Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Lyles.
Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always had a passion for art and creation. Born and raised in Texas, I focused pretty heavily on arts and crafts and tried to engage in as many art competitions as I could. I enjoyed knitting, building models and kept my drawings book on me at all times. My dad was a really good artist and liked playing instruments – but just remembering how much they struggled financially, and I did not want that for myself. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the arts, but it took several years to determine that art form would be architecture.
I started my journey in architectural design in high school. At the time, the high school I attended offered college courses, one of which included a CAD Drafting class. So I studied drafting throughout high school in hopes to start paving my future.
Directly out of high school, not having any real knowledge about commercial or residential architecture, and winging it. I put myself out there as an architectural designer and met with my very first client. He wanted to expand his office space, so I sat with him and drafted a quick sketch really more so space planning what he could create. During the time I was promoting myself as a designer, I connected with a recruiter that was able to get me in front of an architectural firm that was looking to hire a receptionist. I prepped my very unimpressive resume, my drafting work (thinking that would be remotely relevant) and went to the interview. I was told shortly into the interview that I was not a good fit for the receptionist position, but there was a drafting team within the building that was looking for new junior drafters. I interviewed and was offered the job on the spot. I was overjoyed! I quickly put my design work on the back burner and focused on my new task at hand.
I went on to grow within that company pretty quickly. I primarily worked on retail spaces and restaurants. I was a junior drafter for about six months before my first promotion then moved up to job captain and eventually project manager. I was responsible for getting consultants on board, coordinating with the owner expectations of the site, and meeting deadlines. I had the opportunity to study MEP engineering and really hone into making my experience well-rounded. When I transitioned over to the MEP side of the company in 2012, that’s when I officially started Lyles Home Design (residential home design-build company).
After 10 years, I left that firm I was with and transitioned to the owner side of the commercial industry in 2017 and was responsible for the design+construction of luxury movie theatres. I was traveling frequently while still moonlighting doing work for my company. During COVID, I joined a General Contracting company working as a Project Manager for about a year.
In the interim of working both full-time and moonlighting with my company, I decided to design and build my first home. That opportunity gave me the strength and encouragement to really focus on my brand, and as of March 2021, I have been fully working for myself.
My goals now have been focusing on maintaining my client relationships and continuing to grow while working towards becoming a nationally recognized residential developer!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not really haha. My biggest professional challenge, in the beginning, was just my lack of having a college degree. There is a lot of weight associated with not having it, despite your experience, but it’s really just pushed me to work harder and still not accept anything less than what I know my worth is. I’ve also always had to deal with being the youngest of the bunch and just adjusted myself to working in a predominately white male industry, but hey – if it comes easy is it really worth it?
We’ve been impressed with Lyles Home Design, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I specialize in designing, space planning, and managing the construction for new construction and residential remodels. So any client looking to build new construction, I’m here to help from just looking at land options with them through to the final cutting of the ribbon to move in! For my clients that just want to spruce up their space or they need a little more room and want to add extra rooms, my company creates the permitting plans for our clients and works directly with your contractor to ensure your final finished product matches their vision. I pride myself most in my ability to connect with my clients from all walks of life and just in general my versatility. I am a creative thinker and have the nack to conceptualize my clients’ thoughts into tangible results.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I was born and raised here, so I love Dallas. Over there years there has been a lot of growth and revitalization, but that was the Dallas goal to be the next “big” thing. Downtown is like an art palace, but seeing more of that embraced in more of the sub-cities would be great.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@lyleshomedesign.com
- Website: www.lyleshomedesign.com
- Instagram: @lyleshomedesign
- Facebook: @lyleshd
