About Michael Moran Photography
Michael Moran is an architectural photographer in New York.
I was born in California but spent most of my childhood overseas, in Burma, Turkey, Colombia and Pakistan. My father was an engineering geologist who worked on hydroelectric dams. We eventually returned to California, where I studied biology and sculpture at the College of Creative Studies at UC Santa Barbara.
My first job out of college was working on the design and fabrication of a diorama at the Museum of Natural History in Santa Barbara, where I developed a fascination with the analysis and presentation of information. I decided to study exhibition design but applied to graduate programs in architecture as well, thinking that an architectural education would provide a strong design foundation. I received a MArch from UCLA in 1982.
While in graduate school I worked part time in the studio of Frank Gehry, and I continued working there full time after I graduated. While in Gehry’s studio I was asked, with no prior experience, to photograph the models I was making. I discovered an aptitude and a joy in this work and quickly taught myself photography. With Gehry’s encouragement, I began to photograph buildings in construction, then the completed buildings. I bought a large format camera and was soon taking photographs that were published in the architectural press worldwide, even as I continued (with diminishing enthusiasm) to work as an architect.
In 1985 I moved to New York City to begin a full-time practice in architectural photography. I’ve been fortunate to work with many talented architects, designers, and editors. My relationship with Toshio Nakamora of A+U began with his publication of my photographs of Gehry’s work. We collaborated on books on New York architecture of the 20th Century and Philip Johnson’s Glass House. I photographed the work of Roberto Burle Marx for an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, and have published books on the work of Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, John Johansen, and Rafael Moneo.
LOCATION: New York
LEARN MORE: moranstudio.com
To take advantage of the unobstructed views of Manhattan on three exposures in this Art Deco, industrial building as it stands freely at the foot of the open network of crossroads that feed the Holland Tunnel.
In a sleek modernist tower adjacent to Manhattan’s Hudson River, create a one-bedroom residence without compromising the architectural integrity of this iconoclastic building. Two geometries take precedent in this building, as Manhattan’s grid meets the angled geometry of the Hudson River, in this light filled space.
Montauk, NY, resembles many other small seaside communities. However, it possesses unique characteristics that imprint lasting memories. The weather is unpredictable with banks of heavy fog and gusty winds.
Jean Nouvel’s large-scale curtain wall is a highly resolved and powerful element that must interact and inform the resolution of the new residence. A series of fully articulated components allow visibility of three sides …
The Ocean Pond Residence is neither the retro modern, upside down house nor a McMansion. In fact its footprint is less than 3,500 square feet on a 42-acre site. It is organized in section like a Fibonacci spiral utilizing five continuous levels of activity culminating in a roof top point look out across the sea, farmlands and pond.
This building was commissioned as a library and writing studio for a historian. It is located on a property adjacent to the client’s home, and is approached on foot through a stand of trees. There is no drive or path.
In a historic residence on Manhattan’s 5th Avenue found in its estate condition as built in 1930’s, revitalize, renovate and create a civic residential space suited to the owners penchant for philanthropy; A modern think tank and forum for the display of American art.
Located within a private oceanfront community established in the 19th century, this Hamptons house is for a young couple looking for a home that would accommodate their growing family and reflect their modern lifestyle.
