Michael Samra

Michael Samra received his Bachelor of Arts in Selected Studies from Syracuse University in 1992. He majored in the History of Architecture and Art and minored in Studio Art with an emphasis on sculpture. Upon graduation, Michael was accepted to participate in Atelier Italia, an archeological mapping of Hadrian’s Villa, in Tivoli, Italy. Using a combination of modern equipment and traditional surveying techniques, buildings were measured and drawn to the accuracy of one millimeter. Upon completion of this program, he returned to Florence and worked for a local architect, enabling him to expand his professional skills while maintaining his Italian language skills.

After returning to the United States, Michael worked at Gwathmey Siegel and Associates Architects in Manhattan prior to entering Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design (GSD) in 1994. As a student, and later, T.A. for Kimo Griggs, he learned the importance of construction and how it informs the design process. While at the GSD, Michael was awarded the Synder Prize for Excellence and Innovation in Design and Technology for designing a cast glass window frame system. He received his Masters Degree in 1999 and was awarded the James Templeton Kelly Prize (honoring the best thesis) for his exploration of glass in architecture. The project, entitled Spatial Transparency, blurred the boundary between window and wall.  The investigation culminated in the construction of a full scale model that incorporated over 1,200 pounds of glass.

During his studies, Michael began working for TriPyramid Structures, a stainless steel component design and fabrication company. Michael specialized in bridging the gap between the architects’ aesthetic and the engineers’ requirements as he collaborated on the development of customized fittings for buildings such as the Experience Music Project in Seattle and the Regional Performing Arts Center in Philadelphia.

Michael began practicing as an architectural designer in 1998 as m.samra design and worked on a number of small residential projects. As his client list began to grow, he started to take on increasingly diverse projects ranging from residential renovations and commercial development to ecclesiastical masterplans. m.samra design grew into studioTROIKA in 2001. In 2008, studioTROIKA merged firms with Rob Elfer of oceanUS. Now, studioTROIKA operates as a full service practice with the resources to provide a wide range of architectural, interior, and graphic design services.