Michael Poris of Birmingham’s McIntosh Poris Receives Charles Blessing Award

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Michael Poris headshot
Courtesy of McIntosh Poris Associates

Michael Poris, principal of McIntosh Poris Associates based in Birmingham, is the 2022 recipient of the Charles Blessing Award, presented by the Detroit Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

In an official statement about the award, AIA Detroit said, “Michael Poris, AIA, has been working to implement change in his hometown of Detroit for 27 years.  Under his design leadership, McIntosh Poris Associates has been transforming communities through architecture, interior, and urban design throughout the region.”

The award is named after Charles A. Blessing, the Detroit city planner, architect, engineer, and educator who committed himself to elevating the quality of life for the city’s residents. His annual namesake award recognizes an individual who shows leadership in planning and civic issues, and exemplifies Blessing’s vision, commitment, and accomplishments.

“This honor is a career highlight,” says Poris. “The Charles Blessing Award is a tribute to the talent and dedication of McIntosh Poris Associates’ staff as well as to the clients and stakeholders who have helped us elevate architecture and design in Metro Detroit.”

Poris established McIntosh Poris in 1994 with the late Douglas McIntosh, a childhood friend and fellow native Detroiter. The firm promotes collaboration and creative consensus-building among clients, developers, and city officials, applying its design excellence to transform neighborhoods, buildings, and interiors into innovative, inviting environments.

Poris received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his master’s degree from SCI-Arc in Los Angeles.