Meet Kenia Forget | Co-founder of Stix + Brix

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenia Forget and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
From a young age, I have had a passion for art, always choosing another drawing or painting class over instruments or sports. I became interested in architecture as a teenager and thought it was a very alluring career. I was drawn to design, models, materials, and studio spaces.
I then pursued a career in architecture and enjoyed all that I learned. But as an adult I found that I wanted to break away from the traditional practice and spend even more time in the creative process. That is when I switched from working full time in our architecture firm to full time on our kids architecture brand, Stix + Brix.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I feel optimistic and proud of Stix + Brix for what it is as a brand and the potential that I see for it. The idea for Stix + Brix started as a tiny spark. It was an answer to a deep desire to create again (with my hands and my mind) after being dormant for many years while I raised my children. It was the answer to the challenge I faced as a mother during the summer of 2020 when my kids’ summer camps were canceled, and we needed activities to keep busy.

The idea to create architectural model kits for kids has evolved from a virtual summer camp that was mailed in a white pizza box to a very colorful and modern product that has laser cut pieces and now includes various models. We have explored and created cottages, A-frames, treehouses, and skyscrapers. I am delighted with each model we design and I am extremely proud that we are bringing joy to kids through model building and giving kids the opportunity to fall in love with architecture.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A great trip to South Florida must include beach time, good food and a little night life fun – but as a mom of three I would take all of that and tone it down. A perfect day would start with a trip to my favorite beaches in Boca Raton. These beaches are beautiful and quiet, and we could spend all day enjoying the weather and views. Then head to Maine Coffee down the street for their amazing avocado toast on their homemade bread and an iced coffee. In the evening we would head to Seminole Hard Rock Hollwyood for dinner and a show at Hard Rock Live (that’s my idea of night life these days). You can’t come to south Florida and not see The Guitar Hotel – there’s nothing else like it and you have to get a selfie.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Matt deserves a lot of credit and a big shoutout for my success. He is not only my husband but also the co-creator of our architecture firm 5 Architecture and of Stix+ Brix. We have been on an architectural journey together since college and have been each other’s support and cheerleader. He is the best to ping-pong ideas with, he has a critical eye and gives me constructive advice. We are a complimentary match for all things work related and in our personal life – I’m the dreamer and he is practical. Working on Stix + Brix would not be as fun if he was not by my side at events, markets, and late nights. He is there for the fun and for the challenging moments with words of encouragement and a cup of coffee.

Website: Stix-brix.com

Instagram: @stix_and_brix