How Michele Fredericks Shapes Space with Purpose
By: Robyn Forbes / Photos Courtesy: Studio Møre Designs
When Michele Fredericks moved back to Lynchburg in 2018, she employed her architectural and design expertise on a small team in town. Just two short years later she would open her very own studio, Studio Møre Designs. As owner and principal designer, Fredericks provides residential and interior design services and consults on commercial projects. Studio Møre Designs has received a Lynchburg Best of Business Award from Lynchburg Business magazine and a Readers’ Favorites award from Central Virginia HOME magazine. After connecting with Fredericks for an in-depth conversation about her stylistic journey, her motivation for making, and her governing approach to handling clients and their concerns, I quickly understood her natural acquisition of the people’s favor.
I pulled into Fredericks’s driveway on a rainy afternoon in the spring and immediately recognized a familiar structure across the lawn—a treehouse, neat and painted a powdery blue. I had seen the treehouse on her website.
Later, I learned that the historic split-level home where Studio Møre Designs was born, continues to be one of Fredericks’s most intimate and challenging projects.
“One of my favorite design projects so far has been my own home,” she shared.
Frederick’s living room was featured on the cover of Lynchburg Living September/October 2021. Photo by Daryl Calfee
The space is open and generous, and there is so much light. It spills in from overhead by way of a modern skylight and through countless windows. I wanted to venture beyond her artsy home office and just lounge. It felt like a place to linger.
Fredericks believes anyone can have a home that feels so. It doesn’t take much.
“Natural light and well-placed windows have a huge impact, not just on the look of a space, but on your mood, your health, and overall sense of well-being,” she told me.
She credits her travels with affording her experiences which have deeply influenced her personal design approach. She has lived in Hawaii, Argentina, Tennessee.
It was time spent in Europe, however, that most poured into her palette.
She found the practicality and intention signature to the European style to be irresistibly magnetic. A self-proclaimed DIYer, Fredericks encourages those looking to revamp their space to do their research about what’s safe and effective, and to consider function as the primary element in their approach. Aesthetics are secondary.
“For me, the European influence is less about aesthetics and more about the simplicity and intention behind how people live,” she explained. “When spaces are designed with function as the priority, beauty often follows naturally. One of the key takeaways I carry with me is the deliberate use of color—or, sometimes, the intentional choice to hold back. I love bold, vibrant hues and am never afraid to use them, but placement and purpose are everything. It’s all about balance and creating impact through thoughtful design.”
For all of its globally sourced influences, Studio Møre is a deeply local voice in Lynchburg’s design scene. Honoring local architectural heritage is just as integral to Fredericks’ process as thinking outside of the box.
“To be a truly Virginia-based design studio,” Fredericks said, “I believe you have to understand the region’s unique architectural character. For example,
we build with brick because it literally comes from our soil. Many homes have basements due to the terrain, and screened porches are a must because of the bugs. Especially here in Central Virginia, quality matters. New construction has to measure up to the historic fabric of the area—think grand old homes, commercial buildings with soaring 14-foot ceilings and massive windows. That level of quality sets the bar high, and it’s a standard I truly enjoy designing toward.”
Fredericks’ website describes her work as “designing spaces where people want to be.” Doing so well starts with connecting with people and finding out what matters to them most.
“I’ve always been a people person, so getting into residential design just made sense,” she said.
“I really enjoy getting to know my clients and helping them create spaces that feel like them, the kind of place they’re actually excited to come home to.”
Consulting on commercial projects has also allowed Fredericks to be a part of shaping the city she calls home.
She’s currently contributing to two mixed-use spaces in the Lynchburg and Danville areas that will each provide much needed residential and commercial real estate.
“As a designer, you get all kinds of projects. Some are all about creativity and big ideas, and others are more focused on problem-solving and client care,” she explained. “I treat them all with the same level of attention. No matter what the project looks like, whether it is a tight budget, very specific taste, or a unique type of space, I am always aiming to make it the best it can be.”
Five years from now Fredericks wants to be doing exactly what she’s doing now: creating inviting spaces that make people’s lives better right here in Lynchburg. I asked about her dream commercial project and expected to hear about a high-rise corporate space or perhaps a new boutique hotel. Instead?
A park—of sorts.
“This might sound a little unexpected, but I would love the opportunity to design a cemetery or mausoleum,” Fredericks shared. “I’ve always been fascinated by how cemetery design is so deeply connected to the landscape. In fact, both my undergraduate and graduate theses focused on cemetery projects.
I’d love to reimagine these spaces as vibrant, peaceful environments, with walking paths and thoughtful design elements that invite the living to spend time there and connect with the surroundings in a meaningful way.”
Studio Møre Designs is accepting new clientele with a three- to six-month wait time. If you’re itching to get your hands on one of Fredericks’ designs, check out Hideaway Modern, a curated collection of small home and cabin floor plans available online. The collection was crafted alongside longtime friend of Fredericks’ and fellow designer Bryn Wears-Fitipaldi. The two attended architecture school together and Bryn now operates her own studio in California.
Lynchburg’s creative energy and artistic network has been a pillar of Fredericks’ experience in business.
With great successes behind her and more on the horizon, she thanks her hometown for being the place she gets to make it all happen.
“The truth is, I’m able to do what I love, and do it well, because of this amazing, supportive design community,” she said. “I truly couldn’t do it without them!”
