Cara Rude
ASID, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP
- Director of Interior Design
- Firm Principal
- 18 years of experience
- Member of the American Society of Interior Designers
- Member of the National Council for Interior Design Qualification
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional
- WELL Accredited Professional
- Sustainability Chair, NW Chapter, NEWH
“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
Auntie Marie Nicoli Elementary
Having grown up in a small town, this project reminded Cara of home and gave her a great sense of pride. She’s grateful for the opportunity to celebrate rural Alaska through design in such a meaningful way.
Rapid Industry Changes
Transparency and human health have been cast under the spotlight in recent years. Cara says awareness of how built environments should lead the design conversation.
Next Big Challenge
Cara loves people, and she enjoys cultivating hospitality. Someday she would love to own a lemon tree farm with a boutique restaurant.