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Marilee Hanks, managing director of Anderson Krygier Inc., doing business as Knot Studio, leads a women-owned transdisciplinary design practice specializing in landscape architecture, environmental graphic design and environmental justice. During her nearly 11 years of leadership, the Portland-based, 34-year-old firm has grown to 14 employees and increased revenue to $2.5 million in 2024.

Hanks led the site planning and landscape design of the U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara, an award-winning project blending diplomacy, sustainability and cultural sensitivity. She also directed the design of Portland’s Washington Park Reservoir visible features, which balances historic preservation with accessible public space. Both projects reflect Hanks’ commitment to lasting, inclusive, and resilient design.

Hanks supports women through mentorship and public speaking, recently addressing University of Oregon students on women in landscape architecture. She has built a leadership team balanced across gender and race, with women leading the firm’s environmental graphic design practice and business operations.