About Us

Our Approach

We focus on you and your goals.

With a commitment to quality and professionalism, we prioritize you and your vision while making the design process as easy-going and enjoyable as possible.

In short: We'll have fun working together and you’ll cherish the results of our design and construction process for years to come.

Our Design Process

  • There will be an initial introduction session to meet with each other and discuss the specifics of your project. This is where you will get the chance to spill the beans on what you would like to achieve (ie: the spaces you would like add/alter, the look you want to see, the materials you love, etc). We will walkthrough the subject location to visualize and discuss potential options that may work for you. We will also discuss general expectations like project scope, schedule and budget. ​

    When we move forward on the project together, this meeting will be followed up with a general summary of the understanding of your project, anticipated deliverables, timeframes for completion and necessary agreements to proceed.

  • Floor Plans, Elevations and/or 3D massing models will be generated for your review. The intent of these drawings is to define all previous project goals in a visual representation. During this time you may be presented with multiple options that may work for you and can be used to help you envision exactly what you want. We will work together to fine-tune and make any revisions needed to pinpoint your vision. ​

    Along with the drawings, you may have chosen to have assistance with initial discussions for an assumed project cost, expected City/Town review processes/approvals and projected construction timeframe/duration.

  • After the Design Concept Phase and a clear path forward is determined, we will help you secure any required building permits via Permit Drawings and Applications. We will also outline any additional requirements that may be needed for your project that are above and beyond architectural scope (ie property surveys, geotech investigations, electrical/plumbing permits). ​

    Typically, most City/Town Permit Drawing requirements do not contain as much detailed information as a full Construction Drawing package does, and can often be performed first to make sure your building permit is secured as efficiently as possible before your project moves forward. Depending on your project type and scale, detailed Construction Drawings can either be lumped into the Permit Drawing Set or performed as a separate service.

  • If you so choose to have guidance and assistance before and during the construction of your project, we offer the ability to secure a general contractor, review bids, review potential alternate/equivalent materials and conduct construction progress visits to make sure your project stays on track.

MAB is wonderful at listening to potential buyers’ needs and providing them with renderings or drawings to help bring their vision of what a home could be to life. For example, I had clients interested in a condo on the East End of Portland that had the potential for tremendous views that were blocked by a wall and no access to outside space. Mike was able to draw up plans to show them how they could add french doors and a third floor deck to create more living space in an otherwise unused hallway, capture those views, and create some outdoor living space as well. I’d highly recommend bringing gaf.Architecture in early in the process to help your buyers envision what a new space could be.
— Kate Kerkam, Portside Real Estate

Michael Bruno, AIA (MAB)

Maine Licensed Architect, Owner

Educated and Trained in New York City, MAB has brought his 15 plus years of experience to Maine. Diverse and adaptable, he brings a variety of project type experience to the table. He acts as your jack-of-all trades: initial project kick-off meeting, site surveys, drafting, designing, building code studies, permit securement, project management, cost estimating and even knows his way around the wood shop.

Education: 

  • New York Institute of Technology, B.ARCH - 2008

  • Tongji University, Shanghai - 2006 Summer Design Studio

  • Onondaga Community College, Assoc. in Applied Science (Architectural Technology) - 2003