|
Michelle Shields
My background is fairly unconventional, and I bring
an unusual variety of skills and experiences. I hold a B.A. in
Studio Art from Smith College (which included a year at La Sorbonne
and L'ecole des Beaux Arts, Paris, France), followed by a 4-year
full time apprenticeship under Mary Otis
Stevens at Design Guild, Boston. Mary was not only internationally recognized
for her unconventional architecture, but also one of the first women architects
out of MIT, and she ran her office like a true design studio. It was an exceptional
opportunity.
I began designing houses professionally in 1986 and for seven years was the sole
designer for a local custom design/build firm. I have completed approximately
40 homes, each custom designed for a specific client's needs, site, and budget.
I was responsible for every phase of design--services
typically included site evaluation, preliminary schematic designs, pricing, working
drawings, permits and D.E.P. applications and on-site consultation. During busy
years I was working simultaneously on an average of 10-15 different homes in
some phase of design or construction in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.
I love what I do and enjoy a unique camaraderie with vendors, contractors, and
clients that comes from working together toward a shared vision.
|
