Early Years

It's no coincidence that both Michael and the world's first popular personal computer, the Apple II, were born in the same year. And although one of them was born in Southern California, Michael in Pasadena, and the other in Northern California, the Apple II in Silicon Valley, it didn't take long for the two to find each other and become well acquainted.

Education

Michael's interest in architecture grew from this passion for computer technology as he began exploring CAD software as early as his high school years. This interest eventually led him to USC's School of Architecture where he was an early adopter of CAD technology, much to the ire of several of his professors who where stuck on hand drafting. Look who's laughing now.

Unlike most of his classmates who spend summers interning at architectural offices, Michael worked at JPL. Yes that JPL. As in Jet Propulsion Laboratories in Pasadena, CA. At JPL, Michael utilized and improved his problem solving and technology skills along with all the other rocket scientists over there. Michael’s time at USC was enhanced by taking a minor in Business Administration. Which, whether he likes it or not, has led him to take on the added role of coordinating the accounting at Modative.

Parla Italiano?

When he wasn't helping to get people to space, Michael continued his education at USC, spending a semester overseas on the architecture school's Italian Studies Program. While in Italy, Michael studied the urban composition of some of the most famous ancient cities in the world, but also found time to embrace the culture and pick up quite a bit of Italian.

Going Pro

Post-college, Michael was heavily recruited by his then roommate, Derek Leavitt, to leave JPL and join him at David Jay Flood Architect (DJFA) in Santa Monica, CA. Derek and Michael teamed up on several projects while at DJFA, but Michael quickly found his role as technology and organizational guru within the company. Michael was a key component in several large fast-tracked projects at DJFA, such as two student apartment buildings for Loyola Marymount University, housing a combined 364 students. His ability to utilize the appropriate technology and manage the CAD team was vital to the success of these and other projects during his three-year stay at DJFA.

Solo Career

After departing DJFA, Michael pursued his own design and consulting business. So missed was Michael back at DJFA, that they later hired him as a consultant to assist them in completing the documentation drawings on a 456 bed dormitory at LMU. Aside from completing massive and complex projects on time, Michael pursued some smaller projects such as homes and multi unit apartments. These projects allowed Michael to take a more hands-on approach and even occasionally act as contractor. Michael's true understanding of how to get things built, even complex things, is a great asset to Modative.

Modative

So, as you might have guessed, Michael is not only a founder of Modative, but he is also the resident IT guy. However, since we use Macs at Modative, this frees up most of his time to pursue his other strengths as our technical expert, taking our great ideas from the computer screen to actual 2 x 4 construction or poured in place concrete, (depending on your budget of course).