About Michelle

With over 20 years of experience working in architecture, design and construction, as an architect, Michelle specializes in the art of design. Whether it be residential and landscape projects, large scale event site planning, or community involved faith groups, she creates art out of architecture to enhance the daily lives of her clients and community. Her excellent feel for spatial qualities, keen sense for the siting of buildings, understanding the landscape and natural environment, and the use of meaningful material palettes allows for the creation of spaces that are thoughtfully planned, beautiful, poetic, and highly functional.

Michelle loves what she does and is passionate about design. Whether a large or small project, Michelle is committed to the pursuit of what her clients are striving to achieve. It is not uncommon for her to educate her clients on opportunities they had not yet dreamt of. She is able to strike the important balance of listening to client requests while making suggestions that not only enrich the beauty of a project and benefit the public, but also adhere to strict city design and code requirements.  

It is critical to the success of any project to have the knowledge and understanding to work together with our towns and cities to create the best possible project outcome. Michelle has worked first hand with the planning and building departments of Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga, San Jose, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Atherton, Redwood City, San Carlos, Santa Clara County, Pebble Beach and Monterey County. There is no municipality that is daunting, though she does prefer to stay close to her office and work with her favored Los Gatos planning and building departments. All of Michelle’s project submittals have been approved for building. With even more stringent criteria for approval, Planning Commission projects presented by Michelle to the Public, Architectural Design, or Review Boards have also passed at their 1st presentation…most recently in San Jose, Monte Sereno, and Los Gatos.

Michelle knows that relationships are key to any successful design project. From the initial design concept meeting to the last day of build, Michelle is with you every step of the way. She is decidedly hands-on and passionate about the details. In addition to providing full construction documents and aiding in construction permits, Michelle creates interior and exterior material palettes, chooses fixtures, creates clear product schedules for contractors, makes site visits to assure plans are built to specifications, and also participates in construction administration. Her deep understanding of construction is evident in her designs and makes her a sought-after architect by local builders. In addition, Michelle’s great relationship with contractors, craftsmen, and local agencies ensure you get the very best results. Her team of engineers and preferred contractors work kindly and respectfully together to make the process of creating a client’s new and exciting project a very positive experience.

Michelle’s commitment to environmentally conscious design is a lifelong pursuit, as is her ongoing education on such topics as water reclamation and sustainability. When not in the office or with her family, she can be found at groundbreaking seminars aimed at looking at different ways to design and build to reduce the global carbon footprint on our planet. So strong is her commitment in this area, early in her career, Michelle declined a job with famed architect Frank Gehry to work on the now famous organic modern estate by Ken Kellogg in Joshua Tree, California.

Michelle has a Master of Architecture degree from SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture) in Los Angeles and an undergraduate degree in Economics from UCSC. She is a member of the AIA (American Institute of Architects), the US Green Building Council, ASID American Society of Interior Designers, and the IFMA (International Facilities Management Association). She also donates her time to the Art Docents of Los Gatos, teaching art lessons in the K-8 grades, and has served on the Facilities Advisory Task Force for the Los Gatos Union School District. 

On the personal side, Michelle loves the company of her husband and daughter, all who create art and music together. Her passion for the arts has given her a special appreciation for welding, wood-working and ballroom dancing.

When working with Michelle, expect her to be enthusiastic, responsive, and a true partner throughout your project. She will undoubtedly endeavor to make the shared journey to your new project an enjoyable experience along the way.