Misty did her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Architectural Studies in 1997. She furthered her architectural education at Texas A&M University and received a Master of Architecture in 1999. Her focus in graduate school was energy efficient and sustainable design.

Her thesis project, the Benny J Simpson Memorial Visitor Center, won first place in the student division at the Northeastern Sustainable Building Association design competition. The model was featured in the May 2000 issue of Environmental Building News.

Misty has been building models for over 16 years.  She is a licensed architect of New York State and also a LEED accredited professional.