Elena Michel received her BS in Architecture from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. She went on to achieve a master's diploma in Sustainable & Energy Efficient Building from the Oxford School of Architecture, Oxford, England. Elena’s professional career began at an architecture practice in Southampton, England, in 2005.

In 2009, Elena Michel returned to America and settled in Charlotte, North Carolina. She began Second Eden Studio in February 2010, as one of the first and only sustainability consultation and green building practices in Charlotte. Her professional experiences have invited opportunities to guest speak in the media, schools, universities, and professional events. Elena's work with Second Eden Studio has produced residential and commercial projects that are independent as well as collaborations with other professionals.