Bio:

The great architect, Michelle Rossomando, AIA, RID is a Partner with the firm and serves as President of McKinney York Architects. Her leadership combined with a tenacious attention to detail and well-honed aesthetic sensibility, make her an expert project manager. Her accolades include: AIA Austin Young Architectural Professional of the Year, ENR's 20 Under 40 construction industry leaders, and LUNA's Outstanding Professional of the Year. Outside the office, she gives her time and expertise to local non-profits.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

When I was 10, my family built a house in New Hampshire. I was amazed to watch the sketch my father did on paper turn into a retreat. After a summer program at Cornell University and an internship at an architect’s office in Boston, I was hooked.

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What do you do?

I lead design on projects as Principal for the firm’s most complex institutional projects. As President, I oversee business development and marketing as well as mentor staff in design confidence, project management, and technical expertise.

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What excites you in the work you do?

I am excited by projects that involve community engagement. Architecture is collaborative, with many ideas/hands shaping the outcome. Not only do we have a responsibility to meet the needs of our clients, but also the needs of the wider community.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

I am inspired daily to create architecture that engages, inspires, and belongs because the world is better when everyone feels connected to the people and places that surround them.

 

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

I am incredibly proud to serve as the 2nd president of the firm, taking the reins from Heather McKinney, FAIA.. I am honored to continue a legacy of design excellence and strong focus on client, employee, and community relationships.

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Featured Project Name: 

The University of Texas at Austin William C. Powers, Jr Student Activity Center Courtyard Renovation

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Featured Project Location: 

Austin, Texas

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

December 2018

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Role in Featured Project: 

Principal-In-Charge, Lead Designer

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Featured Project Description:

This renovation is a micro-reclamation of both human and ecological habitations. Years of heavy use and minimal maintenance resulted in a neglected space. Reorganized pedestrian traffic frames student areas. Outdoor rooms are raised above grade to improve drainage, soil and tree roots. The rooms are dispersed amongst native plantings, adding habitats and heightened bio-diversity. The result is a revitalized micro-climate that harmonizes students with the environment to form a sustainable whole.

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Photography Credit:

Thomas McConnell

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Featured Project Name: 

The University of Texas at Austin Briscoe Center for American History

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Featured Project Location: 

Austin, Texas

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

May 2017

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Role in Featured Project: 

Principal-In-Charge, Lead Designer

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Featured Project Description:

The Briscoe Center for American History holds one of the premier collegiate archival collections in the US but remained unnoticed on the UT campus. This renovation increases the presence of the center without disrupting the character of the existing structure. A new glass entry and circulation spine runs the length of the facility. The arrangement of classrooms, gallery, and reading room reenacts a spatial sequence mirroring the mission of the center: to introduce, engage, and explore.

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Photography Credit:

Thomas McConnell