MEET TEAM MLID
Michelle Lisac, ASID
Principal Designer/Owner
Michelle has been designing beautiful spaces for almost two decades. As the daughter of a contractor she grew up visiting jobsites and living in a home that was always in some stage of remodel. She began as a designer in 2007 at an interior design firm in the Bay Area and then founded MLID in 2014.
Michelle’s specialty is in high-end homes and has had the privilege of working on residences throughout the Bay Area and beyond. She brings her business and marketing background together with a deep passion for design. A Bay Area native, she’s known for her keen eye for detail, construction knowledge, and ability to create spaces that feel balanced, harmonious, and grounded. She especially enjoys the conceptual design phase, selecting finishes and fixtures, and being on-site during construction to see projects come to life.
As Principal Designer, Michelle oversees all MLID projects and leads the design team with clarity and vision.
Outside of work, she recharges by hiking, taking ballet classes, traveling, and spending time with her teenage son.
Carly Minor
Designer/Procurement Specialist
Originally from the East Coast and now based in Santa Cruz, Carly has been a core part of the MLID team for over seven years. With a background in anthropology and a lifelong passion for design, she brings a thoughtful, client-centered approach to every project. Carly thrives in the early stages of design, where inspiration flows freely and sets the tone for what’s to come. Her strong creative vision is paired with meticulous attention to detail, deep product knowledge, and a talent for translating client needs into cohesive, livable spaces. At MLID, Carly wears many hats — from design concept development and product sourcing to vendor coordination, procurement, and styling. Outside of work, she recharges through hiking, surfing, mountain biking, and spending time with her husband and their two pets, Oliver and Kitty.
Leigh McGilvray
Designer
Originally from Lanarkshire, Scotland, Leigh has been part of the MLID team for three years. With a Masters Degree in English Literature and a background in E-Design and prop styling, she brings strong problem-solving skills, creative intuition, and a thoughtful, client-focused approach to every project.
Leigh is especially inspired by the evolving nature of design — how classic styles are reimagined to feel new again — and she loves the challenge and energy of the initial concept phase. She’s always on the lookout for fresh ideas and draws inspiration from nature, often weaving biophilic elements into her work.
At MLID, Leigh wears many hats: from concept development and finish sourcing to website management, photoshoot styling, and social media. Outside of the studio, she stays busy with her two young children and Goldendoodle, and enjoys working on her home and garden or traveling back to Scotland whenever possible.
Ellen Lopes Quitzau
Drafter/ Designer
Originally from Brazil, Ellen joined MLID with a rich and varied background in architecture, graphic design, and interior design. She brings a strong eye for form, color, and lighting, along with skills in 3D rendering, space planning, styling, and technical documentation.
Ellen enjoys the tactile process of selecting materials and combining textures, as well as creating detailed technical drawings that help tell the story of a space.
Outside the studio, she finds joy in kayak fishing with her husband, cooking, thrifting, painting, taking theater and ballet classes, and spending time with her bearded dragon. She’s also always on the lookout for great restaurants — especially those with the perfect mix of good food and lively ambiance.
