For Mariquita Taylor, the path to becoming a leader in luxury design-build wasn’t something she meticulously planned—it was something she discovered.

Born in Salt Lake City, Mariquita moved to St. Louis at 14 when her father’s job relocated the family. At the time, she imagined a very different future. “I was sure I’d follow in my mom’s footsteps and become a pre-school teacher,” she recalls. But a summer job at a construction company shifted everything. “The vice president took me under his wing as his assistant, and I fell in love with the construction world. I realized this is my purpose, and I never looked back.”

Today, Mariquita is the President and Owner of StudioMarq, a luxury interior design-build firm with 37 years of experience behind her. The company handles renovations, remodels, additions, and new builds, offering a comprehensive, hands-on approach.

“We wear all the hats,” Mariquita explains. “Designer, project manager, general contractor, coordination. We take the stressful aspects off their plate.”

That full-service model is central to what sets StudioMarq apart. For Mariquita, every project, regardless of size, deserves the same level of care and attention. “Every client, no matter what the scope of the project, gets the red-carpet experience with us,” she says. “I strive to work diligently to give our clients a personalized experience that brings their vision to life.”

Understanding that vision requires more than surface-level conversations. Mariquita and her team dig deeper. “We want to know what our clients like but also how they live so we can create a beautiful space that’s also functional and is a custom fit for their lifestyle.”

That philosophy fuels Mariquita’s passion for her work. “I love taking someone’s vision and bringing it to life!” she says. “We ask so many questions to make sure we craft their dream for their space… we never push what we think they should have.”

Collaboration is another cornerstone of StudioMarq’s approach. Mariquita emphasizes that every project is a shared effort. “This is a collaboration and a partnership with every hand that touches a project and with the client,” she explains. “StudioMarq is there every step of the way, everything someone needs to take the stress out of a project.”

That includes a team Mariquita is quick to praise. From account executive Jeff Schultz, who “streamlines communication with clients,” to senior designer Ryleigh Coggin, who “brings designs to life with precision and creativity”, each member plays a critical role. “I feel successful by getting to brag that I have a strong team,” Mariquita says. “If I wasn’t doing this right, they wouldn’t be here.”

StudioMarq also offers something unique for real estate professionals: involvement before a home is even purchased. Mariquita has partnered with agents during property viewings to help buyers envision possibilities.

“We can be there before,” she says. “To let potential buyers know what types of renovations… are possible, what all can be done, and what a project could look like.” It’s a service she believes adds value not only for agents but for clients trying to see beyond a home’s current state. “We can be a trusted resource… to help their house become their home.”

At the core of Mariquita’s success is a commitment to her own values. “My promises that I’ve made to myself,” she says. “My drive and integrity. I know what my core values are and I move through life with those always at the forefront.”

Her definition of success is equally grounded. “It’s cheesy but I think success is living your life doing what you love to do and finding purpose,” she says. “I don’t feel like I ‘go to work,’ I feel like I get to go do what I love.”

When she’s not at the studio, Mariquita leans into time with her large blended family. “We are woven together by music, game nights, and our love of trashy TV and classic timeless movies,” she says. “I’m big on putting our phones away when we’re together to be present.”

Looking ahead, her goals remain focused on growth. “Acquiring more partnerships and expanding our team,” she says. No matter how much StudioMarq evolves, Mariquita’s mission remains unchanged: to transform houses into homes that truly reflect the people who live in them.