SŌL
sun, sunshine, sun warmth ;the sun personified
SŌL Studios was created from a dream. Created as a space to foster creativity, support innovation, and cater to the care of others. Nothing is ever stagnant and we are always growing and learning. Sōl Studios is named after light and continues to be a beacon as well as a source of illumination of minds and ideas. With love and care this space has been able to shine.
Dr. Danielle McCleave, DArch
Dr. Danielle McCleave is a talented architectural designer and artist hailing from South Florida. With a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts and minor in Italian, specializing in sculpture and painting from Belmont University, and a Doctorate in architecture from the University of Hawaii, Danielle has a diverse educational background that fuels her creative pursuits.
Throughout her career, Danielle has worked for various architectural and interior design firms, showcasing her expertise in creating stunning and functional spaces. Additionally, she has maintained her artistic practice, allowing her to infuse her designs with a unique artistic flair. Danielle's passion for teaching led her to spend time abroad as a teacher in Milan, Italy, sharing her knowledge and inspiring young students.
As an accomplished professional, Danielle has achieved significant milestones. She proudly holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to graduate with a DArch from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her thesis on housing, titled "Redesigning the Hood: Using Culturally Aware Wellness as a Tool to Inform Architectural Design," earned her the prestigious Hawaiʻi Architectural Foundation award.
Driven by her personal values and philosophy, Danielle is a strong advocate for equitable housing and design. She firmly believes that beautiful design should be accessible to all, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. Her work focuses on incorporating mental and physical wellness into architectural design, ensuring spaces that promote the well-being of their occupants.
Looking ahead, Danielle's future goals and aspirations revolve around creating beautiful and equitable designs that benefit not only the Black community but also other marginalized groups. Additionally, Danielle aims to contribute to the field through research and teaching, inspiring the next generation of architects to prioritize social and environmental responsibility in their work.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Danielle finds joy in outdoor activities such as swimming in the ocean and hiking. She also has a passion for cooking and traveling, which allows her to explore different cultures and gain inspiration for her designs.
Deeply committed to community engagement, Danielle has worked with organizations that provide safe spaces for physical and mental wellness and promote arts education in underserved areas. She firmly believes in the transformative power of art and design to create positive change and improve lives.
With her unwavering dedication to equitable design and her impressive accomplishments, Dr. Danielle McCleave is a trailblazer in the field of architecture, using her talents to make a lasting impact on the world.