Michelle James

• Role: Designer
• Certifications: AIA Assoc.

When it comes to the future of sustainability, Michelle James is all in. Currently one of Labarre’s Designers, she supports our project managers in technical drawings, as well as with client and consultant communication. She is no stranger to finding solutions to nuanced and complicated problems—for the past several years, she has aided on a variety of economic research projects for the State of Louisiana and was a finalist in the Department of Energy’s Race to Zero Design Campaign in 2018. She has a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Business Administration from LSU.

Her multi-faceted approach to architectural design stems from these achievements as well as a passion for environmental activism: “Because the built environment is one of the largest users of our energy and resources, it also provides one of the greatest opportunities for positive change,” she explains. “We can influence changes toward more healthy work environments, cost-saving energy solutions, and long-term conservation of resources.”

In her spare time, Michelle can be found volunteering for her church’s youth ministry, tending to her growing collection of house plants, and watching The Office (no word on whether she’s “Team Toby” or “Team Michael,” though).