Hello, I'm Natalie.

I’m originally from White Lake, Michigan a suburb of Metro Detroit. Growing up I was exposed to architecture and design by my father who was an architectural draftsman for the City of Detroit. Following his retirement from the city he became an independent contractor building residential homes. This allowed me experience architecture first hand; from watching my father manually draft at the kitchen table, to exploring raw framed houses, I was fascinated with the concept of my father’s designs becoming a reality. Around the third grade I knew I wanted to be a designer; I had desire to express my ideas and wanted to influence people with design.

In high school, my love for design led me to focus on art, where an art teacher opened my mind to interior design; it was the perfect balance of art and architecture.  Knowing the right path for college selecting schools was less challenging; Central Michigan University won my heart the moment I stepped on campus.  At Central Michigan, I majored in interior design with a minor in industrial technology, utilizing my architectural influence. Throughout my four years of college it became clear I was more passionate about commercial design because the larger scale projects gave me the ability to design with purpose to help more people. I also became more attracted to the construction aspect with my hands on classes, such as electrical wiring and buildings codes; I understood architecture further but sought to learn more.

After graduation I moved to Chicago starting my first job as an AutoCAD specialist.  Shortly after being in the workforce I wanted to go back to school, it seemed as if I was missing something but I hit a bump in the road. My employer had offered a transfer from our corporate office in Chicago to a regional office in Los Angeles. Having grown up in the Midwest, I had never been to California before, however having an adventurous spirit and zest for life, I took the offer and on a leap of faith moved only a couple months later. Still having an itch to go back school I researched how I could keep my job and be a part time graduate student, the solution was at the Academy of Art University. Only months after living in Los Angles I drove to San Francisco to take a tour of the school, meet faculty, and talked to students. I discovered the online MFA program fit my lifestyle and I’m able to achieve my goals of higher education while improving my professional career.

Aside from design, I’m an avid runner and explorer of the outdoors. A loyal friend and loving family member. I have a vivacious personality, optimistic and positive attitude, striving to living a happy life. 

Info

Los Angeles, CA

npyzik@gmail.com