Connecting Round Rock: Moms Who Mean Business – Donahue
Connecting Round Rock explores what makes Round Rock great!
As we continue to connect with our community’s incredible people and organizations, we’re eager to learn more about what makes Round Rock such a vibrant place. That’s why we’re reviving our ‘5 Questions With…‘ series as segments with a fresh twist.
Each time, we’ll feature something or someone who contributes to making our community great—businesses, organizations, and people we think you would like to know!
Since we are kicking off in May, starting with the Moms Who Mean Business series segment is a natural choice. And what better way to start than on Mother’s Day, a day that celebrates the strength and resilience of mothers? Join us and be inspired by the stories of these driven women who build, lead, activate, and support Round Rock (and beyond)!
Meet Heather Donahue
Tell us about your family.
My family consists of my husband, Robert Donahue, who is also an architect (we met while in school at Texas Tech) and works for a much larger company with an office in south Austin; our son, Caleb Donahue, who is a senior at Round Rock High School graduating later this month, an Eagle Scout and very proud of his four years with the RRHS Dragon Band. I am blessed to be part of a 3-generation household as my mother lives with us and is a very active part of our family.
What would be your ideal way to spend Mother’s Day?
My ideal Mother’s Day is spent with my family, starting with worship service in the morning, followed by lunch out somewhere. I might sneak a nap in the afternoon, but that one I take on my own.
Tell us about your business
The original company, which we recently rebranded to MOD: Architecture and Design at the beginning of 2023 when my partners and I took ownership, has been in the Round Rock area for almost 25 years. Our mission is to create innovative, contextual designs catered to our client’s vision. We do this by navigating the complex world of art, engineering, planning, and collaboration through the cycle of design.
What’s your favorite part about your business?
I love that we are a small firm in a thriving town like Round Rock rather than just another struggling office in a monstrosity like Austin. We care as much about building relationships with our clients as we do about the details that go into their projects. I like to say we are “small AND mighty.” We are small enough to appreciate simple remodels, yet mighty enough to take on large, multi-million-dollar projects.
What is one challenge with your business?
Unfortunately, the thing I love best about our company is also one of our biggest challenges. It is difficult to attract good talent to a smaller town. Many up-and-coming young professionals want to be in big cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
How does your business give back to the community?
We have had the opportunity to sponsor several events, including various Scouting BSA events, the Heart Gift Foundation’s “Party with a Purpose,” and Annunciation Maternity Home’s “Celebration of Mothers.” We are also looking to get our team out actively serving in the community through United Way’s “Summer Day of Caring.”
How can Round Rock (and the surrounding areas) support your business?
By remembering that you don’t have to go to the big city (Austin) for high design and comprehensive planning services. We are local, right here in Round Rock.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
I love living and working in Round Rock. Texas is not my husband’s first choice for a home even though he himself is a born and bread Texan, and the Austin area is the only place in Texas where he is willing to live now. When we were looking to buy our home several years ago, we specifically looked in Round Rock.
Connecting Round Rock
Know an organization, business, or person we could include in our series?
Email us at connect@roundtherocktx.com.
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