New Artist Series designs where organic artistry meets architecture
Each artist transforms their inspiration into architectural form, where art and design converge to redefine space.
Architect for Sustainability, Misha Semenov Leiva
His organic pattern designs – Polypore© and two new additions: Sundew© & Tafoni©
What's new with Misha...
ABOUT MISHA
As an architect, urban designer, environmentalist, and researcher, he believes that design can reconnect humanity with nature. In his current role, he helps transform the Yale campus into a living demonstration of decarbonization, ecological integration, and sustainability research. Previously, as Senior Architect & Sustainability Coordinator at Centerbrook, Misha helped implement the firm’s sustainability action plan and 2030 Commitment to zero-carbon buildings.
ABOUT MISHA'S PATTERNS
Misha’s patterns are drawn from his daily walks through the New England woods, where subtle encounters in nature evolve into abstract expressions of growth and vitality. His work translates these organic forms into contemporary architecture, connecting built spaces with the natural world. Through teaching, professional practice, and artistic exploration, he continues the timeless tradition of architectural expression, reimagined for today.
NEW Sundew© Pattern: Droplets catch the light and spiral upward, creating an organic, precise dance of movement, light, and unfolding beauty.
NEW Tafoni© Pattern: Shaped by water and time, porous rock forms a honeycomb of hollows and ridges, where soft voids contrast with hardened bands to reveal nature’s intricate, resilient structure.
Explore more about our Artist Series and our Parasoleil Pattern Library!
CURRENT WORK
We love seeing what our Artist Series collaborators are up to, and Misha has taken on an incredible new role. After years of studying and teaching at Yale, he’s returned as Associate University Architect for Sustainability to work with architects, planners, and builders to advance sustainable design across some of the most innovative projects in the country.
Beyond Yale, Misha continues to channel his deep connection to nature through his practice, SpiraLworks. Living at the edge of a New England forest, he draws inspiration from his adventures outdoors—whether fungi, sundew plants, or weathered stone—translating those natural wonders into architectural patterns.
ABOUT THE ARTIST SERIES PATTERNS
The Artist Series blends Parasoleil's mastery of pattern design and cutting-edge engineering with the creative visions of diverse artists. Together, we've made monumental art accessible through our innovative structural systems.
