Poppy Architecture & Design specializes in residential remodel, addition, and new constriction work. Principal architect Michael Ford has 15 years of experience in boutique architecture firms, and prides himself on friendly, approachable, and expert client services and communications. Whether you’re looking to remodel a bathroom, kitchen, your whole home, or landscaping work, we create warm, personal spaces that enhance the experience of your home and its value. We apply green building principles to homes and ADUs, and are Certified Passive House Consultants. We can also partner with realtors, contractors, and developers to understand the best way to maximize your property’s potential. With a heritage in design-build and a grounding in practical and innovative design, we deliver projects that stand the test of time.
Meet the Team
Principal
Michael is a distinguished licensed architect who has called California home since 2008. He holds a bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Teach and is a Certified Passive House Consultant. He started his career with Washington, D.C. firms, designing spiritual architecture, mixed-use developments, and high-rise hotel projects.
Since relocating to California, he has worked at several boutique firms, designing new residential construction, high-end remodels, and restaurants. Michael’s custom lighting design was displayed at the 2005 International Contemporary Furniture Fair in NYC, and has been published in Metropolis Magazine. He built custom cabinetry for a Brooklyn residential remodel featured in Architectural Record, The Modern Townhouse, The New York Times, and on HGTV.
Michael believes that great design is beautiful and creative, but is always anchored by a practical understanding of building assemblies and details. He is dedicated to understanding clients’ functional needs to design a built environment that supports and enhances their day-to-day lives.
Michael Ford
ENTP if that’s important to you— Chase cares about haptics, connections, and spaces that evolve with us. B.Arch from Virginia Tech, studied in Switzerland and London, consulting based in Manila, Chase will travel anywhere the light and food are worth traveling for.
Chase has worked in Construction Management for over a decade, facilitating capital projects exceeding $XX million. He combines his architectural education with extensive knowledge of construction techniques and sophisticated scheduling technology to deliver projects on time and under budget. He is a relentless advocate for his clients, ensuring that every member of the project team works seamlessly together to exceed expectations. Chase is key to bringing our designs to life.
Chase Goitia
Aliona received her BA and MA in Architecture in Ukraine, her home country, and earned her MBA in the U.S. She has ten years of experience as a designer at large-scale residential and educational architecture firms, and has recently stepped on a licensure path.
Single family design is Aliona’s passion, nothing brings her more joy than crafting a dream home for her clients. She believes that a well designed home should be accessible to everyone, and is our lead team member in legalizing existing ADUs and designing new ADUs, especially in Santa Cruz. As much as Aliona loves work her hours of operation are subject to surf and beach volleyball conditions.
Aliona Konvai
