Meet Rob Michel | Architect

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rob Michel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rob, what makes you happy? Why?
Right now, working on my own home. Last year my wife and I bought our first house—a 1920s hunting cabin in Topanga—and we’re spending our weekends fixing it up and making it our own.
Designing homes for others has always been meaningful to me, but getting to do that for my own family—being able to imagine the future in a space we’re building together—is a reminder of why I love this work, and why it matters. We really enjoy those moments where the home is complementary to our needs, builds on our intentions, and restores our energy to keep pursuing the lives we set out to live.

What should our readers know about your business?
Michel Architects is a Los Angeles-based design practice dedicated to crafting modern residences that seamlessly
integrate refined aesthetics, functional living, and a deep connection to the natural environment. The
firm is defined by its thoughtful approach to residential and landscape architecture, emphasizing timeless simplicity,
material integrity, and a seamless relationship between architecture and landscape.

I’ve had the privilege of working at several outstanding architecture firms under mentors I deeply admire. Those experiences gave me opportunities to work on a wide range of projects. But the projects that have stayed with me the most aren’t the largest—they’re the ones that have been created with a purposeful yet personal intention. The homes and spaces that reflect aspirations, that support their day-to-day life, that become sanctuaries for their families.
Starting this practice was about making space for that level of intimacy in our work. It allows us to be selective, to collaborate with clients who are excited to engage in a creative process that tells a personal story. Pursuing that work each day is extremely fulfilling.

Every success I’ve had came from a risk. It never feels like the “right” time to take a leap, and every decision in a small business feels like it carries weight. But there’s a difference between gambling and trusting your experience, instincts, and values. I always make a calculation—weighing the risk and visualizing the reward creates the basis for a decision—and everything else from there is execution.
Some of the biggest risks have turned out to be the best decisions—though they didn’t feel that way in the moment. Also, the risks I may have taken early on also would not feel as weighted as if I were to take them today. That reflection alone helps us take those next steps with a clear mind.

I tend to think I’ve developed a rather thick skin, or stubborn pursuit of things I set out to complete, so I personally find it difficult to find the right situation or timing to “give up”. The mindset has taught me that really positive things can occur when patience is combined with that desire to see things through.
There are always real moments where a pivot is necessary—that moment has always come from equal parts logic and gut instinct. When things have gotten tough, I’ve trusted myself, trusted the work, and kept going. I’m grateful I did.

Anyone who’s started a business knows that balance can feel impossible. But burnout doesn’t lead to good design—or good leadership.
I’m a better architect, and a better collaborator, when I’m living a full life outside of work. I believe people who are curious, who engage with the world—through art, culture, relationships—are ultimately more capable of designing thoughtful, grounded spaces. Balance takes intention. It’s something I work at constantly.

Our firm was still young when the Palisades, Eaton, and other wildfires swept through Los Angeles. We were evacuated from our own home and office in Topanga, and close friends lost everything. The devastation was profound—and in a city already facing a housing crisis, the urgency to rebuild responsibly became impossible to ignore.
That experience gave our work new direction and purpose. We’ve expanded our focus to help families rebuild their homes, and the most important aspect in that to us is to create spaces that inspire better living with a sense of safety and future. Fire-conscious design and sustainable materials are at the forefront of our rebuilding efforts, and we’re excited to be integrating these in ways we’re really excited about.

Behind our successes so far: clear, honest communication. A strong eye for detail. Surrounding yourself with people whose work you admire—contractors, collaborators, now team members—and creating an environment where everyone feels supported.
And above all, listening. Listening to our clients, understanding their needs and anxieties, and never forgetting what a deeply emotional process building a home can be. That trust is everything. And a little hard work and perseverance always helps.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a day around our home base in Topanga: a hike at Red Rock Canyon Park, dinner and live music at Endless Color or the Canyon Bistro, and a great cocktail at Saddle Peak Lodge. Otherwise, we’re on the east side–having wine with friends at Barnsdall Art Park, seeing a movie at Los Feliz 3, having pasta dinner at Speranza, catching a band at The Lodge Room. Those are just a few of many, many favorites though, and I have new ones all the time. The best part of going out in this city is that there are always great new places to try and things to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m endlessly inspired and energized by my friends. Austin Leis, my favorite photographer in the architecture and design space. Marino Coates-Chitty, creative producer and deeply curious person. Our friends who are brilliant tradesman and even kinder people, whose residency in the US is currently being violently threatened–I’m sending love to them most right now.

Website: https://www.michelarchitects.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michel_architects/

Image Credits
Jackson Hole residence – construction.jpg – Sam Cook
Rob – portrait – Katherine Montgomery