Studio 1200's Markwith Named 2020 NJBIZ 50 Top Woman in Business

Studio 1200 Principal Sandee Markwith Named a 2020 NJBIZ 50 Top Woman in Business

SHORT HILLS, NJ - Studio 1200 Principal Sandee Markwith has been named one of the 2020 NJBIZ 50 Top Women in Business, an award given each year to a select group of women who are influential in their companies, industries and communities. In order to qualify, these women must have leadership qualities, notable career accomplishments and be a visionary in her field. They must also be an active mentor to others and involved in their community.

Sandee started Studio 1200 15 years ago. Together, she and business partner Nancy Dougherty have built Studio 1200 into one of the most sought after architecture and interior design firms in New Jersey. “The best part about owning my own business is the freedom to control the type of projects we take on,” Sandee said. “It allows for lots of variety.” From redesigning corporate headquarters to local breweries; building multi-family housing to repositioning buildings for landlords; complete hospitality make-overs to enlarging family kitchens, Studio 1200 enjoys a challenge and admits “no project is too large or too small.”

At Studio 1200, Sandee’s passion, enthusiasm and dedication as a mentor has cultivated savvy designers, who under her leadership, become big thinkers and bold doers. Whether it be a local high school student interested in architecture, or a seasoned design professional spearheading a large project, they are welcome at Studio 1200. Students are encouraged to find their point of view and make contributions that are meaningful to the success of projects. When asked what advice she would give the young designers Sandee stated, “Always remember to be kind as the relationships that you establish and foster early on in your career will become the future decision makers that will hire you [for a project].”

Clients rely on Sandee’s expertise and trust her to help them navigate through all phases of a project. More times than not, the one-time client becomes the life-long friend. This speaks volumes about her genuine interest in people, not just their project. Over the years, as client’s businesses grow and expand, they continue to turn to Sandee to help navigate the transition into new or reimagined spaces.

Many large scale projects have been awarded to Studio 1200, but it is the pro bono ones that are the most meaningful to Sandee. Her recent work with the Jon Bon Jovi JBJ Soul Kitchen was particularly rewarding and the opportunity to meet and work with Jon and Dorothea was the cherry on top!

Sandee said that Studio 1200 will continue to raise the “design bar” on the types of projects they do, as well as the scale and scope of their work. She stated that Studio 1200 will continue to stay up to date on design, maintain sustainability initiatives, make impactful contributions to local organizations as designers, mentors, role models and volunteers.