Designer producing a wide range of work covering architecture, interior design, brand and product design. A passionate content creator for built environment brands. Enhancing user experience through the power of exceptional design.
My identity is molded by expressive, ergonomic, and regenerative design practices. I aim to engage with teams that make a positive impact today, as well as benefiting future generations. Providing support in communicating a mission or design system, while simultaneously bringing new ideas to the conversation is where I excel. Holistic representation and clarity are key, and that is what I consistently deliver.
When I am not designing, you can find me outdoors with my dog.
Ultimately, I enjoy making things!
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Full undergraduate portfolio accessible via link :
https://issuu.com/michellekleva
Check out my website :
Paul A. Castrucci Architects, New York, NY, US, Architectural Designer
As an Architectural Designer / Job Captain on this team I work on projects incorporating sustainable Passive House methodology, with some achieving Net Zero certification. Projects range from affordable housing, multi-family residential, cultural and adaptive re-use focused. I am responsible for design visualizations, detailing, drafting, modeling, and overall documentation from SD through CD, primarily in Autodesk Revit. I also assist with Construction Administration phases, as well as BIM implementation / management.
Blue Pencil Collective, White Bear Lake, MN, US, Freelance Architectural Designer
Contractor for high-end single-family residential and commercial projects, with a focus on interiors. Produced visualizations, spatial design layouts for client presentations, Autodesk Revit detailing and documentation, BIM360 Collaboration, and FF&E development from Pre-Design through Construction Documentation. Assisted with new business roadmapping for a small, fast moving, entrepreneurial culture. Crafted details for new product roadmapping and marketing strategy through carefully tailored digital tools, for internal and external modalities.
Sowinski Sullivan Architects, Sparta, NJ, US, Project Designer
Throughout my 5 years at Sowinski Sullivan I assisted with transit-oriented projects, throughout all phases, on various project typologies. These jobs have also allowed my technical skill set to grow across numerous programs and platforms (Revit, AutoCad, Lumion, Microstation, Bluebeam, and the Creative Cloud). I worked directly under Project Managers and Senior Designers to provide support in modeling, SD-CD development, FF&E, CA services, cross-disciplinary coordination, and implementation of client requests. Company leaders also relied on me for graphic driven deliverables specifically, which lead me to manage the firm’s re-branding efforts, marketing collateral, and branded company templates.
HDR, New York, NY, US, Sustainability Consultant
I earned this internship through a competition award (Innovation 2030: AIA COTE Top Ten Student Design Competition 2017-2018). During my time at HDR I collaborated with the dedicated Sustainability Team on tasks such as daylighting, shading, and radiation simulations and analysis, as well as overall support on energy modeling. In addition to the technical support I just listed, 25% of my time was spent doing Research & Development on Regenerative Design. As an experience, it was more valuable than words could describe.
Marywood University, Scranton, PA, US, BArch, Architecture
My passion for design excellence and sustainability was realized during my Bachelor of Architecture program, as my portfolio demonstrates. That passion grew, and was eventually nationally recognized for my team's submission in AIA’s COTE : Innovation 2030 Competition, during our 5th year of academia. I am a concept driven thinker, but my mind is also drawn to detail; well balanced time in academia and professional practice is what I can thank for those qualities.
2018 COTE Top Ten for Students: INNOVATION 2030 Competition, Award
Pier 55: South Philadelphia Community Center (refer to full Portfolio - Section 1.2)
The competition recognizes ten exceptional studio projects that demonstrate designs moving towards carbon-neutral operation through creative and innovative integration of design strategies such as daylighting, passive heating and cooling, materials, water, energy generation, and sustainable systems. The program challenged students to submit projects that use a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems, and technology to provide architectural solutions that protect and enhance the environment.
AIA / ALNNJ 2014 "Architects League Scholastic Achievement Award", Award
For Scholastic Excellence in Academic Architectural Design
Chicago Architecture Foundation 2012 National Design Competition, Honorable Mention
High School National Architecture Competition for the re-design of my school cafeteria.
