University City resident Mike Torrey is one of 22 photographers nationwide to have work selected for display at the upcoming convention of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The annual AIA Convention will be held June 8 to 10 this year at the Los Angeles Convention Center.Torrey’s business, Mike Torrey Photography, specializes in architectural photography.
“I grew up in Southern California, principally in Arcadia up near Pasadena,” Torrey said. “I hold an MBA from the University of San Diego and an undergraduate business degree from San Diego State University. I feel my educational background gives clients a unique business perspective that focuses on their marketing success.”
It is Torrey’s photograph of Los Angeles’ Bonaventure Hotel that was awarded the honor and selected through a jury selection process held by the American Society of Media Photographers.
For Torrey, photography has always been a passion. He took photography classes during his college days.
“I got gradually involved more and more,” he said. “I did a photographic series on the building of Tony Gwynn Stadium at San Diego State University and it won some awards and photography commissions.”
Along the way, Torrey also helped a friend of his produce a book called “Sacred Space” on the historic houses of worship in the City of Angels, Los Angeles.
“Both of these experiences inspired me to continue photographing architecture professionally,” he said.
Torrey’s winning photograph and the others were printed on 24-by-30-inch museum-quality stock for display in the convention center’s public walkway areas during the AIA gathering.
He said his selection is a great honor and privilege.
“It recognizes and validates my work on a national scale and puts my work before the entire industry,” Torrey said.
There convention will include a reception for all the winning photographers and the magazine editors who served as jurors. The American Society of Media Photographers will host a booth at the convention, and Torrey will be part of a group talking about architectural photography to architects and convention attendees.
Torrey’s business specializes in capturing architectural and interior images throughout Southern California for architects, interior designers, building contractors, developers, corporations, and publications. Some of his clients are global fixtures as well as locally rooted businesses.
“I have worked for HOK, which is probably the largest architecture firm in the world,” Torrey said. “I’ve also worked with Interstate Hotels and Resorts, which is the top independent hotel management company.”
Locally, Torrey photographed NuVasive’s corporate headquarters in the University Towne Centre area just as it moved into the former Gateway Computer corporate facility.
For fun, Torrey plays beach volleyball, runs and takes yoga classes for relaxation.
“I relax and stay fit for the demands of architectural photography,” he said. “There is a lot of gear to move around. Plus, I like to hike. The Torrey pine is named after John Torrey, a distant relative, and Torrey Pines State Reserve is one of my favorite places to hike.”
He has often worked on the Steering Committee of the Friends of San Diego Architecture that has been holding a lecture series for 21 years.
“We bring together architects, design professionals and the general public to foster understanding of the built environment,” Torrey said. “I’m also involved with the committee bringing back the Orchids & Onions program.”
For more information, visit www.miketorrey.com.