OUR MISSION
Architecture of Community
Our company name is short for “Intuitive Architecture,” stemming from our consistent belief that users of a building have intuitive perceptions of space. We can design our buildings to be more successful by understanding the true nature of how users would interpret our buildings. We utilize design strategies that encourage and respond to how occupants perceive their spatial environment, bringing added value to users, clients, and all project stakeholders. Successful architecture creates spaces of comfort, delight, enjoyment, and movement.
We believe that design must constantly be evaluated for effectiveness. Our designs are produced by determining the most important goals of a project in reference to context, economics, program, circulation, and the environment. Our clients are presented with clear strategies and options of how we can create a successful building together, by sharing applicable data, logic, and diagrams, to facilitate the design process.
PEOPLE
Michael Wacht AIA NCARB
Founder, Principal
Bachelor of Architecture – Cornell University
Master of Architecture – University of Pennsylvania
Founder of Los Angeles based Architecture firm IntuArch, Michael has been responsible for over $200 million of construction throughout New York, California, and abroad. Michael’s clients have ranged from local institutions to multinational corporations, designing each project through a strategic understanding of how community, context, and configuration create effective and resilient Architecture. IntuArch clients include charter schools, community centers, nonprofit organizations, multifamily/mixed-use developments, and residential projects.
After earning his B.Arch. at Cornell University in 2002, Michael spent six years in New York apprenticing at acclaimed residential firm B Five Studio and then rising to Project Manager for multifamily and hotel high-rise projects at SBJ Group. His notable mixed-use project experience includes 325 Fifth Avenue, be@schermerhorn, and proposed renovations to the historic Puck Building in SoHo.
Seeking further advancement in the design field, Michael earned an M.Arch. from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design in 2009. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles becoming a Studio Director for MADA s.p.a.m., frequently flying to Shanghai to manage the design of projects ranging in scale from public institutions to urban masterplans. A true mentorship, Michael acquired his focus on creating innovative and effective design strategies under firm Principal Qingyun Ma, then the Dean of the USC School of Architecture. In Los Angeles, Michael also spent several years working as a Project Architect for the local design firm JFAK, where his client experience expanded to include universities, schools, and shopping/lifestyle destinations.
Active Leadership
- Founder, San Vicente Park, 2021 – ongoing
- Board Member, ONE Institute, 2020 – ongoing
- Board Member, Destination:Pico, 2019 – ongoing
Licenses
- Licensed Architect, California C33626
- Licensed Architect, New York 037125 (inactive)
Brad Buter AIA
Project Architect
Master of Architecture – University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Bachelor of Arts – University of Colorado, Boulder
Brad has been practicing architecture since 2008, and supports projects as lead Project Architect and Construction Administrator. His interest in the field began following his graduation from the University of Colorado at Boulder, when Brad joined a residential construction company. Three years later, Brad went on to earn a Masters in Architecture from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Previously, Brad has worked as a Design Build Instructor with Design Corps, contributing to community design projects throughout the Southeastern United States. After moving to Santa Monica, Brad was employed by Pugh + Scarpa and then subsequently GPUS, during which time he has worked on a range of projects including schools, residences, urban design guidelines, community service centers, affordable housing and mixed-use projects.
Of particular note, Brad serves as the backbone of construction detailing and materials knowledge for the production of documents for both IntuArch and GPUS. He is a creative problem solver, delivering timely management and feedback for the seamless preparation of design documents.
License
- Licensed Architect, California
NEWS + ACCOLADES
September 2018
“LA’s Most Inspring Stories” in VoyageLA features IntuArch Principal Michael Wacht
August 2018
IntuArch Project for Brand Doll’s Kill opens in Fairfax Village, Read a review here
July 2017
Michael Wacht represents IntuArch at the 11th Space Syntax Symposium in Lisbon, Portugal
May 2017
Michael Wacht is an invited panel speaker at the LA Cleantech Incubator (LACI) spring cluster meeting for “The Impact on Infrastructure From the Fast Approaching Shift to Self-Driving Vehicles”
May 2017
Michael Wacht is an invited lecturer at UCLA to present “Architectural Design: Process, Trends, and Value” to students in the seminar: Real Estate Development, Construction, and Management
September 2016
Invited Poster Presenter at ANFA (Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture) Conference in September at the Salk Institute, for paper titled: “Utilizing Architectural Diagrams to Create Geometric Forms that Anticipate User Responses”
May 2016
Winner, AIA SPP Pop-Up Competition for the AIA Convention in Philadelphia for project “A Sense of Place. . . Is Context”
April 2016
Contributing Author for website Architect EM, first published article: “The Broad: Synergy of Architectural Diagram and Art”
June 2015
Invited Presenter and Organizer to LGREG (Lesbian and Gay Real Estate Group) for: “Architectural Design: Process, Trends, and Value”
January 2015
ArchDaily publishes article: “Defining a More Purposeful Architecture: A Guide to Current Architectural Trends”
January 2009
First Place Prize at the Tel-Aviv Conference on Sustainability, Housing Competition for “Above: Tel-Aviv”
June 2007
Society of American Registered Architects NY, Design Award for Excellence: 325 Fifth Avenue; 2007