Michelle P. Suvunrungsi Stedman, Native Texan and Thai American, founded Studio Plearn, a minority- and woman-owned practice, in 2021. Plearn in Thai means Joyful, and is the foundational value of the firm’s business and design practices. Studio Plearn is dedicated to creating enriched environments that enhance the lives of people and their communities through multidisciplinary design. Michelle and her team understand systemic bias and prejudice pervasive within the built environment, and believe that the design process must be informed by the principles of Justice, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. With over twenty years’ experience working on award-winning architectural projects ranging from higher education and institutional projects to civic designs and home renovations, Michelle brings a multi-disciplinary expertise to her work. A Registered Architect with the State of Texas, she received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from The University of Texas at Austin and is an active member of the AIA, LEED AP, and NOMA. Prior to establishing Studio Plearn, she worked at prestigious firms including Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects in New Haven, CT, and Overland Partners in San Antonio, TX.