A luxury lakefront living room featuring expansive windows, exposed wood beams, a stone fireplace, and warm neutral finishes in a custom home in Southwest Michigan.

Design Philosophy

Our work is guided by a set of principles that prioritize clarity, livability, longevity


Form Follows Function

A home should first work, and look great second. We design spaces that should support how you live - not the other way around .


Contextual Design

Every site has a logic. We design in response to the landscape, the climate, and the desired architectural style of our clients


Design Disciple

The best projects are the result of a clear concept, rigorously executed. We don’t chase trends or compromise on fundamentals


Material Honesty

We favor materials that age well and preform honestly - wood, stone, steel and glass. No shortcuts.


Our Principal

Michael Sierra architect, principal founder Sierra Residential Design, residential architect St Joseph MI, Southwest Michigan architect, custom home architect Michigan, Lake Michigan residential design

Michael Sierra, AIA Assoc., is an accomplished Architectural Designer, in partnership with Brooks Architecture, and based in St. Joseph, Michigan.

For over 15 years, he has shaped distinguished architectural projects across California’s Silicon Valley, Santa Cruz, and Monterey regions, blending innovation with contextual elegance.

This passion has evolved into a deep commitment to the field and has pursued advanced education in sustainable design. Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of collaborating with understudies of world-renowned architects, further refining his expertise and creative vision.


Design Inspiration

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“Inspired by a lifestyle rooted in surfing and sailing, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for smaller spaces with strong character and purposeful design. I believe well-considered spaces can transform the living experience, bringing clarity, calm, and meaning to everyday life. Throughout my professional career, form, function, and design intent have remained at the forefront of my approach, shaping environments that are both refined and highly livable.”

-Michael Sierra


Professional Background

Professional beach soccer team image representing Michael’s background in leadership, high-performance coaching, architecture, and residential design. The image supports a brand narrative built on discipline, strategy, communication, and execution

A Santa Cruz Yacht Club member and professional off-shore sailor, he competitively races with internationally ranked programs. Participating in Off-Shore regattas, National Championships and tactical navigation along the coast of the Pacific Ocean and Lake Michigan.

He has also served as Head Coach in National and International professional beach soccer tournaments (Americas Cup - World Winner Cup- Italy etc.) coaching men’s/women’s teams, that are ranked within the top 15 in the world.

In April 2026, he accepted position as Asst. Coach position at St. Joseph High School boys soccer program.

Board member of MTNS2SEA
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Let’s Discuss Your Project

Whether you’re in the early planning stages or ready to begin, we’d welcome the opportunity to learn about your vision