Michele Alfano creates tailored interiors that balance warmth and comfort with the spirit of modern living. Trained as an architect, her approach to every space brings spatial awareness, technical knowledge, and design sensibility. The “Michele Alfano look” weaves emotions of relaxation, tranquility, and rejuvenation into every project. This ambiance is associated with pampering oneself, indulging in self-care, and escaping from the stresses of everyday life. The use of earthy color palettes, clean lines, and pronounced textures tell meaningful design narratives that define Poetic Modernism®. This pioneering style-philosophy is not just about aesthetics; it’s about translating your sensory experiences and personal awe connection to nature’s elements into bespoke design solutions that resonate deeply with you. Whether it’s a residential remodel or new construction project, Michele brings her expertise and passion to create spaces that are truly transformative.
Michele Alfano’s credentials speak volumes about her dedication to excellence. Armed with a bachelor’s in applied mathematics from Union College and a master’s in architecture from the University at Buffalo, she brings a unique blend of analytical rigor and creative flair to her work. As an NCIDQ certified, WELL AP certified, Associate AIA, and professional member of ASID, NKBA, and AIA, Michele is committed to staying at the forefront of industry standards and best practices.
Michele has received plenty of attention from brands, publications, and media for her work. She was honored to participate on the judging panel for the 2022 KBDN Kitchen and Bath Design awards; She was awarded the 2021 Designhounds Influencer Award – the CHANGEMAKERS, celebrating design influencers who have the ability to create change in the industry, their own business and the lives of others; American Standard in 2021 asked Michele to create a visionary design for the Post-Covid Kitchen of the Future and her concept was featured in Real Simple magazine; She was interviewed in a three-part series by Forbes to weigh in on 2020 Forecast in Kitchen and Bath design; She was honored as KBDN Top Innovators 2018 in the Kitchen and Bath industry; She was selected for the DXV Design Panel 2017-2018 to re-imagine the modern movement; her spa bathroom design called Mid Century Hygge was featured in such publications as: The New York Times Style Magazine, Luxe, Interior Design, Elle Decor, Vanity Fair, Metropolitan Home, Metropolis, and Architectural Digest. Michele received an Honorable Mention from the 2017 BLANCO by Design contest and was an invited speaker on design panels at KBIS and Wanted Design. She has received industry honors, including the 21st Interiors Award for Best Public Space, and has appeared on BlogTalkRadio.
People and their connection to space have always been at the forefront of her work. It was her design of Iwataya Passage in Fukuoka, Japan with the firm Walker Group/CNI that cultivated her design philosophy. It was a project using multi-media, light, and the feeling of water underground. People were center stage and met with the unexpected: crossing a bridge when in reality they are walking through a tunnel. The project was recognized by Architectural Record and Interior Magazine and received an AIA Honors Award in 2000.
RELATIONSHIPS: believe our clients are at the heart of every project.
IMPROVEMENT: believe POETIC MODERNISM® is the armature for a nurtured life. Feeling good feeds confidence, fosters resilience, and fuels productivity—all leading to success in business and life.
INNOVATION: believe in living with a down-to-earth yet innovative attitude. Celebrating calming, natural materials but also takes advantage of technology to improve all aspects of your life.
WELLNESS: believe in our gut responses. Linking our senses to nature’s elements (fire, water, air, light, space) to produce tactile, visual, and visceral design which elevates your well-being.
Michele feels strongly about the importance of giving back. During the pandemic, Michele began donating her consultation fee for first time client meetings as a part of DIFFA’s “Design with Care” initiative. This is a perfect way to donate her time and qualify potential clients while giving back to DIFFA!
Since 2012 to present, she has participated as a designer, steering committee member, and Brand Ambassador for DIFFA’s Picnic by Design and Dining by Design. This charity event redefines the concept of a traditional picnic where 20 designers come together to create innovative picnic basket experiences on an urban NYC rooftop.