Brieanna Cunningham & Nikala Cunningham

Above: Nikala Cunningham & Brieanna Cunningham

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Sisters Brieanna Cunningham and Nikala Cunningham were both born and raised in Redondo Beach. Brieanna studied architecture at Washington State University and worked for a Los Angeles architecture firm for five years before joining the family design-build company, C&C Partners, as a junior partner in 2018. Nikala experienced her first Pilates class while attending Emerson College, and that developed into her passion for wellness and self-care. In 2023 she founded Análú Studios, where she and her team teach a variety of Pilates classes.

Tell us about your work.

Brieanna: C&C Partners Design-Build was founded in 1987 by brothers Patrick Cunningham—my father—and Michael Cunningham. From the conception of inspirational images to physically building the project and handing over the keys, we assist you every step of the way! We are your custom home concierge. 

Nikala: Análú is a boutique classical Pilates and wellness studio. Our intention is simple: to provide a space for you to fully immerse yourself in an environment where you can prioritize your health and wellness.

In what ways do your businesses stand out?

Brieanna: There are numerous architecture and construction firms in the South Bay, but there aren’t many design-build firms with both licensed architects and general contractors in-house. At C&C Partners, we have a unique approach to how we structure our process and projects. 

Nikala: Análú is boutique for a reason. We wanted to create a space that allows clients to feel serene and attended to, whether they are moving during a Pilates class or connecting with their inner self during a sound bath. I’ve always loved learning about overall wellness—from natural remedies and the importance of physical and mental health. We have many aspirations of what we will offer at Análú as time goes on! 

Whom do you credit for your success?

Brieanna: A few people. My mentor Ignacio Rodriguez of IR Architects for teaching me the ins and outs of an architectural firm. My whole team at C&C—we learn from each other every single day. And my parents for raising us to be leaders. 

Nikala: The talented Leigh McLaughlin was my first Pilates mentor. She taught me how to work with clients, stressed what a blessing it is to move our bodies and enforced that instructors are students for life. I owe my business success to our parents. They always advised that when you find your passion, do something with it and create something wonderful that you can share with others and love what you do every day. 

Speak about the importance of community.

Brieanna: Although our industry is competitive, there are plenty of projects in the South Bay. We collaborate and consult with other architects and general contractors throughout each year. More than half of the projects we are fortunate to build come from referrals. Word-of-mouth within our community is our greatest reward for future projects! 

Nikala: Análú wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for our community. Clients are usually by word-of-mouth. Clients will bring friends and family, they make friends during classes and it becomes social hour! I have made many new friendships with wonderful people I never would have met otherwise—and it brings me so much joy when I see them every week. They keep me motivated. 

How are your companies leading the way with women in positions of authority?

Brieanna: While women make up a small percentage of architecture and construction roles overall, women make up more than half of C&C’s office-based staff and all of our project managers are awesome, talented, powerful women. 

Nikala: We are a women-owned company, and all of our instructors are amazing women guiding other incredible women (and men) who seek a healthy lifestyle.

How can we support other women in business?

Brieanna: Be open to collaboration, even if you share the same industry. There are ways to do it noncompetitively and have a fun, successful outcome for more exposure to your business. 

Nikala: Learn from other women in your industry. We all have our learning curves, and sharing our experiences only helps broaden our sense of purpose.

Tell us about the South Bay women who inspire you.

Brieanna: Christine Vroom with Christine Vroom Interiors. Her overall determination and precise attention to detail are so admirable. And my sister, my soulmate, Nikala—the most impressive little sister to look up to, who has taught me that a five-year age gap means absolutely nothing. 

Nikala: I’ve been fortunate to know Holly Kauffman with Perfect Family Homes for 15+ years. She was the manager of our club soccer team, and she’s an empowering businesswoman and an awesome mom. And my big sissy, Brieanna! I’d be nothing without her, and Análú would not be what it is without her. She is my guiding light in life. She is the reason I work so hard, and I hope to be half the woman that she is one day.

Photographed by Shane O’Donnell