About
Aurélie Merle Atelier is an architectural design practice established in 2019. My focus is primarily on residential design and remodeling.
The ethos of my practice is driven by an uncompromising ambition to understand the spirit of each place, to appreciate and consider the bigger picture. Listening to my client’s needs and concerns and a commitment to communication and guidance are also central to the philosophy of my practice.
I believes in the harmony of scale, volumes and colors. The flow of elements working together and the balance of the ensemble make a space feel special. My sensitivity—to space, to color, to textures, materials, eras and to the needs of others—helps me design spaces that correspond to the energy of the life lived inside. I believe in being a partner and advocate of my clients, to materialize their vision of how they want to live.
Growing up in a small village near Le-Puy-en-Velay in southern France, a UNESCO city renowned for its historical architecture, I developed a design consciousness deeply rooted in a sense of place that expanded in my various trips throughout Europe.
Le-Puy-En-Velay, France
I earned a Master of Architecture from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Clermont-Ferrand, in Clermont-Ferrand, France in 2005. After earning my title of Architect in France, I moved to the U.S. to experience new visions in architecture. I worked on highly customized residential projects with Ralph Lerner Architect in Princeton, NJ (2005-2007) and Searl Lamaster Howe in Chicago, IL (2018-2019). My main experience was with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill in Chicago where I worked on supertall towers and high-end buildings / developments for 11 years (2007-2018).
With the opening of my own atelier of architectural design, I bring the relentless pursuit of excellence and collaborative experience I gained at SOM to private clients. From small consultations about furniture placement and paint colors to a house addition, I bring my passion for design, people and spaces to each project, creating rooms and experiences that feel authentic to the individual.