We help leaders elevate their people, process, and place
Over four decades of combined experience in higher education, recruiting, sustainable design, and nonprofit leadership trained us to see and solve problems differently.
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Our love for coaching, mentoring, and the 'people side of change' helps grow supportive work cultures that boost productivity, creativity, and a shared sense of ownership.
Meet the team!
Anne Carter Mulligan
Founder + Organizational Design
Anne is a dynamic leader in higher education with over twenty years of experience in project management, navigating complicated bureaucracy, and building capacity to support strategic initiatives. Her superpower is making difficult things work - and look easy!
Anne is a champion for students who want to give back to their communities. As Director of Undergraduate Admissions at UVA’s Frank Batten School, and former Director of Strategic Initiatives in Enrollment Management at Longwood University, she leads projects to broaden access, enhance the student experience, and streamline the path from recruitment to graduation. She received UVA's Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contribution Award for dedicated service to the University.
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With a BA in English from Virginia Tech, an MA in Modern European History from George Mason University, and an MEd in Higher Education Administration from UVA's School of Education and Human Development, Anne has the training and experience to help your organization thrive.
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Shawn Mulligan AIA
Founder + Design Strategy | Architect
With over two decades of architectural expertise, Shawn has led diverse projects of all sizes and types, from custom furniture to campus master plans, spanning residential, hospitality, commercial, and education markets. Most recently he designed Net Zero Energy schools at VMDO Architects with a focus on sustainability, wellness, and workforce training. Shawn’s superpower is connecting people and purpose to find solutions.
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A licensed architect with a BArch from Virginia Tech in architecture and industrial design, Shawn has worked in the US and Europe in design (furniture, web, buildings), marketing, sales, and high-touch client service.
Shawn is a natural connector and mentor, serving his community through a decade of nonprofit leadership and pro-bono design for projects like Kindness Cafe and a Playground for Walker Elementary School. A graduate of CNE's Board Academy and Leadership Charlottesville, he's built and supported programs for the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, Building Goodness Foundation, Piedmont Housing Alliance, and the American Institute of Architects at the local and state levels.
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