---
title: "Michelle Plotnik, Architect — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michelle-plotnik-architect-pfvwus-pf~721663246
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~721663246.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Michelle Plotnik, Architect"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/fa13527604186a43_6212-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "PO Box 2145, Murphys, California 95247, United States"
latitude: 38.1345
longitude: -120.4516
phone: "(209) 728-8471"
website: http://www.mpaia.com
rating: 0
review_count: 0
followers: 4
last_updated: 2026-09-04
---

# Michelle Plotnik, Architect

Original Houzz profile: [Michelle Plotnik, Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michelle-plotnik-architect-pfvwus-pf~721663246)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Murphys, CA
- **Serves:** Tuolumne County, Amador County, Angels Camp, Arnold, Murphys, Forest Meadows, Alpine County, Avery, Mountain Ranch, Vallecito, Altaville, Douglas Flat, Hathaway Pines, Sheep Ranch, Tamarack
- **Houzz rating:** 0.0 out of 5 (0 reviews)

## About

Full service architectural firm specializing in custom residential work for new construction and alterations in rural California with an emphasis on the Sierra.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Custom Homes
- Kitchen Design
- Sustainable Design
- Bathroom Design
- Space Planning

### Areas Served

- Tuolumne County
- Amador County
- Angels Camp
- Arnold
- Murphys
- Forest Meadows
- Alpine County
- Avery
- Mountain Ranch
- Vallecito
- Altaville
- Douglas Flat
- Hathaway Pines
- Sheep Ranch
- Tamarack

### Typical Job Cost

$250 - 80,000

Fees are based on time expended and vary by the scope and complexity of the project.  Design Consultations start at $327.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Michelle Plotnik, Architect |
| Address | PO Box 2145, Murphys, California 95247, United States |
| Phone | (209) 728-8471 |
| Website | http://www.mpaia.com |
| License Number | C21265 |
| Followers on Houzz | 4 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Michelle Plotnik, Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michelle-plotnik-architect-pfvwus-pf~721663246)
- **Website:** http://www.mpaia.com
- **Phone:** (209) 728-8471

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Green Building Professional

## Ideabooks

- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/79319806/list/wish-list) — 15 ideas
- [Entrys & Entry Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22078602/list/entrys-entry-doors) — 4 ideas
- [Islands](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/144399889/list/islands) — 1 idea
- [Jauch Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/139439604/list/jauch-residence) — 16 ideas
- [Furniture](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53440596/list/furniture) — 17 ideas
- [bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48121433/list/bathrooms) — 17 ideas
- [Backsplash Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135445396/list/backsplash-ideas) — 3 ideas
- [Sheppard Carryer](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/134579634/list/sheppard-carryer) — 10 ideas
- [Standard Specs for Baths](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135125544/list/standard-specs-for-baths) — 4 ideas
- [vanity](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/134530610/list/vanity) — 3 ideas
- [railings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54997248/list/railings) — 8 ideas
- [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51496327/list/kitchens) — 11 ideas
- [EXTERIOR DETAILS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47028903/list/exterior-details) — 4 ideas
- [countertops](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/112177133/list/countertops) — 2 ideas
- [lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6621180/list/lighting) — 2 ideas
- [shopping](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52601431/list/shopping) — 4 ideas
- [interior finishes & details](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47421199/list/interior-finishes-details) — 2 ideas
- [cabinet hardware](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45516281/list/cabinet-hardware) — 1 idea
- [exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/35129028/list/exteriors) — 12 ideas
- [Cabinet Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/86697218/list/cabinet-ideas) — 3 ideas

[See all 35 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mpaia)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Need help deciding on white vs tan windows and future exterior paint.** *(in Design Dilemma)*

My husband and I are remodeling our bathroom and need to replace a window.  However we will be replacing all of the windows in the home in the near future and want the window for the bathroom to match whatever future windows we install.  My husband wants the sandtone (which is a tanish beige) so that it blends in to the house and the natural wooded environment we live in) I think the white will be easier to match paint to and am concerned about the tan looking dingy or dated.  Also we are planning to repaint the house in the future too, so ideas for exterior paint colors that might go with white windows would be helpful too.  What is the general consensus regarding white vs tan/beige windows? (We are using Andersen 100 series fibrex windows).  Our interior trim is natural wood.  However the bathroom will be in a light gray color scheme.  I never thought the window would be the thing to hold up this remodel...thank you in advance to anyone who can help! http://www.andersenwindows.com/products/series/100-series/

A: You've identified the issues...but one more thing to think about is your interior trim against the new windows.  You mentioned that you have natural wood trim.  If you are planning to paint the trim, white is probably the way to go with the windows.  You can make white work on the outside with either paint or stain.  If you are planning on keeping your natural wood trim you might get a sample of the sandtone color and hold it up against your wood trim.  I've found the sandtone difficult to work with in the past but I loathe the look of natural trim around white vinyl or fiberglass windows.  I feel that the natural trim makes the windows look very plastic.  You could definitely make the sandtone work on the outside with either paint or stain and you can definitely re-stain but the existing underlying stain will shift the new colors slightly so you may need to play with it some.  Stained wood looks beautiful and requires more maintenance than a good paint job.  I might consider painting most of the house and keeping some accent areas of natural wood in protected areas if maintenance is a concern for you.  I that case you need to think about how the colors work with two exterior finishes and your interiors :)  
If the cost of two tone windows is prohibitive and you are willing to paint, you could consider painting the interior a color that works for each room and just pick the window color that works best with the exterior finishes.  I agree that painting the exterior would be a mistake and lead to a lifetime of increased maintenance.
You might see if you could get a quick color consultation from a local architect or designer to help you set a direction for all your future projects.  I know I'm biased but I think the money for an hour or two of professional help is always money well spent.  And you want them to come to your house and see everything in context not just in pictures.

Good luck!

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*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*