MEET MICHAEL! 💡

Q. How long have you been at RTA?

A. I started at RTA in the spring of 2018.

Q. What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?

A. I have always liked artistic and creative pursuits and felt the need to constantly be making things. Architecture was a way to channel that love of creating into a rewarding career.

Q. What is your favorite part about your job or working at RTA?

A. Walking into a completed school after a years-long process of creative problem solving will never get old. What truly makes our work at RTA so rewarding is knowing that it positively impacts children’s education and their entire lives.

Q. What is a project you are currently working on, and what excites you about it? 

A. I’m excited to see construction beginning on the new Rise STEM Academy for Girls, a new building for an innovative program within Fayette County Public Schools.  The all-girls K-8 program focuses on inspiring young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through a collaborative, project-based curriculum.  I am honored to have the chance to work on the design of this groundbreaking project.

Q. Beyond your professional life, what do you like to spend your time doing? 

A. I have always had many interests and hobbies, including playing guitar and harmonica, singing and writing songs, gardening, cooking, drawing, painting, photography, woodworking, and wood carving. More recently, I have also gotten into healthy eating and fitness.

Q. What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever visited and why?

A. I did a semester of architecture school in Venice, Italy. Living there was truly like waking up in a dream world every day. One of the most beautiful public spaces in the world, Piazza San Marco, was on the way from my apartment to my studio, so I would walk through it every single day as part of my daily commute. I still think about living there often and the architecture and urban design left a lasting impact on me.

Q. When you’re in charge of the music, what playlist are you putting on?

A. While I love many different genres of music from bluegrass to punk rock, a few of my favorite artists include Bob Dylan, Iris Dement, John Prine, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Lucinda Williams, and Townes Van Zandt.

Q. What’s a personal accomplishment you’re particularly proud of outside of work?

A. I think what I’m most proud of is being a father to my two boys, Henry (8) and Walter (5).  Being a parent is the most difficult and rewarding work and I think it has helped me better understand how to do my job better by seeing school design through my experiences with my own kids.  My kids and my wife, Becca, and I enjoy all sorts of activities in our free time, like building geometric towers with Magna-tiles, playing baseball, and riding roller coasters at amusement parks.

CO-WORKERS DESCRIBE MICHAEL AS….

Considerate • Mentor • Kind • Supportive

Michael is a genuinely kind and respectful member of the team, always going out of their way to ensure everyone feels valued and heard. His considerate approach fosters a warm, collaborative environment that makes even the busiest days feel more manageable. – Faye Bahrami

I would describe Michael as a dedicated mentor and teacher, he is passionate about fostering growth and professional development in others. Through motivation and a supportive approach, he inspires individuals to reach their full capabilities, offering guidance, feedback, and valuable insights that empower others to thrive in their professional careers. Through personalized mentorship and a commitment to continuous learning, Michael helps shape confident, skilled professionals with the potential to be a successful leader, collaborator, and teammate in their careers. – Chandler Sergent