As Director of MENA Operations at Ralph Appelbaum Associates, Michael oversees the firm’s work across the Middle East and North Africa, guiding strategy, creative direction, and client collaboration. Michael focuses on aligning design with cultural identity, national vision, and community engagement, shaping experiences that are both locally grounded and globally resonant. In his teaching, he draws on this professional practice to examine the intersections of design, culture, and storytelling, emphasizing how spatial and experiential design can serve as a catalyst for cultural expression and social impact.