Meet Xena Stryker: Architectural Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xena Stryker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xena, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Xena Design + Marketing Firm plays a tremendous role in reversing the negative impacts of gentrification. We are always on board to create vibrant and thriving neighborhoods, while also diminishing community eye sores. However, our moralistic goal is to protect long-time community residents and businesses from displacement. We do our best to preserve the community’s history and culture. We don’t just design, we go out and meet the citizens residing in the areas that we are designing and/or renovating. Often times, citizens feel their voices are unheard. Many have a fear of being pushed out of their own communities – the communities that they built. We get to know the citizens that we’re designing for. We take pride in working with comprehensive developers to preserve the neighborhood’s characteristics and affordability. We are also very dedicated to charity and humanitarian work in the communities that we design.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Xena Design + Marketing Firm is where Architecture meets Marketing! Our firm brings the building to life before its built! We take pride in our in house virtual walkthroughs, 3D renderings, and additional marketing services! Our advanced technology capabilities and video game software allows our clients to work collectively with our design team to produce the best building design to suit the world’s needs. Our business is thriving today due to the collective talents of our entire team. Our team members have a broad range of industry wisdom and design expertise. I oftentimes listen to the older architects and if feels as if I’m earning an advanced degree! Architecture is full of challenges. Once you think you’ve seen them all, there’s a new one! Permit issues, code compliance issues, on site dangers and surprises – there’s always something interesting happening when bringing buildings to life. I’ve learned to always keep older mentors around to assist in problem solving. Its also great to keep young, energetic, and positive interns by your side. Young designers are always hip to new technology and marketing ideas. I’d like the world to know that Xena Design + Marketing Firm understands that “teamwork makes the dream work!” I’ve worked at firms with condescending and “pyramid” typed work settings. Those types of firms were quite draining – not just for the employees, but also to the clients. Xena Design + Marketing Firm understands the power of equity. and happy work environments produce the greatest services for clients. Everyone here is treated equally and that brings about the best service to our clients. Our staff is not simply employees. Our clients are more than clients. We are a all a family creating the built environment for future generations to enjoy and thrive in!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite place to visit in the city is the Silver Comet Trail! I enjoy renting a bike and riding about 14 miles in one hour. Whenever friends or family visit me, I take them to the beautiful Cobb County Bike trail. The trail is covered with trees – so the sun is not harsh and if it rains, you won’t feel much of it. The beautiful flowers, butterflies, families, and happy pets just brighten my soul. I also enjoy watching the elderly couples walk together. Its such a beautiful and replenishing sight! You wouldn’t believe you exercised because the bike ride is so peaceful!Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my ShoutOut to the industry professionals and educators that contributed to my success in Architecture: Yahya Hassan – The first Architect to hire me.  Raynal Harris – My previous employer that assisted me with the launch of my own firm.  Dr. Carla Jackson Bell – My college professor and mentor from Tuskegee University.  Joe Stryker – My previous architectural supervisor that allowed me to use his super cool last name! The village of teachers from G. W. Carver High School that helped me become the professional woman I am today: Sandra Cain (Drafting), Pamela King (Science), Mickie Masters (Business), Dr. Michelle Nichols (Business), and Mr. Daniels (Art) And in loving memory of my Grandmother, Flossie Phillips, and her sister Sarah McGee.

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