Michael Rachlin, AIA, LEED AP

Founding Partner/Design Director

B. Arch

Founding Partner Michael Rachlin has been practicing architecture for more than thirty years. He is well known as a prolific designer and has been the creative force behind the majority of the firm’s public projects. As the firm’s Design Partner he is responsible for the design direction and quality of services his team provides. Michael’s experience on a wide range of project types goes beyond meeting the program requirements. His mission is a constant search for creative solutions to complex problems.

Michael has helped foster within his firm an emphasis on creative team design while providing strong inspirational conceptual leadership. Communication skills and ease in the public forum of architecture are recognizable talents that Michael has instilled in the firm’s practice. These attributes have resulted in design projects that reflect the input of the users in thoughtful and enriched design solutions.

An expert at guiding clients through the challenges of planning and designing spaces of wide-ranging scope and complexity, he has been widely praised by clients and peers alike for his ability to translate client aspirations into imaginative designs. Working closely with stakeholders to develop programs that are responsive, he is an effective leader with the ability to build group consensus around a shared vision to keep things moving forward.

Prior to founding Rachlin Partners, Michael apprenticed with The Ralph M. Parsons Company, master-planning new towns. In the 1980’s he joined Gensler Architects, designing large scale corporate interior projects. Continuing his work in the public sector, he served as a Project Architect with Daniel Dworsky, FAIA, of Cannon Design.

Michael has extensive experience in space planning and architectural and interior design of both new construction and renovation projects, and can be proudly credited with the preservation of historic landmark buildings throughout Southern California. Michael has served as chairman and member of the design jury for the Los Angeles Business Council’s Architectural Awards Program for 7 years and he was recognized by the City of Los Angeles for his unique contribution to the city’s urban fabric.

Projects

Michael has played a pivotal role in many of the firm’s projects over the past 30 years. The Los Angeles Judo and Basketball Venues for the XXIII Olympiad, the Seismic Renovation and Historic Preservation of Los Angeles City Hall and the completion of the Dena Primary Center for the Los Angeles Unified School District are just some of the examples of Michael’s quest for design excellence.

Currently Michael is working on a diversity of Southern California projects, including a 700-seat Performing Arts Center for Bonita Unified School District, a new, two-story multi-classroom complex at Beckman High School for Tustin Unified School District, and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology for the University of California Los Angeles.

Education

Michael obtained his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Arizona State University in 1974. He is licensed to practice Architecture in the District of Columbia and in 12 states, including California, Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, Georgia, Maryland, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming.

Michael is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the International Interior Design Association and a LEED Accredited Professional.

Personal

In Michael’s spare time you might find him at the gym or with his teenage daughters. Michael’s other passions are his 2003 (100th anniversary) custom Harley-Davidson and his season box seats at the Hollywood Bowl and Disney Concert Hall.