Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Norpell. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Michael G. Norpell, a landscape architect and interior designer by training, has over 20 years experience designing total living environments, from the exterior to the interior. Since creating his own design/build firm in 2000, Michael has been creating spaces that enhance the personality of his clients while being true to the original design aesthetic of the structure and creatively wedging great design into budgets of any size.
He balances big-picture perspective with attention to detail, executing a vision from the overall experience and drilling it down to the details of cabinet pulls or molding. He’s been highlighted in Chicago Social Interiors, LUXE Magazine, and NS Magazine. Michael’s recently completed pool project won the 2015 ILCA (Illinois Landscape Contractors Association) Gold Award and the 2015 Judges Award. Out of 39 submitted projects, his landscape project scored 97 out of 100 with the judges, making it the highest-scored project in the history of the ILCA awards. Houzz has recognized his outstanding client service by earning the Best of Houzz Service Award in 2016 and 2017 and Best of Design Award in 2018, 2020, and 2021. In 2022 Michael Norpell Wall To Wall was recognized by California Home Building Digest as “15 Best Residential Architects in Indian Wells” after relocating to California’s Coachella Valley market in 2021 from Chicago.
Michael has experience designing large public and corporate projects. He was part of the team that created the ASLA award-winning LG Chemical Resource Building Rooftop Garden and Courtyard in Daeduk, Korea. He was the principal architect for Grand Rapids.
Public Schools’ playground redesign to meet new ADA and safety guidelines. Along Western Michigan’s Lake Michigan shore, you can find streetscapes, waterfront parks, and a boat launch all having Michael’s touch.
In 1999 relocating to Chicago’s Northshore, Michael transformed his focus toward residential. Wall to Wall is an all-encompassing interior, landscape, and lifestyle residential design firm specializing in the rebuilding, remodeling, and landscaping of mid-century homes. Wall to Wall has projects throughout the Chicagoland area and expanded into the Southern California residential market in 2017. Michael Norpell Wall To Wall is now based in Palm Springs, California, opening a new design studio in 2020 in the Palm Springs Professional Park, which was designed by famed architect Donald Wexler.
Michael earned his B.A. in biology and art history in 1994 from Denison University, where he excelled in studio art courses while designing stage sets for the theater department. He studied interior architecture, furniture design and illustration, in addition to landscape and urban design at the Rhode Island School of Design, eventually earning his Master of Landscape Architecture in 1997.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are different levels of appreciation for midcentury architecture. The west coast celebrates midcentury more easily than other parts of the country.
We’ve been impressed with Michael Norpell Wall To Wall, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I create fully visioned homes that are reflective of my client’s lifestyle and honor the architectural style of their home. Blending these two design goals, I layer my signature style of a warm California modern aesthetic of texture upon texture with color. Materials are fresh and modern that note the unique architectural elements of the residence. I blend the interiors to the exteriors and vice-a-versa creating a cohesive space that flows seamlessly to the eye.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Search and surround yourself with like-minded colleagues that challenge you and lift you up as a designer. Align yourself with contractors and vendors that have the same level of client satisfaction that you want to deliver as well. Listen to your inner voice. The best design and instinct comes from your core.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.michaelnorpell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mnwalltowall/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelNorpellWallToWall
