WantedDesign Member
Discover the unique stories and creative journeys of our WantedDesign members as they share their inspirations, design philosophies, and standout work.
Michael Ortiz
estudio pm
Designer / Co-founder
Hi there! I’m Michael, an architectural designer based in NYC and co-founder of a design studio I run with my very good friend Paula. I grew up between the lush countryside and the metro area of Puerto Rico , so plants, storytelling, and hands-on making have always been part of my world.
Design Approach and Inspiration
I like to think of my design approach as experimental and rooted in curiosity. I’m constantly shifting gears, which used to feel like a weakness until I realized how much it actually fuels my creativity. I move fluidly between structured thinking and spontaneous making, guided by an evolving shifting love for both clean Modernist lines and expressive forms. That openness is what keeps my process alive, always exploring and always questioning.
Get to know them better...
What’s the one item in your home that you can’t live without, and why?
MO: Definitely a plant. Growing up in the tropics, I need a little wild green around me at all times. A Staghorn fern, in particular, it always reminds me of my grandparents.
What’s your go-to playlist or song when you need a creative boost?
MO: Totally depends on the task and the time of day. If it’s 3am and I’m deep in drawing architectural plans, give me some dramatic Spanish ballads and I’m good for another few hours (not recommended, sleep matters!). During the day, it’s whatever song is stuck in my head that week.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
MO: Something in chemistry. I was actually planning to study Chemical Engineering before design took over my life. No regrets, I’m exactly where I want to be.
My dream
MO: To expand our practice by being part of a curated, forward-thinking community that challenges us, inspires new perspectives, and connects us with the tools and people shaping the future of design. We envision a space where we can exchange ideas, collaborate meaningfully, and grow as designers who bring cultural storytelling and material experimentation to the forefront.
