Michael O’Brien works in housing of all types.  He specializes in designs that fit the character of the surroundings and the particular needs of each situation.  His design work includes single family houses, multifamily buildings, mixed-use and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.  His projects have won awards from local, national and international groups.

He has devoted much of his career to communities.  Through his work as a designer, planner and real estate developer, he has always focused on making neighborhoods and downtowns better places, while respecting their strengths and character. 

He developed a strategic process for revitalizing neglected neighborhoods that keeps the residents in control, and has shared this model at conferences across the nation.  His goal is to create neighborhoods that exceed the dreams of their residents.

He has practiced as a principal for over thirty years and has always specialized in housing and community revitalization, encompassing real estate development as well as architectural and planning services. 

He has also emphasized giving back to the community.  He has provided pro-bono assistance to communities, volunteered on advisory committees and helped create a free school for children in Liberia.  He was recognized with the Annie T. Doe Memorial Foundation Humanitarian Award in 2012.