Bio:
The great designer, Michele is a designer and project manager with a special interest in architecture and interiors. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Architecture from Ohio University and Master of Architecture from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She currently works for Cuyahoga Community College where she manages multiple design projects spanning from new construction and renovation to infrastructure improvements.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
Architecture was a convenient choice in college. It was appealing because of the fusion of art and science, but continues to interest me because of the exploration and greater good enhancing nature it can possess.

What do you do?
I currently facilitate architecture and construction projects from conception to completion, as projects align with the college goals and future plans. This includes creating scopes, developing schedules and budgets and guiding the complete process.

What excites you in the work you do?
The opportunity to find ways to expand the definition of architecture and use design skills in other subsets of life. Being able to use design thinking beyond a building and into social issues is refreshing.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
People and big ideas, architecture and design is a service profession. I’m inspired by the iterative process required to make something good and successful.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Every time I pass (or fail) an ARE exam, because of the lessons learned and the chance to celebrate small steps towards a bigger goal.

Featured Project Name: 
Hilton Downtown Cleveland
 
Featured Project Location: 
Cleveland, Ohio
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2016

Role in Featured Project: 
As Project Designer for Robert P. Madison, I specifically produced the interior drawings set, approved interior finish submittals, responded to RFI’s and completed construction administration services.
 
Featured Project Description:
Bringing 600 new guest rooms to the Cleveland hospitality scene, the Hilton Downtown Cleveland project, completed in 2016 and connected to the Convention Center adds 625,000 square feet of guest and meeting room space, a restaurant, 2 ballrooms, a skybar, and an extensive art collection from Cuyahoga County artist.

Photography Credit:
Properties Magazine / Tim Si