To design or not design was never the question. From a young age, Michelle has been extremely aware of the environment that surrounds her. Michelle constantly thought of ways to change and better the surrounding environment. She spent many hours designing and redesigning her bedroom and dollhouse.
This interest for design has blossomed over the years into an undeniable passion. During her adolescent academic career, she excelled in art. Her artwork has been exhibited in the Museum of Tolerance (Los Angeles, California) and other various art galleries.
Michelle attended Saturday High at Art Center (Pasadena, California). Saturday High is a design program for students grades 9 through 12. Michelle studied Environmental Design. The class allowed Michelle to develop a better understanding of architecture, interior, lighting design and branding. She strengthened her conceptual thinking skills as well as drafting and model making skills.
Michelle studied at the Interior Designers Institute (Newport Beach, California). She learned about the various fields of interior design. Michelle developed a passion for commercial design, specifically retail, hospitality, institutional, and corporate design. Throughout her academic career she had been featured in the Interior Designers Institute's Hall of Fame. Upon graduation, Michelle was honored with the Elieen Gray Award for outstanding creativity.
While in school, Michelle competed in numerous design competitions and is an active member of various interior design associations. Michelle is currently on the student board as Communications Chair for nextGEN; a division of the Retail Design Institute Southern California Chapter.
Michelle is eager to learn new things and overcomes various challenges. She continued to challenge herself by landing internships at Ethan Allen and Little Diversified Architectural Consulting. Michelle's internships in the industry have increased her knowledge and understanding of interior design industry.
Design has become second nature to Michelle. It is more than specifying something that "looks good." Design involves research and an intent to create a better environment to live and work in for its users.