Michele Westrick co-leads the Student Life Studio and is a leader in VMDO’s Higher Education market. She provides a wide range of project management and design expertise, while also serving on the Firmwide Management and Marketing Committees. Her primary interest lies within the broader framework of Student Life and how thoughtful designs for residence halls and dining contribute to an enriching student experience, both academically and socially.

Drawing from three decades of collaboration with Student Affairs and Residence Life professionals, Michele manages the direction of projects and ensures that the clients’ goals are realized in the final building. Ranging in scale and complexity, Michele’s project experience is deeply rooted in housing and dining master plans, new construction and renovation projects for higher education clients from across the region. She thoroughly understands the challenges, complexities and care needed to design spaces that honor the architectural character unique to every college campus. She embraces the opportunity to honor that rich history while also creating new facilities that serve the needs and expectations of today’s students. Actively engaged in professional organizations, Michele frequently shares her insight and experiences at conferences like SEAHO, ACUHO-I and SCUP.