Design Milieu
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  • mi·lieu
  • noun
  • \mēl-yü\
  • the physical or social setting in which something
  • occurs or develops: environment
Karen Bengel, ASID
DC Metro Regional Manager,
The ReUse People of America
Since January 2004, Karen A. Bengel, ASID has been principal and owner of Design Milieu, LLC in Columbia Heights, Washington DC.


I believe that place–milieu–deeply influences the psyche. The spatial qualities of a place as defined by the architectural elements (floor, wall, ceiling, roof, door, window, and stair) combined with the material expression of those elements and of all the interior elements contained within affect our emotions and activities.

Designing these architectural and interior elements is a great responsibility because we all have relationships with them. We touch them every day and are immersed in the aesthetic: sensual characteristics, functionality and craftsmanship.

I believe that my role as a designer is to develop the relationship between people and milieu, to develop the beauty of the places in which we live our lives.

  • VITAE 
  • 1970Born in Erie, Pennsylvania
  • 1992Bachelor of Arts, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • 1999Virginia Tech Center for European Studies and Architecture,
    Riva San Vitale, Switzerland
  • 2000Master of Architecture, Virginia Polytechnic Institute
    and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
  • 2000-01Gensler, Intern Architect, Washington DC
  • 2001-03Hamilton Snowber Architects, Junior Architect, Washington DC
  • 2004Founded Design Milieu, LLC, Washington DC
  • 2005Elected Professional Member of the American Society of Interior Designers
  • 2005Acquired National Council for Interior Design Certification (NCIDQ)
  • 2011Accepted DC Metro Regional Manager position with The ReUse People.
  • Professional LIcenses
  • District of Columbia: Licensed Interior Designer
    Virginia: Certified Interior Designer
    Maryland:Certified Interior Designer