Michael Ryan AIA has been practicing Architecture since 1996, becoming a fully licensed architect in 2005.  A graduate of the California College of the Arts, Michael received a number of awards including “The creative achievement award” and 1^st place in the “lightest-strongest beam competition”, while earning a Bachelors Degree in Architecture. Soon after graduating, he joined the award winning architectural firm of Theodore Brown & Associates in San Francisco as an associate architect. He was initially tasked with designing luxury residential estates, but his aptitude for problem solving and creativity quickly moved him up from residential jobs to more complex commercial projects, which included the design of a twin twenty-two story high rise residential complex in downtown San Francisco. Before leaving Theodore Brown, Michael took on the task of establishing a CAD department at the firm. He then went on to collaborate with another prominent Bay Area architect: Richard Elmore. Working with Richard allowed him to practice and refine the artistic aspect of architectural design. In 2003 Michael opened his own studio. The combination of technical training and artistic design has given Michael the skills he needs to meet the requirements of his most demanding clients. As a result he has enjoyed a steady flow of projects both residential and commercial, even drawing the attention of overseas developers where he currently has several projects in Asia under development or completed. When he is not working Michael enjoys the outdoors, tennis, painting and drawing. Michael is a member of the American institute of Architects.