Hello my name is Michelle Chen! I am a student at the University of Tennessee Knoxville in the College of Architecture and Design, and I am studying for my Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture.
My interest in design has led to my passion for discovering the purpose and functionality of a designed space, and how it affects human interaction and relationships. I am particularly interested in the impact of how space can shape and alter the human experience. My goal is to utilize my knowledge and experiences in order to directly shape a positive and impactful human experience through design.
CMICHELLE CHEN
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE STUDENT
E: mchen1326@gmail.com
P: 646.886.0078
SKILLS
+
TECHNICAL
Rhino
Revit
AutoCad
V-Ray
Photoshop
InDesign
Illustrator
Acrobat
Grasshopper
+ +
ANALOG
Sketching
Drafting
Model Making
Fabrication
PROFESSIONAL
EDUCATION
University of Tennessee, Knoxville | College of Architecture + Design
Bachelors of Science in Interior Architecture
Expected to Graduate Spring 2026
Current Standing: Summa Cum Laude
Vertical Studio Study Abroad | Kyoto, Japan
Undergraduate Student | Summer 2024
Completed 12 credit hours, including a 6-hour studio course on designing contemporary hospitality spaces inspired by Japanese aesthetics. Conducted fieldwork and site visits to Tokyo, Osaka, Fukui, Awaji Island, Koyasan, and Kyoto. Presented a comprehensive hospitality design project integrating historical insights, cultural research, and modern design practices.
EXPERIENCE
Bi-Star Construction | Nashville, Tennessee
Project Intern | Winter 2023 & Winter 2024
+Drafted drawings, modeled, and rendered designs using revit, illustrator, and photoshop
+Communicated with contractors and clients to deliver satisfactory design solutions
+Translated design concepts into impactful rendered images, enhancing client engagement
University of Tennessee School of Interior Architecture | Knoxville, Tennessee
Teaching Assistant | Human-Enviornment Relations Spring 2024
+Assisted Director Milagros Zingoni Phielipp to evaluate coursework and provide feeback
+Successfully aided in 80 student’s understanding of course concepts and projects
+Conducted weekly labs and corresponded with students to refine work before submission
Keriyaki Asian Cuisine | Nolensville, Tennessee
Manager | May 2020 - Present
+Coordinated daily restaurant operations and staff to maintain an efficienct workflow
+Developed and implemented monthly staff schedules, ensuring team coordination
INVOLVEMENT
Interior Architecture Collaborative | Student Chapter of IIDA + ASID
Programming Chair | Fall 2024 - Present
+Programmed and executed 15 events for over 60 IA Collaborative members
Attention to Detail
Planning Communication
Problem Solving Organization
LANGUAGES
+ English
Mandarin + Fuzhounese +
INTERESTS
+ Painting
Crafting +
Traveling + Photography +
Baking +
+Communicated and reached out to over 30 industry professionals to plan events
+Collaborated closely with 4 other officers as part of the programming branch
Asian American Association | University of Tennessee Member | Fall 2021 - Present
+Raised awareness of AAPI issues through organized meeting and outreach initiatives
+Collaborated with Asian communities on campus to lead successful cultural events
HONORS
Manfred and Fern Steinfeild Scholarship | 2024 - 2025
CIE Study Abroad Scholarship | 2023 - 2024
Arch/Des Diff Scholarship | 2022 - 2024
ASSOCIATIONS
IIDA Student Member | 2023 - Present
ASID Student Member | 2023 - Present
Tri - Alpha Member | 2023 - Present
CENTER SEATING AREA
I started the design process by breaking down the shape of a circle. These sketch iterations represent the circulation and structural formation of the space. I experimented with different circular shapes to replicate the feeling of intimacy amongst users of the space.
STUDIO: IARCH 276
INSTRUCTOR: DAVID BARRAGAN
DATE: SPRING 2024
