the heart and brains behind MM Crowley Design. With years of experience in the design and creation industry I have a passion for making all things beautiful. I bring a unique ability to conceive extraordinary designs with the expertise in the practicalities of how to actually take an idea all the way to reality. I believe in crafting spaces that are not only pretty but also mirror the personalities, interests and lives of those who live in the spaces I create.
I'm Michelle
I grew up near Seattle in Issaquah, Washington but ended up in Utah after graduation from Brigham Yonng Univesity because of a job and a guy named Matt. We've been married for over 32 adventure filled years. Matt introduced me to traveling, and we've visited over 38 countries together.
We have two daughters, Lexi and Kate. Lexi, is a Labor & Delivery Nurse and married. to Mason. She's given me two delightful grandchildren who are the light of my life. Katee works and is a skilled equestrian. She's still deciding on her path, but I'm assured it will involve her beloved horse, Toro.
My Family
From a young age, my mind always gravitated towards creation, always imagining ways to improve the spaces and things surrounding me. Growing up, my mother emphasized the importance of learning creative skills (despite my rather intense resistance.) My engineer father viewed all challenges as just opportunities to get extra creative with solutions.. He taught me a myriad of building and "fixi-it" skills. Their combined examples gave me an ability to create, along with the full arsenal of practical skills required to bring my design ideas to life..
How I Became Creative
With Kate's birth, I planned on full-time motherhood but was drawn to a new venture: creating an innovative school in Utah. Alongside a dedicated team, we founded Channing Hall, Utah's first International Baccalaureate accredited charter school. This endeavor stands as my most ambitious achievements, underscoring my deep commitment to education and the way that educaiton has the power to reshape lives, families and whole communities.
Educator
At 30, motherhood reshaped my career ambitions. An unexpected opportunity with a previous client, Buena Vista Pictures (ie, Walt Disney, Hollywood, Touchstone and Pixar Movie Studios) allowed me to create a wonderful balance between work and time with my daughter. This career move to Public Relations and Publisict also provided me with a unique opportunity to learn and master the art of event planning and "party throwing" from the very best in the business.
Public Relations Consultant
WIth a Bachelor's Degree in Design from Brigham Young University in hand, I pivoted into an Advertising & PR career instead. As a Senior Account Executive at a well known Salt Lake City boutique firm, I was fully immersed in the creative process. I loved every single day of working with a brilliant team of designers, writers, production specialists and media strategists.
Advertising Executive
Careers I've Had... So Far
Studio-5 TV Show
Though I graduated from Brigham Young University with a Design degree, I veered away from a traditional design career. Regardless, my life has been a canvas of creativity, with every home I've owned transforming under my touch. After my tenure as President of the Board of Trustees at Channing Hall, I circled back to design, taking on various interior and event projects.
Philanthropic Endeavor
I found a fulfilling side venture with Kenya Keys, a cause that deeply resonates with my belief in the transformative power of education. While I always sought a meaningful way to give back, Kenya Keys presented the perfect opportunity to support education for students who otherwise would never have that chance.
Designer at Heart
- I want to create.
- I want to do what I want to do - how I want to do it.
- I want to be surrounded by like minded people who share my passions, who inspire me with new ideas and who are loads of fun!
- I want to spend my time traveling the world, making pretty things, change lives and the world for better,,
- I wantn to rock my grand-babies in my lap while we read beautifully illustrated storybooks together.
here's what I know I want My Near Future to look Like . . .
I have a unique vision for possibilities and see what others often miss. I specialize in taking ordinary things and reimagining them into something truly special, even something show stopping.
A room, a piece of furniture - vintage things, off-the-shelf things, even discarded things . . . I thrive on the challenge of a great make-over.
Creating Through Recreating:
The best designs are highly personal. Your home, or special event should have your unique finger print on it; telling the story of who you are, where you've been, what makes you tick and makes your heart sing. In order to achieve this desirable result my design process is collaborative and collected, requiring a fair bit of time and patience.
Personalized Design:
Michelle's Approach
I don't typically take on work as a full service Interior Designer anymore.. Although I have those skills and experience, I prefer using my talents as a resource to individual and commercial clients, as well as other Interior Designers. We will create custom made furnishings, accessories and soft goods, with special installations for clients who want to invest in the very unique and very custom. I'd love to collaborate with you in designing and creating fabulousness for your best clients.
Who I Create For:
"Creativity" is simply an accumulation of learned skills, not an inherent trait. Like all talents, anyone willing to put in the time learning and practicing the skills can become a creative master.
It's extra rewarding to teach others by sharing what I know and what I do. Not everyone can or even wants to pay someone else to do things or make things for them. I hope to inspire others to pick up a drill, pull out your mom's old sewing machine, master a miter saw, paint, paint and paint some more.
But if you aren't inclined to DIY it, that's okay too. In that case, hit us up. We're more than happy to create for you.
Who Can Do It?
Still skiing, hiking, biking, wake surfing and living large!
FUN FACT - SIX
Massively ADD, it's both my super power and my kryptonite all at once.
FUN FACT - FIVE
Fully addicted to sugar, I'll choose baked goodies over candy every time.
FUN FACT - FOUR
I'm "Grandma" to two (so far) "Mom" to two & "like a Mom" to lots and lots more!
FUN FACT - THREE
I'm always listening to a book when working on a project. My favorite genres are Historical Fiction and Biographies.
FUN FACT - TWO
I'm a loud & proud hoarder! Having random odds & ends always at my fingertips is a creative necessity.
FUN FACT - ONE
Get to know the Designer Behind the Designs
Are you a brand or a business looking for a design professional to help elevate your product or service? I bring a wealth of design experience and skilled "know how" to every project, and a creative eye to all collaborations, ensuring that every partnership is beneficial and successful. Whether it's featuring your product in one of my design projects, promoting it on my blog, or any other creative collaboration, I'm excited to work with brands that align with my design philosophy. Let's collaborate and create something extraordinary together.
Let's Collaborate on Exciting Brand Deals and Partnerships
