Michael earned a Bachelor of Architecture in 2006 from the Kansas State University College of Architecture, Planning and Design.  He worked for Waugh Thistleton Architects in London from 2006 to 2010, where he was a project manager overseeing a number of key projects from concept through construction. He served as the primary client liaison for the development of an $11 million renovation of a historic cinema, a $5.1 million mixed-use development of residential flats and offices, and the design of a new head office for Frieze Art Fair and Frieze Magazine. Michael also was responsible for the design and delivery of Acorn House and Water House, two highly publicized restaurants in the city. While based in London, he went on to study construction law at Architectural Association (AA) as part of the RIBA Part III professional studies program.

In addition to his time in Europe, Michael has worked with a number of practices within the US. Between 2004 and 2006 he was a key team member at 360 Architects, working in collaboration with Kohn Pederson Fox on the New York Sports and Convention Center (the West Side Stadium). He also worked in collaboration with HOK Sport + Venue + Event on the delivery of the Sprint Center, a new $276 million arena in downtown Kansas City.

Michael joined CR Studio in 2010 and is serving as the project architect for a 2,400ft² residential renovation on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The project will combine two existing apartments into a single unit designed to serve as both a private residence and public gathering space for fundraisers and other philanthropic events. Additionally, he is overseeing the construction of the Sands Point Residence on Long Island and the realization of a large-scale custom millwork prototype in direct collaboration with fabricators.