Member Spotlight: Kirsten Malloy

Kirsten Malloy is an NCIDQ certified interior designer with eddy Design Group who believes in the power of functional and fun spaces. She enjoys connecting with people and working alongside clients to make their spaces more efficient and beautiful so they can focus on what they do best! Kirsten loves a good before and after story almost as much as she loves her spirited toddler, Theo, her outdoorsy husband, and their two Labradors (also: coffee & ice cream).

Q: What drew you to the commercial real estate industry?

A: I can’t quite pinpoint the time when I knew I wanted to enter the world of Architecture and Design, but from a young age I had a knack for wanting to transform a space. My earliest attempt to “enhance” a space involved some crayons and freshly painted walls at my preschool – oops! This innate desire to make spaces beautiful, functional, and conducive to the people who use them drove me towards a career in Design. The commercial real estate industry appealed to me because it offers the opportunity to creatively solve problems while building strong relationships with clients and colleagues. I find great satisfaction in the collaborative process of bringing visions to life and making a tangible impact on the built environment.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?

A: What I enjoy most about my work is tackling the challenge of a new project that initially seems insurmountable. It's like solving a complex puzzle to make the space not just functional, but truly beautiful. The creative process, predictable and sometimes frustrating, constantly pushes me to hone my craft and think outside the box. There's a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when we finally arrive at a design solution that exceeds expectations.

Q: What are a few of your signature professional projects?

A: I've had the privilege of contributing to some standout projects that I'm really proud of. Among them are the MiTek Headquarters building in Chesterfield, MO, numerous projects with a Global Technology Company across the U.S., campus collaborations with UMSL including a library renovation currently underway, and the exciting transformation of a historic landmark in Kirkwood, MO into a vibrant new 4Hands brewery location.

Q: When did you join CREW and what was your first event?

A: I became a member of CREW in January 2019 (Time flies, it's been 5 years already!) after tagging along with my friend and mentor, Merri Cross, to several events. My first event was a luncheon where Merri introduced me to an energetic community of CREW members. We networked, shared insights on the latest CRE trends, and I immediately felt welcomed into the fold. It was such a positive experience that solidified my desire to be actively involved with CREW!

Q: What aspect of CREW membership has been the most beneficial to you?

A: My involvement in the CREW-St. Louis Mentorship program has been incredibly rewarding. Having participated two times already, I've found it to be a valuable opportunity for both networking and personal growth. The program (which is complimentary for members!) has allowed me to forge meaningful connections within the CREW community while also investing in my professional development. This year, we have the largest cohort of mentor/mentee pairings yet—24 in '24! I'm particularly thrilled to be serving as a mentor for the first time, eagerly anticipating the growth and learning experiences from this collaboration.

Q: What other associations or activities are you involved with?

A: Since the birth of my son, who was born with a congenital heart defect (CHD), my husband and I have immersed ourselves in advocating for heart health. We're proud to collaborate with the American Heart Association in 2024, as our son, Theo Malloy, is being recognized as the "Heart Hero" for the 2024 St. Louis Metro Heart Walk. It's an honor to celebrate Theo in this capacity and share our journey, advocating for a heart-healthy future.

Q: My hidden talent is...

A: Like many in the heart of COVID, I fancied myself a DIY expert. And while I wouldn’t say I ever became an expert, I truly enjoyed proving myself wrong by breaking out the power tools to build something that actually resembled what I set out to build. From built-ins in our living room to wood framed outdoor furniture, I’ve enjoyed the chance to exercise my creativity in a new way.