Giselle Newman

Giselle joined DAG Architects in 2026 as the Senior Interior Design Lead, supporting the continued growth of the firm’s interiors practice and strengthening mentorship and collaboration across each office.

Giselle brings decades of design experience, with a primary focus in healthcare, eventually starting her own firm focused on this sector. This breadth of experience allows her to bring valuable insight to healthcare projects as well as similar industries that influence design of wellness spaces, such as hospitality, office, and education. Clients consistently cite her honest approach as a key factor in sustaining long-standing professional relationships.

Originally from Tampa, Giselle holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Florida State University and a Master of Science in Interior Design from The University of North Carolina Greensboro. She is National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)-certified and holds a Florida Professional license. Building on her past research, she delivers continuing education lectures and is actively engaged in nonprofit community outreach, as well as Women in Healthcare organizations throughout the Southeast.

Jesse Kirkland

Jesse is a talented architect, project manager, planner, and designer with almost 20 years of experience. He has been involved in designing and planning a wide variety of schools and private developments. Jesse’s innovative and fresh approach includes real-time concepts, sketches, and 3D-printed models that ensure collaboration with clients. Jesse’s dedication to finding the right solution for clients is relentless and his ability to communicate design visually makes the collaborative process easy. 

Jesse holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Miami. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and certified by the National Council for Architectural Review Board (NCARB). 

Alana Taylor

With a broad project portfolio, Alana has a collaborative approach to design, working with clients, fellow designers, and consultants to bring projects to fruition with maximum impact. Her conscientious approach allows her to meet project goals and budget expectations, while developing a story and sense of identity for the project. She brings a holistic approach to design to shape exterior and interior spaces to respond to the human scale. Alana’s work ranges from higher education and innovation spaces to hospitality, office, and banking environments. Her favorite thing about architectural practice is the opportunity to learn through each new project type.

A University of Florida alumni, Alana holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Design in Architecture and Urban & Regional Planning. A Tallahassee native, Alana is active in her local community, especially through her volunteer efforts with the Knight’s Creative Communities Institute. She is a registered architect in Florida.

Michelle Riegner

Michelle joined DAG Architects in 2016 and established the firm’s Space Coast office, where she continues to lead its growth and community impact. She was named a Principal in 2024. For more than 14 years, Michelle has guided complex projects with a focus on thoughtful, client-centered management, shaping project plans around stakeholder needs to create spaces with lasting value for the communities they serve.

Michelle earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado. She is a registered architect with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and an active leader within the American Institute of Architects, serving as a State Director for AIA Florida and having held multiple board positions at both state and local chapter levels. Deeply engaged in her community, Michelle also serves on the boards of United Way of the Space Coast and Junior Achievement of the Space Coast, among other civic and professional organizations.