A little about me :)
My name is Michael Christoff, and I grew up in Canfield/Boardman Ohio (right outside of Youngstown). I went to Kent State University for college, where I received my Master of Architecture from Kent State University in 2005. I was pretty close to moving to Chicago and got offered a job in downtown Cleveland to work on the Flats East Bank redevelopment project.
Working on this and a variety of redevelopment projects gave me a deep appreciation for urban environments and how people interact with them. My focus over the past 15 years has been on complex projects that require strategic physical, social and cultural interventions. I am passionate about getting to know my clients, working really hard to understand each and every goal they have for a project, and making it easy to partner with our team to achieve the mission of every project.
When not in my office at architecture and strategy firm Vocon, I try to stay involved in the local creative community volunteering or leading initiatives to leverage Cleveland’s creative efforts into visible and tangible change. Over the past 15 years I’ve been fortunate to serve on the board and volunteer for some amazing organizations: SPACES Art Gallery, ACE Cleveland, Cleveland Design Competition, CMSD’s Campus International School, and the American Institute of Architects Cleveland Chapter. I am currently the First Vice President of the American Institute of Architects and am looking forward to continuing to serve on the board of this organization I’ve been involved in for over a decade.
I co-found and still organize today (with an amazing creative team!) PechaKucha Night Cleveland, which quarterly hosts free public events where creatives share their inspiring stories about a variety of topics (architecture, food, fashion, etc..). Check out more information about PechaKucha by clicking here.
In 2018, I enrolled in the MBA program at John Carroll University. While you never know how the decisions you make will impact your life, I enrolled in the program because I love my profession and want to put myself in the best position possible to have a positive impact on my company and in my community. In June of 2021, I graduated from that program and could not be more excited for the three years of truly remarkable learning I was afforded.
I live in Shaker Heights with my amazing wife Jill and amazing two sons Milan and Ari.
A community is only as strong as it is connected…
Distinctions / Awards (I know, it’s been a while!;)
2021 MBA, John Carroll University:
In 2021, I received my MBA from John Carroll University.
2016 40 Under 40:
For 27 years, the Crain’s Forty under 40 program has honored individuals for their professional successes and civic contributions.
2014 Cleveland Bridge Builders:
Cleveland Bridge Builders connects and engages experiential leaders seeking collaborative civic education, interested in building relationships among a diverse group of passionate civic leaders and learning to make positive change in our community. In 2013 I was selected to participate in this 10-month program which represents a diverse group of local leaders who commit to participating in an interactive team-based curriculum with a keen focus on civic issues.
2013 Next American Vanguard ConferenceIn 2013:
I was selected to participate in the Vanguard Conference, an annual conference hosted by Next City gathers the country’s best and brightest urban advocates. The attendees are high-level, creative and ambitious people under 40 who seek to improve their cities and work for local non-profit organizations, in city government, as social entrepreneurs, artists and in other related fields.
2010 Public Service Award American Institute of Architects - State of Ohio:
The Public Service Award is granted annually to an individual in the State of Ohio that has made a significant impact in their community through public service.
2009 & 2012 NEO 25 under 35 Movers & Shakers: Inside Business Magazine
2009 Tastemaker Series, Cleveland Plain DealerFebruary 2009
2007 Neighborhood Leadership Development Program:
In 2007, I was selected as 1 of 12 participants out of over 70 applicants for the inaugural class of the Mandel Foundation developed Neighborhood Leadership Development Program. The NLDP was founded to develop the diverse leadership abilities of engaged Clevelanders who are committed to creating a city and region which works for everyone.
Let’s connect
Have a question? Please reach out, I love making new connections!