By Lola Magazine with Christie Echols
These words reflect the heartbeat of Christie Echols—an architect, real estate developer, mother of two, and wife to Louisiana State Representative Michael Echols. But titles alone cannot capture the full picture. Christie is a visionary. A maker. A dreamer. A doer. And above all, a woman rooted in faith and purpose.
“I like to make things.” That simple truth has been the thread running through Christie’s life since childhood. Growing up in a close-knit Louisiana family filled with siblings, cousins, imagination, and creativity, Christie was often found drawing, designing, or building something. She vividly remembers rearranging her bedroom furniture weekly and constructing elaborate Barbie dream houses out of cardboard. Those early sparks of creativity were more than play—they were glimpses into a calling.
That passion followed her into adulthood. She pursued a degree in architecture, a decision that brought its own challenges and rewards. “It was both grueling and transformative,” she admits. The academic rigor was intense, and the licensing process was even harder. She recalls moments of exhaustion, long nights in the studio, and the weight of self-doubt. But she also remembers the joy. “It is my joy to create,” Christie says—though she’s quick to clarify that the joy didn’t always come easily. It was hard won, through grit, growth, and grace.
At one of life’s many crossroads—both personal and professional—Christie knew she needed more than ambition to guide her next steps. She turned inward, but more importantly, she turned upward. She began setting aside one hour a week to sit quietly in her church, praying, listening, and seeking direction. It became a sacred rhythm. A surrender. “God’s plan for me was anything but easy,” she shares. But it was during that quiet surrender that she began to see more clearly. Her work became an extension of her faith. Instead of striving to achieve, she shifted to align her efforts with God’s purpose. And once she did, doors began to open—doors she hadn’t even known existed.
One of the most profound shifts in Christie’s journey was learning to set aside her ego. “Do I want to be an incredible designer, or do I want to allow other people to shine?” she asked herself. The answer, she decided, was both. True leadership, she realized, means creating space for others to rise.
That mindset has shaped every project she touches, none more so than her latest masterpiece—the breathtaking Hotel Monroe in downtown Monroe, Louisiana. A Hilton Tapestry boutique hotel, Hotel Monroe is more than just a chic new stay—it’s a soulful tribute to Louisiana’s culture, history, and charm. The project is deeply collaborative, involving architects, artisans, craftsmen, and dreamers. And at the helm? Christie—creator, curator, and storyteller.
Yes, storyteller.
Hotel Monroe isn’t just built—it’s written. Christie penned a fictional love story to guide the hotel’s entire design concept: the romantic tale of Dianne, a spunky Southern belle, and Harvey, her dapper and steadfast beau. Their journey begins along the banks of the Ouachita River, surrounded by magnolia blossoms, winding roads, and the poetic charm of small-town Louisiana. This narrative breathes life into every corner of the hotel.
From the curved green banquette seating that mimics the flow of the Ouachita River, to the dreamy key cards that match Jay Davis’ ethereal murals behind each guest bed, the hotel is filled with thoughtful design details and layered storytelling waiting to be discovered by those who linger and look closely. Original architectural details like the mezzanine’s repurposed banisters pay homage to the building’s history. Local artist Nick Bustamante’s paintings grace the rooftop Star Bar, while Christie herself climbed scaffolding to hand-paint a mural of clouds above the main bar downstairs. “Are those going to be clouds?” a construction worker once asked. Her quick reply: “Well, if they aren’t already clouds, they probably never will be.” That quick wit and fearless spirit? It’s the Christie Echols signature.
But the magic of Hotel Monroe isn’t just in the walls—it’s in the people.
Christie is as passionate about building teams as she is about building structures. The staff at Hotel Monroe are known for their warmth, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality. One guest recalled being stopped in the hall by an enthusiastic employee who said, “You’ve got to try the salmon—it’s the best ever!” That sense of ownership, Christie says, comes from being part of something meaningful. “If I get too busy to love my neighbor, then I am too busy, and I will fail.”
Her philosophy of business is people-first. Yes, there are spreadsheets and budgets and deadlines. But underneath it all is a desire to uplift—to create spaces where people feel valued, seen, and connected.
To young entrepreneurs, especially women, Christie offers real talk: “You have to have grit, determination, and tolerance for failure.” She’s learned that risk is a prerequisite for growth, and failure is just part of the creative process. Her mantra: fail forward. Learn from it. Then keep building.
What’s next for Christie Echols? More, of course. More restoration, more community spaces, more beauty with a purpose. She and Michael continue to develop retail and hospitality projects across Louisiana, including in Ruston, where Christie attended college and fell in love with community-centered design. Their goal: to make Louisiana a destination—one building, one neighborhood, one story at a time.
Their personal and professional lives are woven together with respect, rhythm, and mutual support. Whether they’re gardening in the backyard or bouncing ideas around the dinner table, Christie and Michael are united by a shared mission. “Michael and I give each other room to fail,” Christie says. “We each allow the other to try new things, to mess up, and then greet each other with grace on those occasions. We don’t try to control each other’s individual identities. We’re comfortable disagreeing. Having a good partner makes a big difference.”
That grace extends beyond marriage and business. It’s a way of life for Christie. She speaks often about stewardship—of time, talent, and resources. “There’s nothing I can do that is more important than what God will do,” she says. Her plans are submitted to His. Her confidence flows from knowing her steps are ordered, even when the path seems uncertain.
From the scaffolding of a hotel lobby to the quiet pew of a church, from floor plans to faith plans, Christie Echols is creating something far more lasting than buildings. She’s creating community. Legacy. Light.
Yes, Christie makes beautiful things. But more importantly, she helps people believe they can make beautiful things, too.
Special Thanks to Michael and Christie Echols for their hospitality, friendship and support of Lola Magazine.