People

Merrel Judy

M. Arch '26 - University of Washington

AAS Architecture & Engineering Design ‘22 - Southern Maine Community College

BA Sociology/Anthropology with Art History ‘10 - Earlham College

Merrel’s path to design has been influenced by a wide range of experiences, from studying how groups of people think and organize themselves as an undergraduate to working in the food and beverage industry for nearly a decade. Raised in Indiana, she relocated to Portland, Maine, where she started a ceramics business and discovered a deep sense of fulfillment in design. Initially driven by a desire to integrate 3D modeling and printing into her ceramic studio, her focus shifted from tactile expression of herself through clay to an exploration of how people interact with objects and spaces, as well as the emotional and physical impact of built environments. Captivated by architectural design in the 3d modeling classes she took, Merrel relocated to Seattle in 2022 to fully embrace this field. Making her debut into professional architecture at Cone, she loves their attitude to find pragmatic solutions for urban density through inclusive practices.

When not working on architectural projects, Merrel loves exploring cities, seeking out the best cafes and restaurants.

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