NORMA ESCANDON MICHAELS
NM Interiors Group
NCIDQ, ASID, LEED Green Associate
SAY IT LOUD - ARIZONA Exhibitor
Arizona Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by the kaleidoscope of experiences, people, and projects in my life. I have always been a very visual person and even my dreams are very vivid. It is so exciting to wake up in the morning with a fresh solution to a design challenge.
NORMA ESCANDON MICHAELS
Bio:
LEGACY - Norma Escandon Michaels is president of NM Interiors Group, an award winning interior design firm in Phoenix, Arizona. The first Mexican American Woman in Arizona to be certified NCIDQ, Norma is also a Registered Interior Designer in the State of Texas. She has extensive local and national public and private sector project experience. Norma graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Design from Arizona State University’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
As a child, I dreamed of building houses. I built them out of castoff cardboard boxes from my grandparents’ grocery store. In fourth grade, to demonstrate “what you want to do when you grow up,” I built a cardboard city. My dream came true.
What do you do?
As president of a small, nearly 20-year-old commercial interior design firm in Phoenix, Arizona, I work closely with clients and associated professionals to achieve highly functional, attractive interiors with emphasis on sustainability.
What excites you in the work you do?
My work lets me contribute directly to the well-being of many communities. I’ve collaborated with Hispanic architects on a multi-generational community center for a Native American community and a Naval child development center.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by the kaleidoscope of experiences, people, and projects in my life. I have always been a very visual person and even my dreams are very vivid. It is so exciting to wake up in the morning with a fresh solution to a design challenge.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
The establishment and success of my own interior design firm. It gives me the opportunity to provide interior design services that often exceed client expectations. Plus, I get to mentor and support outstanding, next generation interior designers.
Featured Project Name:
Town of Queen Creek Utilities Administration Building
Featured Project Location:
19715 South 220th Street, Town of Queen Creek, Arizona
Featured Project Completion Date:
January 2021
Role in Featured Project:
Lead Interior Designer
Featured Project Description:
This project addressed the interior needs of a Utilities Division for a fast-growing suburban community. The new, 13,000 sq. ft. structure contains 12 ground floor workstations in an open office configuration, two conference rooms, a reception and lobby area, dedicated support spaces (IT, Copy/Mail, Unisex RR, etc.) and four offices on the first floor. A loft-style second floor holds six offices.
