NEWH - Summer 2019 - 60

Q&A

MEET

Michelle
Purcell
What have you found to be most valuable about your NEWH involvement, both
personally and professionally?

The time I've spent at local NEWH events and national conferences has not only made me
a smarter, better design professional, it's also led to great relationships. I've met mentors,
colleagues and friends who have positively influenced my career. I've utilized things I've
learned as a member and chapter president with clients. It's really been instrumental in my
career advancement.

Why do you recommend people get involved with NEWH?

The hospitality industry is dynamic and deep. Getting involved is a great way to learn,
understand, and engage. From a designer's point of view, it's incredibly important to
understand both front- and back-of-house operations, which inform our design approach
and help us better understand our clients. Personally, I appreciate NEWH's scholarship
programs because I know there's a meaningful return on my time and talent investment.

President of the Arizona
chapter and Interior Designer,
RSP Architects

What is your proudest recent NEWH accomplishment?

Becoming our Arizona chapter president this January. It's a great honor and is helping me
realize personal career leadership goals. I'm able to improve listening, collaborating, and
delegating skills-all of which improve my design and project team leadership.

What are you most looking forward too?

I'm energized to grow Arizona chapter membership and to work with our board to build
awareness for the organization, especially among students. We already have some great
fundraisers established, but there's also an opportunity to expand. One I'm especially
excited about is NEWH BrandED.

What would people be interested to know about your company?

RSP just completed the new AC by Marriott Phoenix Biltmore, which is a great example of
how we partner with clients to ensure their established brands authentically reflect the
local community. We also just expanded with an office in Miami. The Miami team comes
with a strong architectural portfolio of international, hospitality, and complex mixed-use
developments. We now have more opportunities for cross-office collaboration between our
interiors and architectural teams.

Where do you find inspiration, both inside and outside the industry?

I am inspired every day at the office. The collaboration and dialogue push my thinking, help
hone my skills, and teach me new ways to approach design problems. Outside of work, I
spend time outside. Being in nature helps me maintain balance and replenishes my soul.

When you aren't working or at a NEWH event, where can we find you?

Out searching for new wall murals. I love all the street art and commissioned graffiti in
Phoenix, how accessible it is, and how thoughtful some of the artists are. The best wall
murals are layered with meaning so they can be appreciated at both the macro and micro
levels. I also enjoy trying out new restaurants, finding exotic plants for my indoor garden,
and doing Pilates. ❙❘❚
60 www.newh.org

http://www.newh.org

NEWH - Summer 2019

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