[ Previous | Next ]
Alumni Awards List

MICHELLE WEMPE was an excellent, dedicated and involved student in the interior architecture program. She is remembered by the faculty as a scholar who was very directed about her chosen career, who cared deeply, and who demanded and gave excellence.

During most of her education, Michelle worked in what was then the Audio-Visual Aids Collection, providing a great deal of assistance in organizing the Collection's space, equipment and materials, and in moving the Collection to a new location. In fact, some items still bear the identification labels she carefully prepared!

Michelle was very active in college and departmental affairs, serving as a Design Council officer and playing a major role in important events such as All University Open House.

After receiving the Bachelor of Interior Architecture degree in 1984, Michelle moved to Denver and was employed by Interspace, and then spent three years with Gensler. In 1988, she moved to San Francisco for an interior architectural design position with The Woods Group, but within a few short years, she was directing the entire studio. Michelle then went to Hannum Associates as Director of Operations and Project Director before founding her own firm, zumaooh, in 1998. zumaooh is an award-winning design practice that focuses on the creation of classic, contemporary living and working environments for a diverse spectrum of clients. The firm's work is regularly featured in regional and national design publications.

In addition to award-winning design work, Michelle has been recognized for her individual contributions to the profession. She has served as a juror for design award programs including those for the IIDA Mid-Atlantic, Southwest, and Southern California Chapters. She has taught professional practice at the California College of the Arts, and she has been an active member of the IIDA Northern California Chapter, which recognized her in 2005 as its first Chapter Honoree, with a scholarship established in her name.

Michelle continues to play an active role for the Department of Interior Architecture and Product Design (IAPD) and the College as a member of the Dean's Advisory Council and IAPD Advisory Board.

Updated at Michelle's request June 2010.