Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Micaiah Fletcher. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Micaiah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

It is always important to shoot for the stars in creativity with any project, however there are the realistic aspects of a project such as the budget. I’m an expert at creatively finding solutions, vendors, and products to provide a stellar design for any budget, but there are costs that clients need to understand are imperative and realistic. I advised this to a client recently from the beginning many times, but if there is ever a hesitation in the beginning, this is a sign to not proceed with the job. I always want my visions to become reality, but I’ve learned that I will not take a client again unless there is a clearly detailed and spelled out list of expenses. I did provide an overall estimate, but the client did not understand what it takes to create a stellar space that was imperative for business to succeed.

Micaiah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a farmer boy from a very small town in Texas on a watermelon farm with many dreams, I remember the times I used to reconfigure my bedroom at 5 years old, playing with legos, and painting all of my furniture royal blue. I look back and see the progression and know I’m where I should be.

Graduating from high school with minimal clarity of a career ahead, a little insight from my uncles who have built their own furniture, cabinets, and homes, inspired me to pursue architecture. I began my studies at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture at the University of Houston. Many exciting, creative moments of hand drafting, model making, color theory, 3D rendering, and diagrams, combined with long nights, finger cutting, and energy drinks, I endured what I thought was the most challenging. Receiving the opportunity to work for one of the world’s largest architecture firms, HOK as an intern, and almost failing the architecture program twice, were greater challenges.

After graduation I exhaled with great relief for completing the program, and with yet again no clear direction of knowing the next move. Zooming out of the details, I assuredly knew that it was time for something bigger, and moving to a bigger, creative city felt appropriate. New York and Chicago were my top choices architecturally, but the cold temperatures did not feel to be a pleasant transition, therefore Los Angeles seemed like the perfect fit.

From 2015 -2020 I experienced life in Los Angeles. I began as a designer at Restoration Hardware, and then in 2016 I decided to take on my own projects as an entrepreneur. My most exciting opportunity was to assist in the design and create 3D renderings for Richard Lawson, and Tina Knowles Lawson, parents of Beyonce Knowles Carter. I’ve also worked with the show Restored on DIY as the art director, selecting finishes, fixtures, creative solutions, hardware, and more.

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In 2020, the pandemic led me to Palm Springs, where design standards and design history brought about the perfect place for inspiration and creativity. After moving, I realized that when I drove from Texas to California in 2015, it was my first impression of the otherworldly wind turbines, sand dunes, joshua trees, and nature that excited me, and was revealed from my subconscious. From 2020-2023 I worked remotely, with new experience in residential construction management, occasional teaching of architecture and design software, and currently now designing my own home with the anticipation to begin construction this year, 2024. Additionally, I’ve been working on a very exciting small theater project to be completed this year.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

In many categories I have been building my business since 2016 such as architectural and interior design, 3D rendering, and teaching design and design software. My greatest project for Richard Lawson and Tina Knowles Lawson definitely has boosted my opportunities and reputation, but also my teaching profile with over 50 5-Star reviews, and most importantly my overall portfolio. I recently this past year updated my portfolio, refining and polishing every project in a clear and striking manner. I believe portfolios are the most important for any design business, especially if the work speaks for itself and evokes a feeling within an individual. Due to my excitement with the projects I have designed and for design overall, people can sense the emotion within my work. I believe this is what defines my style and/or reputation.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

On a personal level, the most helpful resources that have boosted my journey are those for mental and physical. The specific tools I have now are meditation, yoga, diet, and recently medication for anxiety. This combination has really lifted me to a new state of being, allowing my creativity to flourish with less inner critic or doubt of the genius we all possess. At heart I have always been a perfectionist, and I remain to have this level of quality, but with more ease and flow. These resources or routines will of course not work for everyone, but I do believe our mental and physical health is one of the most important pieces for the success of anyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: mfdesigned.com
• Instagram: micaiahfletcherdesigns
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/micaiah-fletcher-5910a068
• Yelp: Micaiah Fletcher Designs