MSTMA is a New York City based design practice established in 2019 by Michael Schissel and Talene Montgomery. Together they have a wide range of design expertise—from buildings to interiors to objects —and a special interest in and knowledge of working with existing buildings, including historic preservation and adaptive reuse. The practice negotiates specific project requirements with sensitivity and restraint, and emphasizes a high level of attunement to context. Our priority is to extend the life of the existing built environment, and to create adaptable, dynamic and enduring spaces. MSTMA is a signatory of US Architects Declare, and Michael and Talene are certified in Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building by the Parsons Healthy Materials Lab.
Michael Schissel is a licensed architect in New York. Before starting the office, Michael worked as an Associate at Lewis Tsurumaki Lewis in New York, and previously trained at Antoine Predock’s office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He holds a Master of Architecture from Columbia University GSAPP, where he was awarded an Honor Award for Excellence in Design. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, with Honors, from the University of New Mexico. Michael currently teaches design studios at Barnard College and
previously taught with Marc Tsurumaki at Columbia GSAPP.
Talene Montgomery is a licensed architect in New York. Before starting the office, Talene trained at architecture offices in New York, Los Angeles and Istanbul. She holds a Master of Science in Historic Preservation and a Master of Architecture
from Columbia University GSAPP, where she was awarded a Lucille Smyser Lowenfish Memorial Prize, William Kinne Fellows Traveling Prize and Avery 6 Award. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, with Honors, from the University of California, Berkeley. Talene has taught design studios at Pratt Institute and has taught studios with Galia Solomonoff at Columbia GSAPP.