OUR TEAM
Hey there, get to know us!
We are Monarq Design, founded by two friends who share a love for great architectural design, historical preservation, a good book and flourishing life (plants, that is!). Together, we have over 30 years of experience in both residential and commercial architecture.
Wendy Staten - Co-Founder, Partner
Wendy's fascination with buildings began in sixth grade when she built her first architectural model. A native of Northwest Arkansas, her life has also included chapters in the Rocky Mountains, Idaho, Alabama, the Washington D.C. metro area, and the historic city of Savannah, Georgia.
She earned her Master's Degree in Architecture from Savannah College of Art and Design, focusing on urban design and architectural history. This program deepened her love for historic structures and art history in general.
Wendy's architectural career spans 20 years, with experience in diverse projects ranging from schools and libraries to residences and even federal buildings like National Archives facilities. Before founding Monarq Design, she provided residential design services in NWA.
Passionate about education, Wendy served as an adjunct art faculty member at Northwest Arkansas Community College from 2006 to 2020, finding joy in sharing her love of visual arts with young minds.
Beyond architecture, Wendy enjoys reading, running, and painting. She's also a dedicated supporter of her children's activities, happily coaching them in their current pursuits. Wendy currently resides in Bentonville with her husband, their five children, and a menagerie of beloved pets.
Adela Smalley - Co-Founder, Partner
Adela's passion for architecture began in Mexico City, where she grew up surrounded by the wonders of a vibrant big city with incredible buildings. She earned her architecture degree from Anáhuac University and became a licensed architect in Mexico.
During her 4th year of architecture school, Adela came to the University of Arkansas as an exchange student. Captivated by the small-town atmosphere, she decided to extend her stay after securing an Academic Training Visa. Over the next 25 years in Northwest Arkansas, Adela truly embraced the region as her home. She settled in Rogers and officially became a US Citizen in 2011.
Adela's architectural experience is extensive. She has tackled projects ranging from small commercial tenant improvements to large-scale retail expansions and remodels across the country. Her expertise includes a deep understanding of building codes. With over 15 years of experience, Adela excels in retail design, commercial architecture, and office space renovations. Notably, she contributed to a LEED-certified project at a previous company, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable design.
Beyond architecture, Adela dedicates her time to the community by volunteering as a museum guide at Crystal Bridges Museum. An advocate for conservation, she maintains a pollinator garden filled with native plants to support monarch butterflies. In her free time, Adela enjoys reading, traveling, and staying active with barre classes. Adela also cherishes spending time with her husband, visiting her son in college, and walking their two large rescue dogs.