Michaela Mahady delves into the psychology of how humans experience built places, in order to identify those characteristics that make us feel welcome, protected, comforted, and happy. Mahady explores such cottage elements as the welcoming features of entryways, the sheltering features of roofs, how fine craftsmanship conveys a sense of security and tradition, and which materials and colors create comfort and warmth. Michaela Mahady, AIA, is a principal in the firm SALA Architects, Inc. Since joining the firm in 1987, she has been involved in all phases of the architectural process on a wide variety of project types in locations including Minnesota, Colorado, California, Montana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa. She has won numerous honors and awards for her architecture and glass work, which have been featured on PBS and in magazines such as Fine Homebuilding and Cottage Living. She lives in Stillwater, Minnesota.
