comes from being a part of the progression and end results of all of MCG’s projects. He is a natural-born leader, continuously pursuing work and challenges while considering the big picture.
Home in the Mountains: This Wyomingite is at home in Alaska, when he’s not in the office you’ll find him mountain biking, hiking, or fishing- taking in all aspects of the outdoors that this beautiful state has to offer.
Favorite Project: Before Matt joined the MCG family, he worked as the General Superintendent on the Alaska Airlines Hangar build. It’s easily his favorite project, considering it’s the one that brought him to both Alaska and to MCG.

Mallory is an integral member of our team. Her professional life before MCG was one that consisted of construction and contractors. She bridges the gap between our designers and outside construction teams, a unique talent that allows our projects to run efficiently and supports everyone in feeling heard. One of the most exciting parts of the job for Mallory is seeing the complete cycle of our projects, she “like seeing things get built”.
Mallory is from Ohio but spent winters on the east coast competitively skiing starting in middle school. She’s now retired, but she’s at home in the mountains. When she’s not coordinating with the design team, she’s quite the busybody, taking advantage of the outdoors, hiking, fishing, or working on various DIY projects at home.
Fav Project: Her favorite MCG project is one she had a hand in The Alaska Airlines Hangar. This project changed her life and career in many ways.
Explore Design/What’s in the Box: “Thinking outside of the box. Lots of our projects could be just that, boxes, and we make them so much more.”