Born in Queens, Michael fell in love with the changing face of New York City’s architecture and design, and was determined to make his own mark on the city. Having studied the fundamentals of business and the power of purposeful design at FIT and in the family fashion production house, Michael developed a specialty in graphic design and communications. This proved a better fit for his passion for cities and the stories they tell.
He was soon able to launch his agency, REA, responding for 23 years to the shifts and trends in real estate by creating memorable branding and design, and ultimately evolving the studio’s focus towards strategic place-making. Branding, identity and place projects include Brooklyn Bridge Forest, NYC; The Exchange mixed-use development, North Carolina, and Lionsback Resort, Utah.
Michael remains fascinated by the question of what it takes to make a place that people gravitate towards. In 2024, Michael joined Rare Breed’s London-based consultancy, to bring their ethos of creative innovation Stateside, and offer clients a senior-level consultancy experience.