Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Mackler Fisher.
Hi Debbie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Start local, love where you live, have an influence on the daily lives of those close by – a “neighborhood hug” of sorts. I developed my career focused on making the places where people start and end their days more pleasant – their homes. Through the design process, I demonstrate how small actions can create significant impacts.
After graduating from SCI-Arc, my education continued in various forms. I briefly worked on a construction crew learning how buildings actually came apart and went together. I expanded on my thesis by teaching color theory; color in space is a fundamental element in my design. For many years, I worked alongside Scrafano Architects, primarily on their Los Angeles projects. I loved the collaborative energy of the office, problem-solving, and mentoring the junior designers and architects.
Over time my client base grows to include more homes in my own community in addition to projects throughout Los Angeles and surrounds. I founded Mackler Fisher Architecture in 2016.
In an effort to push past the post-pandemic feeling of isolation, I took the initiative to organize gatherings for sole proprietor friends, fostering a sense of community and support. Previously, volunteering in elementary and middle schools while bonding with fellow mom architects had played a significant role in my journey – participating in the landscape and design committee, building backpack racks, teaching fun architecture classes, and donating design services for school auctions. Out of that time came an unexpected bonus – relationships that grew from my volunteer work resulted in a variety of architectural projects.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While developing my practice has been fulfilling, it hasn’t been without challenges. Working on a smaller scale means constantly proving the impact of my contributions. This means spending a lot of worthwhile time with clients throughout the design process. A project thrives when they appreciate and value my design sensibility and years of experience. That said, collaboration with clients has become the lifeblood of my architectural ethos. I learn from them on every project.
The pandemic presented a unique set of obstacles, but it also became an opportunity for me to make a difference. With people spending more time inside, they became acutely aware of how well their homes functioned and a need for flexible or adaptable spaces. Because of this, many clients are more in tune now with how they want their restructured space to function.
During the pandemic, I was honored and thrilled to receive a grant focused on supporting small businesses from AmPac Business Capital. Guided by the resourceful and supportive New Women’s Business Center in Canoga Park, finding AmPac was instrumental in navigating the challenges. One of my proudest achievements was leveraging this grant by supporting and hiring consultants to share the workload – women, moms, and others facing difficulties.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mackler Fisher Architecture?
As a Southern California architect, I understand the essential connection between interior and exterior spaces. Each enhancement to a single dwelling holds the potential to elevate the entire community, provided it is executed with intention and thoughtfulness.
I specialize in site-specific design, meticulously considering elements like view, flow, outdoor “rooms,” and the individual needs of each family. Appreciating where the morning light comes into a bedroom and kitchen, the views of a special tree from a home office desk, and even owl sounds at night inform the spaces.
A key factor is the team – communication with the client, contractor, engineers, building department, and other consultants makes the project successful. To start, I listen to the client’s specific wants in order to create spaces that meet the needs of each family. My cozy modern inclination lends itself to any scale, whether it’s a new house, a major addition, a flexible ADU/woodshop/art studio, or a detailed kitchen remodel with marble tops and tools for an avid baker.
I have an unwavering commitment to effecting positive change on a local scale starting with my own neighborhood. I search for that same sense of connection as I move through other neighborhoods. Each home embodies a myriad of feelings, functions, and hopes extending beyond the confines of four walls.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
So many lessons… including keep learning! Also, important are communication, confidence, patience, and have fun non-work projects to keep your creativity flowing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.
macklerfisherarchitecture.com/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/ macklerfisherarchitecture/
Image Credits
Debbie’s pic – Lucia Keil 1-Tracey Landworth 2-Tracey Landworth 3-Jennifer Kaufman 4-Tracey Landworth 5-Jonathan Mackler 6-Allison Larsen
