Renewable energy-focused architectural firm MMPV Design converts to a worker cooperative
The solar infrastructure pioneer became worker-owned with transition and capital support from Project Equity
MMPV Design, an architecture firm that serves to advance solar energy, energy storage, and electric vehicle infrastructure projects throughout the U.S., has transitioned into a worker-owned cooperative. In this model, employees own and control the company, electing their peers to the Board of Directors and sharing profits.
Mariana Moncada was the owner of MMPV Design for 15 years and chose to sell the company to her employees so that ownership would be in the hands of those who helped her build the business.
MMPV Design worker cooperative members believe that their new model will allow the firm to continue to provide superior services to its customers. “Increased ownership will lead to even greater dedication to customer service—something we take pride in and where our strength lies as a company,” said Krista Lamondin, a Principal and Architect of Record at MMPV Design who’s serving as president of the new Board of Directors.
“I feel that being a cooperative will empower our team to get involved in company growth, share ideas, and streamline processes,” said Stella Robitaille, a Principal and Architect of Record who is the secretary and treasurer on the Board of Directors.
“I’m excited for my colleagues to have the unique opportunity for professional development by learning about how the business works and to eventually join the Board,” said Marla Evans, the Senior Finance Manager at MMPV Design.
“MMPV Design excels at providing high-quality architecture services to its clients, and its new ownership model as a worker cooperative cements the unique perspective and team-oriented ethos its team brings to the industry,” said Project Equity Senior Client Services Manager Alicia Ijewere.
Project Equity, a national nonprofit dedicated to advancing employee ownership, guided MMPV Design through every stage of its transition, providing hands-on expertise and capital support through its Accelerate Employee Ownership and Employee Ownership Catalyst Fund programs.
To ensure the cooperative’s sustainability moving forward, MMPV Design is participating in Project Equity’s Thrive program. Thrive provides training, resources, and support to help new employee-owners with financial literacy, transparency, decision making, conflict resolution, and good governance practices.
