Michael Harpster
Lead Design Architect | Associate Principal | Creative Director
Michael Harpster, AIA is an Associate Principal, Creative Director, and Project Architect at Sinclair Hille Architects with extensive experience in higher education, housing, and community-focused design. He joined the firm in 2025 after more than a decade of experience within the architectural profession and affordable housing development. A licensed architect and graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Michael has also served as a professor at the UNL College of Architecture, reflecting his commitment to mentorship, design excellence, and lifelong learning.
What inspired you to pursue architecture or design?
My father was a carpenter, and I spent much of my childhood in and around residential construction sites. Witnessing the transformation of a simple two-dimensional drawing into a fully inhabitable structure was inspiring to me – and still is today.
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?
A musical instrument of some kind – piano, cello, or upright bass.
One word that describes your approach to design.
Curious.