Michele Murfin, NCIDQ
Principal Designer
As a young girl, Michele would often visit her mother at the interior design firm where she worked in Del Mar, California. Surrounded by piles of colorful samples and immersed in a vibrant, creative atmosphere, Michele discovered her passion for design. Many of the designers at the firm were graduates of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo — a connection that would shape her future.
In 1979, she traveled to the Central Coast to explore the area and instantly fell in love with its natural beauty. It marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the region. After earning her degree in interior design from Cal Poly, Michele moved to San Francisco to work at a showroom specializing in German and Italian kitchens and baths. This Europe-based firm opened her eyes to the international world of design. She gained firsthand experience at their factory in Europe and participated in the International Furniture Fair in Cologne. The exposure gave her the confidence to design luxury spaces for a diverse clientele and instilled a deep appreciation for global design aesthetics.
In 1991, Michele felt the pull of the Central Coast once again. She longed for open spaces and a small-town pace of life. Realizing she preferred visiting cities over living in them, she returned and founded Design Collaborative, quickly earning a reputation as a respected leader in her field.
Michele’s work has been featured in European Homes and Gardens Magazine, Sunset Magazine, and Food & Wine Magazine, among others. She has won awards in international design competitions, including a First Place honor from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Major brands, such as Kohler and Viking, have sought her consulting expertise. In 2007, she became licensed by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). She continues to stay at the forefront of design trends by attending global trade shows and markets. A great excuse to travel, she admits.
That first trip to Germany in 1986 sparked a lasting passion for travel, which she now uses to inspire her designs. For Michele, the most rewarding part of her work is getting to know the people and businesses she designs for, creating spaces where they can thrive. She especially enjoys space planning — perhaps a nod to her love of wooden puzzles and the challenge of finding the perfect fit.
When she’s not planning her next trip or following a new travel blog, you’ll likely find her trying out a new recipe or exploring local trails and beaches with her dog, Tess.