As a registered architect in the states of Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina as well as the District of Columbia, Michael has designed projects ranging from modest additions to existing homes in urban neighborhoods to new waterfront estates in Maine and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.  His previous award-winning work with other firms has been featured in Traditional Home, Washington Home and Design, Washingtonian, ArchitectureDC, Maine Home+Design, and Washington Home and Garden.  In 2020, Rouse was honored to be included in Home&Design's Portfolio of Top 100 Designers. 

Michael's portfolio of work encompasses a design philosophy of creating homes that reflect the desires of his clients; responds to the home’s specific site and context; and crafts architecture that is well-proportioned and intentional. He believes that a home should be designed for the functions of today and be built for future years of enjoyment and shelter.

Throughout the design process, Michael keeps the client's needs forefront in the project. He enjoys working with clients to learn about their unique functional problems and create spaces that meet their needs and solve their problems. He believes that teamwork amongst contractors, clients, interior designers and other professionals throughout the design and construction process will create a lasting and successful project.

Michael holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Maryland, is a Member of the American Institute of Architects and is a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate holder.