ABOUT US

Michael Wacht AIA LEED NCARB

Founder, Principal

Michael founded IntuArch in 2014, after over a decade of project management experience.  Michael is responsible for over $200 million of construction throughout New York, Los Angeles, and abroad. His designs have been recognized internationally, and his clients have ranged from local institutions to multinational corporations.

Prior to relocating to Los Angeles in 2009, Michael spent several years in New York apprenticing at acclaimed B Five Studio and rising to Project Manager at Stephen B. Jacobs Group. His notable mixed-use project experience includes 325 Fifth Avenue, be@schermerhorn, and Design Development documentation for proposed renovations to the historic Puck Building in SoHo.

Seeking further advancement in the design field, Michael obtained a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design. 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 for firm Principal Qingyun Ma, then the Dean of the University of Southern California School of Architecture. In Los Angeles, Michael also spent several years working as a Project Architect for the local design firm JFAK, where his experience expanded to include clients such as: UC Santa Barbara, Occidental College, The Taubman Company, Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative, ALTA Charter Schools, and Icon Venue Group (AEG).

Active Leadership

• Board Member, ONE Archives Foundation, 2020 – ongoing
• Board Member, Destination:Pico, 2019 – ongoing
• Committee Member, P.I.C.O. Neighborhood Council Land Use Committee, 2020 – ongoing

Education

• Bachelor of Architecture, 2002, Cornell University
• Master of Architecture, 2009, University of Pennsylvania

Licenses

• Licensed Architect, California C33626
• Licensed Architect, New York 037125

Gwynne Pugh FAIA ASCE LEED-AP

Advising Principal

Gwynne is a licensed architect and engineer and has been practicing architecture, planning, civil, structural and design engineering since 1971. Gwynne Pugh led Pugh + Scarpa Architects for 22 years where he was responsible for the design, urban design, design review, technical and production management and general project administration of all of the firm’s projects.

During his time as Principal, the firm received over 20 national and international awards, including the AIA National Architecture Firm of the Year Award in 2010, and the 2003, 2006, and 2011 AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Project Award, and over 50 state and local awards including the AIA California Council Firm of the Year Award in 2010.

Gwynne Pugh Urban Studio was launched in 2010 and has a robust slate of projects in current production, including hotels and affordable housing in Santa Monica and its environs, tenant improvements and adaptive reuse of existing structures, and experience with alternative delivery methods, such as prefabrication and modular construction.

Education

• Master of Architecture – University of California Los Angeles
• Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering – Leeds University, UK

Licenses

• Professional Engineer, California C33452
• Licensed Architect, California C14937

Memberships

• Santa Monica Planning Commission, Former Chair
• Fellow, American Institute of Architects (FAIA)
• Structural Engineers Assoc. of CA Applied Technology Council
• American Society of Civil Engineers
• Inducted to the Interior Design Hall of Fame

Brad Buter AIA

Project Architect

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.

Education

• Master of Architecture, University of North Carolina, Charlotte
• Bachelor of Arts, University of Colorado, Boulder

License

• Licensed Architect, California