Michael Amantea started his practice in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2012. His family was instrumental leading him on his path into architecture. His father was a talented artist, and his mother taught him to value himself, while his grandfather was an iron-worker, working on the installation of the CN Tower, including its very challenging top assembly.

A graduate of University of Toronto’s John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design five year program. Throughout his tenure at U of T, he acquired summer jobs working at Montgomery & Sisam, Architects Alliance (formerly Wallman Clewes Bergman Architects & van Nostrand DiCastri Architects), as an electrical apprentice and then ultimately, in his fifth year, working as a Teaching Assistant (TA) to David Pontarini. 

It was during his time as a TA that he was offered a position to work for David at Hariri Pontarini. He then made his way to Ian McDonald’s practice, Ian McDonald Architect. During his time there, he worked on all that he loved, including architecture, interiors and landscape design.

Since being on his own, he has had incredible success. His early projects, including a pool pavilion went on to win awards in multiple publications and be internationally recognized. With a small team of four, including himself, Michael is now working on truly remarkable projects. From sprawling rural properties to dense infill, single family homes, his keen interest in modern architecture knows no bounds.

Find out more about his mighty practice, including his loyal staff that are so connected to the work that Michael actually calls Amantea Architects, ours and not mine, by listening to this week’s insightful installment of Behind the Build.