Let's turn air into solid.
MODA is a strategic architecture, program management, and project delivery practice that helps organizations and businesses turn ideas into implementable, high-impact places.
We work at the intersection of architecture, commercial real estate, research, and facilitation — guiding projects from early vision through realization. Our work begins before design, aligning stakeholders, defining program and scope, and establishing clear pathways for funding, delivery, and long-term success.
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From cultural institutions to commercial developments, we help clients move from aspiration to action with clarity and confidence.
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What We Do Best
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Project Formation & Strategy
We define projects before design begins — aligning vision, stakeholders, program, and funding to create a clear, actionable path forward.
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Program Management & Delivery
We lead teams, budgets, and schedules from concept through construction, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with client goals.
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Architecture & Design Leadership
We design thoughtful, high-performing environments that support learning, connection, business operations, and long-term value.
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Our Clients
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MODA partners with:
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Arts and cultural organizations
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Educational institutions
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Nonprofit and civic clients
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Commercial clients across retail, restaurant, personal services, and industrial sectors
Each project is different, but the goal is the same: to create places that are meaningful, functional, and built to last.
Our Approach
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We build and lead the teams our clients need to realize their projects. Our collaborative, inquiry-driven approach helps stakeholders align around shared priorities, make informed decisions, and move forward with confidence.
Whether guiding a cultural institution through early planning or supporting a commercial client through delivery, we bring clarity to complexity and momentum to projects.
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Value
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We believe the most impactful projects are those that align vision, resources, and execution. MODA exists to make that alignment possible — and to turn ideas into places that support organizations, communities, and growth.
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MODA | Murrell Office for Development and Architecture LLC is located in Austin, Texas and is a woman-owned small business.
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Nina Murrell is a principal architect, cultural strategist, and research leader focused on shaping projects at the intersection of arts, education, and community development. As the founding principal of MODA | Murrell Office for Development and Architecture, she works with institutions, municipalities, and mission-driven organizations to translate vision into implementable programs, spaces, and experiences.
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A Rice University graduate and Fulbright Scholar, Nina brings a lifelong commitment to education and cultural exchange to her work. Her career spans more than two decades leading complex projects for universities, museums, cultural institutions, and civic clients. Prior to founding MODA, she led arts, culture, and education practice areas within nationally recognized design firms, guiding multidisciplinary teams and delivering projects that balance design excellence with institutional goals.
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Nina’s work is distinguished by her ability to lead early project formation—aligning stakeholders, defining program and scope, and establishing clear pathways from concept through delivery. Her background in research strengthens this approach. She has led and contributed to multiple studies on audience engagement, cultural facility performance, and regional growth, including recent leadership of a multi-year research initiative for CREW Network examining development trends across the Austin metro.
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In addition to her practice, Nina serves in leadership roles within professional and civic organizations, contributing to conversations about how communities grow, invest, and create meaningful places. She is a certified facilitator known for guiding diverse groups toward shared vision and actionable outcomes. Her collaborative, inquiry-driven approach helps clients identify opportunities for mission advancement, enhance visitor and user experience, and deliver projects that are both impactful and achievable.
Services
MODA provides integrated services that guide projects from early concept through completion. We combine strategic planning, program management, and architectural services to ensure projects are not only well-designed, but achievable, fundable, and successfully delivered.
Project Formation & Strategic Alignment
We define projects before design begins — aligning vision, stakeholders, program, and resources to create a clear, actionable path forward.
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Includes:
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Visioning + stakeholder engagement
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Program development + space planning
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Facilities assessments + feasibility
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Budget alignment + funding strategy
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Capital planning coordination
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Market positioning alignment
Outcome:
A project that is clearly defined, aligned, and ready to move forward.
Let's turn air into solid.
Program Management & Project Delivery
We lead projects through complexity with disciplined execution, guiding teams, budgets, and schedules from concept through construction.
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Includes:
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Project delivery strategy
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Team assembly + coordination
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Budget and schedule management
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Contractor + consultant coordination
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Risk management + decision facilitation
Outcome:
Projects delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with client goals.
Architecture & Experience Design
We design environments that reflect each client’s mission, identity, and operational needs—translating vision into spaces that support how people learn, gather, work, and experience place.
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Includes:
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Concept design rooted in mission and use
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Integration of program, operations, and user experience
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Design development and documentation
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Coordination with engineering disciplines
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Construction administration
Outcome:
Places that are distinctive, functional, and deeply aligned with client purpose.
Arts + Culture
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Commercial
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Residential
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