Maria is a licensed architect, LEED Accredited Professional, and operational strategist with a wealth of experience in architecture and real estate development. With a knack for both design and project management, she has a deep understanding of entitlement and building processes. Through her consultancy firm, Matcha Agency, Maria guides clients through the complexities of design and entitlement logistics, including feasibility studies, zoning analysis, consultant selection and management, due diligence, loan closing, and litigation matters.

Beyond her professional achievements, Maria is a dedicated community member and is passionate about collaborating with others on mission-driven projects. She chairs and is a co-founder of the BelRed Arts District Community Alliance and serves as its Treasurer. Maria has contributed to the City of Bellevue’s Arts Commission, including as Chair, and was a member of the 4Culture Public Art Advisory Committee for King County's District 9. At her children’s elementary school, she was actively involved in the PTA, serving as co-President, co-Treasurer, and board member. Maria finds joy in giving back, mentoring others, and participating in advisory roles. Her most cherished moments include volunteering as a manicurist for the elderly at St. Luke’s Hospital in NYC during her grad school years.

With over 20+ years in the architecture and real estate development sectors, Maria has excelled as a lead designer, project manager, and operational lead. Her continuous passion for design and aesthetics is fueled by her diverse background, having grown up in Hong Kong and Chicago, studied architecture at both the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and Columbia University, and informed by her various travel ventures. Maria earned her executive MBA from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington and completed ULI's Center for Leadership program as well as the Cultural Space Agency’s Build Arts Space Equitably (BASE) certification program. She enjoys applying her passion and design sensibility to make the world a better place, one project at a time.