Michael was first inspired by design at the early age of seven, when he created a haunted house from an outline of fall leaves. After attending Portland’s Benson Polytechnic High School, he was committed to a career in architectural design and pursued his BArch at the University of Oregon. He is a licensed Architect in Oregon. Otak's diverse array of projects aligns with his ability to lead a variety of roles on projects, varying from detail to big picture, straightforward to complex. This has allowed him to provide value for the company. Michael volunteers with Friends of Trees and in his spare time enjoys cycling, bird watching and home projects.