Upon graduating from High School, she was accepted to New York City Technical College. After studying for 2½ years, she received her Associates Degree in Architecture. While in college, she distinguished herself from her peers by winning an overseas apprenticeship in Germany. She was successful in learning how to speak the language fluent enough to be accepted to three (3) architectural offices, which had no connection with her school.
Upon returning to the United States, Michelle found employment in the architectural design department of a men’s retail store. She assisted in drawing plans for stores in various cities around the United States while continuing with her education and ultimately received her Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture in 1994. Ms. Michelle has worked for several architects since acquiring her degree: Roberta Washington, Kevin McCray, Herald Gibbard, and Landscape Architect Thomas Balsley.
In 1996, this striving young woman decided to test her level of competency and entered into a design competition for a Fashion Museum in Harlem, N.Y. She competed against well-established firms and architects with years of experience over her. She was astonished when her name was called from the five (5) judge panel as one of the finalist. From that moment on, she has gained the confidence in herself that told her,‘she could do this!!’
Since 1998, Ms. Michelle had a desire to run her own projects. With that desire, she has become more diverse in the industry by growing her interior design skills and talents. Her growth expanded by designing kitchens, bathrooms, home offices, and various interior spaces for The Home Depot. In addition, she has conducted evening workshops for The Home Depot on the following topics; installations, cabinet layout & construction, use of materials and color coordination. Her efforts has earned her several merit awards for her contributions to the billion-dollar organization.
Suffolk County Department of Public Works, NY, Architectural Designer/Drafter
Assigned to the Building Design & Construction Department
Prepares architectural working drawings and develops details as required for construction or renovation of public buildings. Prepares and coordinates mechanical and electrical engineering drawings accompanying architectural drawings. Assist in the checking of shop drawings. Required to comply with building codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) relevant to construction and/or renovation. Involved in space planning, office furniture layout, product specification and color coordination/selection. Collaborates with facility managers, architectural and engineering consultants, building security and outside agencies in connection with construction and renovation of these buildings. Uses Auto-CAD, CAD-Overlay and various computer programs.
Designs For You, Designs For You, NY & SC Architectural Designer:
Renders services as a Design Consultant
Develops designs according to clients request. Takes field measurements and creates architectural plans. Generates construction drawings. Makes code analysis of proposed projects. Confers with contractors on construction techniques. Recommends products and building materials. Prepares variance paperwork for township board of appeals.
Projects Include: Residential Extensions, New Construction-SC, Kitchen & Bath Renovations, MRI Medical Office, Community Church Materials Estimate & Square Footage Calculations, Dental Office, Photographer’s Studios/Offices, Shopping Mall Display Case, Jazz Museum-Missouri.
The Home Depot, Project Coordinator/Designer
Served in the Kitchen/Bath Design and Interior Decor Departments
Kitchen Designer: Worked one on one with home owners and contractors generating kitchen and bathroom layouts. Designed several commercial kitchens that required compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Created construction and millwork details. Responsible for design development sketches, product specifications, materials list and estimates. Coordinated construction scheduling from demolition through installation. Designs drawn in Kitchen Design 20/20 CAD Program.
Interior Designer: Worked with property owners and contractors on residential interiors; custom furniture, color schemes/coordination, window treatments, lighting specs, carpet type selection and square footage calculations. Designed commercial offices, home offices, restaurant spaces and various types of interior spaces. Commercial projects required compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Workshop Instructor: Generated learning workshops on the installation process, cabinet layout & construction, use of materials and color coordination. Assisted customers in specific project and product advice. Recommended solutions on plumbing problems, kitchen install problems and basic design fundamentals.
Molloy College, NY, Interior Design/Decor
Program is geared towards interior design and decor. Studies include History of Furniture, Color Rendering, Drawing, Design Concepts, Business Concepts for the Designer.
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), Bachelors, Architectural Technology
Program is geared towards all phases of Architectural Design and Construction.
New York City College of Technology, Architectural Technology
Program is geared towards all phases of Architectural Design and Construction with a practical application to working in the real world.
Fashion Museum Competition, Finalist, 2nd Place
The competition was to design a fashion museum in an existing structure.
The award was given to the individual who came up with a design that was practical, beautiful, and filled with areas of display for fashions of the previous centuries.
Bank Building Design, Winner, 1st Place
The competition was to design a bank building. The chosen winner would have the honor of the design actually used to build the bank.
German Apprenticeship, Winner, 1st Place
Awarded the opportunity to work in Germany. Decision was made by a Professor of Architecture. Decision was determined by the student's design capabilities and grades. Had to be in the top 10%.
