In Profile:
Michelle Miller Design

Name: Michelle Miller & Diana LePine

Company: Michelle Miller Design

Position within company: Owner & Senior Designer

Website: www.MichelleMillerDesign.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)

Michelle: I received a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture from Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. I started my career in set design with the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, the oldest operating theatre in the US.  Following my time there I worked for IKEA headquarters, designing for their flagship store and other openings across the US.  Following my time at IKEA, I went to work as the Visual Manager for QVC, and was then recruited to Florida to work for Home Shopping Network as their Visual Director. I started our firm, Michelle Miller Design, in 2002. We were fortunate to align with some very talented high-end residential architects and builders. A few years later I took and passed my NCIDQ exam and became a licensed practicing Interior Design Professional, and alongside my husband we built a wonderful design team.

Diana: I received Architecture & Interior Design BS Degrees from Miami International University of Art & Design. I spent 8yrs as Senior Designer In Miami working in high-end residential, hospitality & retail design. Currently, I am going on 8yrs as a Senior Design with Michelle Miller Design in St. Petersburg, FL.

How would you describe your personal design style?

Michelle: Our goal as a firm is to create timeless designs whether it be a contemporary, transitional, or traditional style.  We stay clear of design elements we consider trendy and focus on quality materials and applications that are unique and contribute to longevity in classic design components.  Each project is a unique experience that must be balanced with the clients’ goals and expectations.
Diana: Tailored Eclectic

Where does your design inspiration come from?

Everyday life; a building, logo, nature, the people who surround me and our clients themselves

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

Combining form and function more seamlessly

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.

Form, Scale, Balance, Contrast and Value.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Listen to your client’s Needs first and then their wants, this will give you a better sense of where to take your design and elevate It to the next level

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

Extremely Important! This Is a perfect platform to highlight talent from all over the world. It showcases the achievements of visionaries that otherwise might have been overlooked.

What projects are you currently working on?

The majority of our projects are new construction homes or total renovations.  Most construction budgets range $5MM and above.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

To date, this residence has been my most favourite project!  Working with the owners on how to add modern elements and keep the historic value. Implementing the client’s own unique style (which I was secretly living through vicariously) while maintaining balance in the design to get the perfect end result that they will enjoy for the next decade.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

This project was quite a challenge because Everything was reworked to the original date of the home to accurate specifications under the guideline of the St Pete historic preservation committee. This client wanted the home to reflect its history so It Involved a lot of upfront historical research for plumbing fixtures, tile, millwork etc. There are a lot of manufacturers that have been around for years and still are creating the same items they were years ago.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

my computer and pantone deck.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To continue creating designs that exceed our client’s expectations.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your favourite book, film & song?

I like suspenseful thrillers, books and film that make you think. My choice of music is across the board.
Your favourite food and drink?
I do enjoy a handcrafted gourmet pizza and a spicy Moscow mule.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Lunch with friends then enjoying the area.  We pick restaurants in different parts of the city each time so we can experience different cultural elements in the food, environment, and people.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

If I wasn’t designing interiors I would be in Fashion

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? 

Your favourite holiday destination?  

Your favourite book, film & song?

Your favourite food and drink?

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

Anything else interesting?