Michael E. Barsocchini, an award-winning architect who designed many well-known buildings and showcase homes in the greater Malibu area, passed away July 30. He was 74.
Barsocchini’s projects included Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church, the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue and Zuma Plaza Malibu, in addition to restaurants, horse ranches, Montana cabins, shopping centers and office buildings. In recent years, he concentrated on custom single-family residences in Southern California, many of them on the Malibu and Ventura coastline.
While attending architecture school at the University of Southern California, Barsocchini studied and worked with famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Jr. He later said Wright’s concept of organic architecture inspired his own design philosophy.
Prior to starting his own practice in 1969, Barsocchini worked with the urban design firm Gruen & Associates on projects throughout the United States, including in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Utah and Hawaii.
After starting his own firm, Barsocchini prepared the urban design plan for El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historic Park (Olvera Street), for which he received the state award of merit by the American Institute of Planners, Southern California and California Chapters in 1971.
Additional planning projects include the Rancho Mirage City Plan. This plan includes the most advanced guidelines for growth management, implementation of design controls and preservation of open space.
Other notable projects include Camp Ramah in Ojai, California and Zhongkai Villas in Shanghai, China.
Barsocchini’s hobbies included skeet shooting, cooking and traveling to his historic roots of Italy. He was a Porsche aficionado and auto racing enthusiast.
Barsocchini was born on Jan. 24, 1939. He resided in Malibu for more than five decades, and hoped to be remembered by his work and contributions to the community.
Barsocchini is survived by his wife of 36 years, Barbara; son Tony, a Realtor, and son Nick, an Associate Architect continuing the practice of Barsocchini and Associates. He is also survived by his sister Mary and brother Patrick.