Michelle Schildgen is a Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer and LEED Green Associate based in Madison, Wisconsin, specializing in hospitality, residential, and commercial interior design. She partners with homeowners, developers, and brands in Madison and across the Midwest to create interiors that are thoughtfully tailored to the people who live, work, and thrive in them.
With more than 16 years of professional experience, Michelle approaches every project by first understanding her clients—who they are, what they do, and why it matters. That perspective allows her to design spaces that capture the energy, function, and atmosphere her clients are seeking.
Michelle has designed more than 100 residential projects, including new construction homes, historic renovations, and custom interiors throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. Her design style often blends Scandinavian modern, Midcentury modern, and historic architectural influences, creating spaces that feel timeless and intentional, while also adding character and artistry.
Her commercial interior design experience includes restaurants, hotels, retail spaces, childcare facilities, healthcare and wellness, community spaces, and corporate environments. She collaborates closely with architects, developers, and project teams to bring captivating designs to life. Michelle’s background in design-build construction and sustainability allows her to create interiors that are not only beautiful, but also highly functional and well-executed.
Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and later passed the NCIDQ exam, the national standard for professional interior design certification. Her work reflects a commitment to thoughtful material selection, custom detailing, and sustainable design practices, ensuring that every project reflects the client’s story, brand, and lifestyle.
For Michelle, each project is a meaningful opportunity to help clients realize their goals—whether that means creating a home that supports daily life, a hospitality space that shapes memorable experiences, or a commercial interior that strengthens a brand.
When she’s not completely immersed in design work, Michelle enjoys exploring art galleries near and far, sailing her 26-foot sailboat on Wisconsin waters, swing dancing to live music, traveling the world with her husband, and making her son, Elton, smile.