Michael grew up living in and influenced by Mid-Century Modern homes. Years later, during the Post Modern era, he studied Architecture at the UCLA Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and earned a Master of Architecture degree.

In 2007, a modernist neighbor Realtor introduced Michael to a Reston Hickory Cluster Goodman House with exceptionally sunny rear southern exposure siting that had just come on the market. He bought it immediately, has lived there ever since, and it continues to be a work in progress.

As part of the Hickory Cluster Association Board of Directors for almost 10 years, Michael led numerous cluster projects, including: developing and collaborating on Goodman House architectural standards and compliance; identifying replacement products for unique out-of-production Goodman House building elements; supporting homeowner Design Review Board applications; collaborating with adjacent property owner teams on redevelopment projects to minimize impacts; managing common area tree risk; and providing critical input to the Virginia Dept. of Historic Resources and Fairfax County “Reconnaissance Survey … “ of Reston historic modern architecture, including Hickory Cluster. Michael continues to work closely with fellow homeowners, contractors, HCA, Reston Association, Fairfax County, and others to document, maintain, and preserve surviving Goodman design intent and architectural integrity.