She studied painting and art history, and worked in the applied arts and theater design in New York City. The transition to architecture established a course of work that was utilitarian, full-scale, and collective in spirit. She received a Master of Architecture from the Yale School of Architecture in 1988, earning the Sielaff Award, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts, New York City. René-Weissman is also a LEED Accredited Professional, which recognizes her understanding of sustainable building principles. She is currently a consultant to the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.