Michael C. Abrams

Biography

Michael C. Abrams, RA, NCARB, IIDA is a Puerto Rican architect and Clinical Professor at the University of Maryland-College Park. Mr. Abrams is the author of two best-selling books: The Art of City Sketching: A Field Manual—2nd ed. (Routledge, 2021) and Metaphoric Architecture: Transforming Ideas into 3D form (Routledge, 2025). He has taught architectural design studios, sketching, drafting, interior design, and history of contemporary architecture at several American colleges and universities in DC, Virginia, Maryland and Chicago. Mr. Abrams obtained his Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and a bachelor's in environmental design from the University of Puerto Rico. Michael has spent several years working in the profession in the United States, Spain, and Italy.

Research

• Architectural design
• Modern architecture and theory
• Metaphoric Architecture
• Field Sketching

Book Research: Metaphoric Architecture-Transforming Ideas Into 3D Form (Routledge)

Synopsis: The book examines the architectural design process through the study of allied fields (i.e., visual arts, music, and film) as inspiration in the formation of three-dimensional space. Through media experimentation, analysis of innovative case studies, and hands-on exercises, Abrams guides the reader through the early stages of design, which include site and precedent analysis, among other initial approaches. The book showcases numerous case studies, studio course examples, tips to guide readers, and exercises with learning outcomes. The main goal of this book is to teach readers to think like an architect. With 444 illustrations, this book demystifies the process of designing 3D form and space in a highly visual way.

Book Research: The Art of City Sketching-A Field Manual (Routledge)

Synopsis: The Art of City Sketching: A Field Manual guides readers through the process of freehand architectural sketching and explains orthographic, diagrammatic, three-dimensional, and perceptual-type drawings. The book presents hundreds of drawings of historic buildings and urban spaces, examples, and exercises, which help readers develop their drawing skills and employ sketching as an analytical tool. The book is divided into three parts, based on the reader’s skill level: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. As an architect and field sketching instructor, the author shows that through drawing the reader can discover, analyze, and comprehend the built environment.

Distinctions

• “Outstanding Teaching Award” (2024) from the School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation at University of Maryland-College Park
• “Faculty Mentor Award” (2021) from the Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars Program at University of Maryland-College Park
• In 2014, Mr. Abrams received the American Institute of Architects award for his vibrant design proposal of an Art Center in Evansville, Indiana (One Site, Infinite Solutions competition)

Education

Master of Architecture: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Bachelor in Environmental Design: University of Puerto Rico

Professional Organizations

• University of Maryland-College Park
• Catholic University of America
• NCARB
• IIDA