Mikale Kalis Email & Phone Number

“Everything is design. Everything!” - Paul RandI’ve been diligent and fortunate in my design career. Starting as a designer with Whole Foods Market 20 years ago, I focused mainly on branding while leading a team of 15 designers in the South Atlantic and Pacific Northwest Regions. When I moved to North Carolina with my spouse in 2009, I used that transitional moment to fulfill my desire for additional formal design education. Choosing to study architecture in graduate school allowed me to expand my design sensibilities into the 3D realm.After completing the Master of Architecture at University of North Carolina Charlotte, I began working in roles that required an understanding of branding, 2D and 3D design across digital, print and physical spaces. This allowed me to combine all aspects of my experience and design education in my day-to-day creative work.In my current role I focus on environmental/experiential graphic design, creating wayfinding, code signage and environmental graphics for a variety of space types including K–12, higher ed, sports stadiums, as well as civic spaces like community centers, parks, aquariums and botanical gardens. My responsibilities encompass planning, concept design, design development, final art preparation and construction documentation. In addition, I regularly prepare presentations and present design work to owners and architects.I enjoy the whole process, it's all design, from the left-brain thinking required to thoughtfully program spaces and develop clear construction documentation to the right-brain thinking needed to concept creatively appropriate design elements within the built environment. Being able to flow across 2D and 3D design thinking and enhance communication, understanding and experience is my sweet spot.