Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California. Since then, he has logged 40 years of practice with project experience spanning the spectrum from Institutional (University), Governmental Facilities, Golf Courses (Clubhouses), Office/Retail Buildings, and Commercial to Custom Residential. Michael started D. Michael Hamner FAIA, Architects 1989. Soon after, he became the principal of a second practice, along with his architect wife, BArch, Builder|Architects, a Design/Build firm that holds a construction license in California and Hawaii. He is NCARB Certified & Licensed in California, Hawaii; and Louisiana.

In addition to practice, Michael is an Architecture Educator. He was an instructor at Woodbury University from 1987 to 1990 and then became a professor in the Department of Architecture at East Los Angeles Community College from 1992 to the present. Michael was Chair of the program from 2006 to 2021. During this time as Chair, the program averaged over 24 University transfers a year. One of the highest in the State. Michael’s work at ELAC has been recognized by the AIA, with his elevation into the College of Fellows in 2017. In 2021, he was named “Educator of the Year” by the AIA|LA.

Michael also serves the community. He served as a Commissioner with the City of Monterey Park for over 24 years on the Planning Commission and the Design Review Board. He has also participated in various committees, including the Oversight Committee, as an appointee of the CA Community Colleges Chancellor, chairing the sub-committee for the Senior Housing Facility at the Monterey Park Civic Center, and the Facilities Committee for East Los Angeles College. After spending 4 years on the University of Southern California’s Board of Governors, Michael is currently Chair of the LAUSD Bond Oversight Committee (BOC).

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