Michele Costa

Professional Experience

STYLE DE VIE: JUNE 2011-JUNE 2012
HEAD DESIGNER, FURNITURE
 Design custom furniture for commercial and residential clients
 Design interiors for commercial and residential clients
 Act as production liaison: verify that fabrication is in line with design details; communicate with clients on changes and fabrication progress.
 Develop graphics for marketing
 Develop line of production furnishings for in house fabrication.

STEINBERG ARCHITECTS: APRIL 2008 – FEBRUARY 2009
SENIOR DESIGNER 
 Managed and reviewed work of junior and intermediate staff
  Development of architectural proposals  
 Execution of interior and exterior designs for State, city and public school/private ventures. 

JOHNSON FAIN: SEPTEMBER 2006 – MARCH 2008
SENIOR DESIGNER
 Develop architectural projects from concept phase
 Manage and review the work of junior and intermediate staff 
 Monitor and maintain level of clarity and organization in project drawings at all phases.
 Perform preliminary governmental research to determine project viability and parameters. Attend meetings with city officials at entitlement milestones
 Develop and refine project design in plans, elevations and section.
 Select and research appropriate building and finish materials.
 Coordinate with production staff through construction documents phase, as well as landscape, civil, structural and mechanical/electrical engineers to achieve design goals.
 Review and approve material submittals during construction administration.

ROTHENBERG SAWASY ARCHITECTS: OCTOBER 2003 – SEPTEMBER 2006
PROJECT DESIGNER
 Develop architectural projects from concept phases and perform preliminary governmental research to determine project viability and parameters. 
 Coordinate with client on programmatic and aesthetic goals. Coordinate with city planners to develop project as required. Develop and refine project design in plans, elevations and section. Select and research appropriate building and finish materials. Produce color renderings in Photoshop for client consideration and marketing purposes. Coordinate with production staff through construction documents phase, as well as landscape, civil, structural and mechanical/electrical engineers to achieve design goals.
 Review and approve material submittals during construction administration. 

ROTHENBERG SAWASY ARCHITECTS: SEPTEMBER 2000 – SEPTEMBER 2003
INTERMEDIATE DESIGNER
 Develop construction documents, specifications and materials palette and refine elevations.
 Develop interior environment materials palette and lighting scheme.
 Produce and manage materials schedules, window and door schedules

MARTINEZ AMADOR ARCHITECTS: 1998 – 1999
JUNIOR DESIGNER
 Materials selection for interior and exterior applications. General production drafting through construction documents phase. Refine and catalog construction details library.

Skill Sets
 Design:  Experienced in creating commercial and residential interiors. Highly skilled space planner.  Knowledgeable in ‘American with Disabilities Act’ codes.  Multiple completed commercial and residential projects. 
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Digital: Proficient in AutoCAD, Photoshop, Microsoft Office Suites Knowledgeable in Power Point, 3-D rendering program Sketch-Up, Photoshop and InDesign.
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 Public Relations:  Skilled in public interpersonal communication.  Strong working relationships with clients, contractors, vendors, manufacturers and co-workers.
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 Project Management: Capable in managing the work of in-house and outsourced professionals to ensure project completion to specification.
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 Model Building/Presentation: Experienced in directing office staff to produce presentation models. Produce sketch models during early phases for in house design development.
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 Hand Renderings: Graphic presentations include hand rendered perspectives and photoshop rendered 3d models. 
Project Highlights
 Developed winning architectural proposal and master plan for Cal State Fullerton student facilities including the design of the dining hall and piazza. Building footprint: 348,000 sf
 As Senior Designer coordinated and designed Oakland Lofts, Oakland, CA.  Building area 370,000 sf, fourteen stories, retail area – 22,000 sf, number of residential units – 115, amenity space 1,200sf and roof garden – 11,000sf
 Developed winning proposal for Gardena High School Joint Venture including 130 workforce housing units and a community center with gardens: Total building footprint: 150,000 sf

EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS: OTIS COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN 1996