Biography

Born and raised in Pasadena, California, Michael Coon developed a love and appreciation of architecture and the areas wide ranging architectural vernaculars early on. From Early California Ranch, Spanish Colonial, Santa Barbara, Mission, Monterey, Hacienda and Italian Mediterranean to Craftsman Bungalow, all in and around the Pasadena area. Michael developed a passion for the Modernist aesthetic as well, inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, R.M. Schindler, and John Lautner.

Prior to his formal education and training in architecture, Michael worked as an apprentice in construction where he learned hands on building skills, gaining first hand knowledge of how buildings are built and developing an appreciation of craftsmanship and detail. This experience has proven invaluable in his career as an Architect.

Michael earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, School of Architecture and Environmental Design, in 1982. He was selected to participate in an overseas fellowship program attending the Royal Academy of Art and Architecture in Copenhagen, Denmark. There, he studied European Classical Architecture, Scandinavian Modernism, as well as furniture, product and lighting design. Michael traveled extensively throughout Europe, studying Italian hill towns, villages, country houses and the autonomous, indigenous architecture of these beautiful and fascinating places.

Prior to starting his own practice, Michael worked with several prestigious architectural firms where he was responsible for several award winning projects as Project Manager and Designer, including schools, performing arts, public, commercial and residential buildings. He has been a guest critic and mentor at the Southern California Institute of Architecture, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Pomona, USC School of Architecture and UCLA Graduate School of Architecture.

Michael Coon established ArchitecturalWorks in Newport Beach in 1993, specializing in custom residential design, State of California facilities buildings and tenant improvements. He was a consultant and partner with Palm Springs Design Group in 1998 and '99. In 2000, Michael founded the Office of Modern Architecture, with offices in Palm Springs and Corona Del Mar. He is a long standing member of the American Institute of Architects. Michael builds on more than 25 years of experience in the Profession. He currently practices as Michael Coon, Architect at his studio in Corona Del Mar, California.