MEET THE TEAM
______

MICHELLE WORKMAN
PRINCIPAL

I have over twenty-five years as a professional Interior Designer. I've worked for many A-list celebrities in my hometown of Los Angeles, including Jennifer Lopez, whose home was published in Veranda Magazine some years ago. My work has been published extensively over the years, both Nationally and Internationally.

In addition to my body of work I have travelled the country as a Speaker at many Design Industry events, as well as created licensed collections for several prestigious manufacturers. I pursued a career in acting for many years and supported myself while doing that with many different jobs including private chef, florist, assistant, and house painter. It was while working for Kirstie Alley that she encouraged me to pursue Interior Design as a full-time career.

I have always been enamored by the work done by Sister Parrish. Her ability to transcend trends and create timeless design, whether it was charming casual elegance or Manhattan glamour, she always pulled it off flawlessly. My home is never boring, with a cat (Batman), a dog (Hank), and two pigs (Sherman and Dexter).

JESSICA RODGERS
DESIGNER / DRAFTSMAN

In my career I have been a space planner, commercial and residential designer with my Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and Associates in Early Childhood Education.

I am also currently Pursuing NCIDQ Certification. I've tapped into all types of design. Everything from holding a paintbrush and designing my own furniture, to working in a fortune 500 company, designing mom and pop pharmacies across the US and playing a hand in the commercial buildings around town.

Now, I create a space in your favorite place. Home. My favorite designer is Antonie Guadi (1852-1926). His architecture conforms to nature. It is so very different and awestruck. I hope to see more of this in our world and to be a part of that movement. I have a Varnish Roan Appaloosa named Johnny. He's the big brother to Lady, a Mini Aussie. Her full name is Merle Alice June Haggard and respected name is "Lady of the Rising Fawn."

LAURA WORKMAN
PROJECT MANAGER

I earned my bachelor's degree in International Studies in 2020, but I quickly realized that design is my true passion. I started working as Michelle's assistant in 2023 and transitioned into my current role (Project Manager) in 2024.

Coincidentally, my maiden name is Workman, but Michelle and I are not related — at least as far as we know! I would have loved to collaborate with Bunny Mellon (1910-2014). She championed the intersection of art and nature in such a beautiful, harmonious way.

My husband and I have a very spoiled dachshund-aussie mix named Suki and a sweet outdoor cat named Perseus.

MINNICH OAKLEY
MARKETING ASSOCIATE

I am graduating from Radford University with a degree in Business Marketing. I have previously worked as a marketing coordinator at a local nonprofit, where I organized elaborate fundraisers and did PR and development work to grow the company and raise support.

I have now been working for Michelle for a year and have found my niche in interior design marketing — I love being able to share unique and beautiful homes with Michelle's audience and add my own creative direction.

In my free time I love to paint portraits of animals for my family and friends! An iconic designer that I wish I could have worked with is Dorothy Draper. I love how theatrical her oversized, exaggerated pieces with bold patterns and colors are. I have two dogs, a German Shepherd named Kazer and a pitty mix named Uno.

DIANE WORKMAN
LIBRARIAN

Self-proclaimed "Organization Queen." Almost all aspects of my career dovetail back to organization. Whether as a librarian at Michelle Workman Interiors, as a COO of a small t-shirt retail chain, or as a guidance counselor for children and adults, prioritizing and planning have all been the key components of my career.

I try to live like a teenager whenever and however I can — sailing on a wind-swept lake and admiring rainbows, beautiful sunsets, and wind chimes. Also, I was born on Leap Day, so technically I am still a teenager!

I wish I could have worked with Alfredo Barbini, the famous Italian glassmaker. One of my prized possessions is, in fact, an extraordinary piece of his — a clown with exquisite detail. I have always had pets. Whether dogs or cats, there has always been a pet in our house. My current smarty pants is too perky for her 12 years of age – she is a mini poodle who barks at everyone and everything, no matter if she is happy, worried, or in need of something.