Jenda Michl (michlja)

Design requires innovation. This mantra has served me well, leading me to work on buildings at the forefront of architecture, where any form is possible. My experiences with alternative and cutting edge design and construction methodologies are positioning me to pursue my vision of buildings sculpted by the natural forces of their exact location and microclimate, ensuring the best possible integration of building with nature. By melding design with sustainability in this way, I aim to contribute to architecture a true symbiotic relationship between design and sustainability, where both are more successful than they ever could have been alone; buildings as functional and beautiful as only nature itself could create.

I draw inspiration and knowledge from a life spent exploring nature, cultures, and architecture across the globe, and now run a studio in Los Angeles which derives beautifully innovative, inspired, and eco-friendly design solutions from a client's ideas and vision so that they can get the team and funding together to make it happen.  In addition we design and implement small scale projects using recalimed material and scrap, and are developing our own line of furniture, called Flexsit.

I have a BA in Environmental Studies as well as an M. Arch.  My project experiences include schools, university buildings, museums, homes, offices, and more. A passion for design has led to seats on final juries at USC, the Art Center College of Design, Roger Williams University, and the Boston Architectural Center, as well as publication and invitations to speak. I also serve on the design team of Opportunity Green, a green business conference held each November at UCLA.

I am excited by the community I see here, and look forward to sharing and learning about how the role of the built environment within the natural one can resemble native species within their ecosystem rather than an invasive species pillaging and permanently altering.