Studio MacDonald Libit (SML) is an architectural practice that believes that architecture has the ability to transform our daily experience, and is most successful when that experience is engaging, sustainable, people-centered, and fun.

The firm, formerly Studio MMD, was founded in 2015 by Los Angeles-based architects, Michael MacDonald and Bryan Libit and has a depth of experience in design and implementation of residential, commercial workplace, retail, restaurant, and hotel/resort projects.

MICHAEL MACDONALD

principal

Born and raised in New York City, Michael MacDonald, brings a unique perspective to the necessary components of experience and community to various project scales, including commercial workplace, residential development, retail, restaurant, single-family house, and institutional projects. With over 20 years of experience in design and implementation, the studio is focused on bringing value to client’s projects through an attention to providing innovative solutions to meet client needs in an efficient manner.

Michael’s experience includes leadership roles with innovative architects: Clive Wilkinson Architects, Rapt Studio, Assembledge+ (Los Angeles) and Resolution: 4 Architecture (New York). Notable projects he has run include KCRW Studios, Google Venice, The Dwell Home, and Downtown L.A.’s The BLOC. Michael received his architectural education at Cornell University, and is a former adjunct professor of architecture at Woodbury University.

Michael holds architectural licenses in California, New York, and Illinois; NCARB certification; and LEED accreditation.

BRYAN LIBIT

principal

Bryan is an architect with extensive experience in business strategy and design for retail, hospitality and restaurant projects. He has over 20 years of working with companies to identify and implement pioneering retail and hospitality strategies from the prototype stage to nationwide roll-out. Bryan also brings real world practical experience from previously creating and operating a multi-unit retail and restaurant concept in Southern California. At SML he is responsible for project and design management, working closely with all members of the project team.

Prior to SML, Bryan led the architecture and environments practice at the nationwide design and brand strategy firm of Shook Kelley where he developed award winning hospitality projects for notable companies such as Harley-Davidson, Whole Foods Markets, Monkeypod Kitchen and Santa Monica Seafood. Bryan graduated from the architecture school at Cornell University and is a licensed architect in California.

Awards:

LA Great Streets Challenge Grant Award

Interior Design Best of the Year Award, KCRW Studios (with Clive Wilkinson Architects)

VMSD Magazine Retail Design of the Year Award, Harley-Davidson (with Shook Kelley)

VMSD Magazine Retail Design of the Year Award, Buehler’s (with Shook Kelley)

ReBrand Top 100 Retail Projects, Harley-Davidson (with Shook Kelley)

ReBrand Top 100 Retail Projects, Buehler’s (with Shook Kelley)

Gold Nugget Award, Stoneridge Residence (with Assembledge+)

AIGA Justified Award, Coda Automotive (with Shook Kelley)

AIGA Graphic Design Award, Monkeypod Kitchen (with Shook Kelley)

Next LA Merit Award, Palomar Medical Center (with CO Architects)

Eidlitz Travel Fellowship, Cornell University

AIA National Innovation in Housing Design Award, Modern Modular Homes (with Resolution: 4 Architecture)

Dwell Home Design Invitational, The Dwell Home (with Resolution: 4 Architecture)

Seipp Price - Second Place, Cornell University