MEET TEAM MLID
Michelle Lisac, ASID
Principal Designer/Owner
Michelle Lisac has been designing beautiful spaces for over a decade.
As the daughter of a contractor she grew up visiting jobsites and living in a home that was always in a some stage of remodel. After graduating from San Jose State University with a Bachelors degree in Business Marketing she decided to follow her heart and sought out a career in Interior Design. She worked as a designer for two boutique interior design firms in the San Francisco Bay Area before setting out on her own. Michelle’s specialty is in high-end homes and has had the privilege of working on residences for Silicon Valley CEO’s and Venture Capitalists throughout the Bay Area as well as a notable multi-home estate in Woodside.
Michelle’s commitment to detail and a passion for art and design form the foundation for her expertise. Michelle enjoys the design process and works closely with clients, contractors and vendors to bring concepts to reality from the floor plan to the finishing touches.
When not designing and running the business Michelle can be found trying to keep up with her 13 year old son.
Ariela Najman
Senior Designer
Originally from Miami, Ariela graduated from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. Seeking a new adventure post graduation, Ariela moved cross country and put down roots in Santa Cruz, CA. In her career as an Interior Designer Ariela has experience working with Architects and Designers on both commercial and residential projects over the last decade.
Outside the design studio, Ariela enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to live music and spending time with her rescue pup, Phil.
Carly Minor
Designer/Procurement Specialist
Born in Miami and raised in New Jersey, Carly traded in her east coast roots for the California lifestyle. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from the University of California, Santa Cruz and is planning to further her education by enrolling in West Valley College’s Interior Design Program. With a strong aptitude for and interest in design, and her own home remodel under her belt, Carly continues to hone her design skills here at MLID. She has a strong hand in all things related to furniture, decor and styling, and is responsible for every detail of ordering and procurement.
When she is not writing-up proposals and developing design boards, she enjoys cocktails with friends, hiking with her French Bulldog, Oliver, and searching for the next plant to add to her extensive collection.
Leigh McGilvray
Studio/ Design Assistant
Originally from Scotland, Leigh graduated with a Masters Degree in English Literature from the University of Glasgow before relocating to the sunnier climes of California. With a background in E-Design and prop styling, Leigh handles a wide variety of tasks from procuring finish samples, creating design boards and sourcing furniture.
At home Leigh is kept very busy with her two young children and Goldendoodle pup, Toby. She enjoys travel and always has a home improvement project in the works.
