In 2005, Manish Desai founded Desai Architects, a design practice guided by an independent perspective and a steadfast dedication to thoughtful, well-crafted design in everyday spaces. His clear vision and inventive approach to architecture are evident from his early experience at respected local firms Morphosis and BA Collective, and these principles continue to inform the firm’s current and evolving body of work.

A Los Angeles native, Manish studied at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. Having worked in Los Angeles for almost 25 years, he values the broad variety of clients he serves—undertaking projects that span residential and hospitality to cultural and institutional sectors. By centering his practice on modern design principles, his work consistently balances refined minimalism with practical, much-appreciated functionality. When Manish is not busy “architecting,” he enjoys music, sharing meals with friends, coaching youth sports, and spending quality time with his wife and three children.