About Michael Arikat

Most attorneys read about construction. I've built it.

I'm a California real estate litigation attorney — and also a licensed General Contractor and Real Estate Broker. Before I ever argued in a courtroom, I managed multimillion-dollar construction and development projects across multiple states. I studied architecture at UC Berkeley and Cal Poly SLO. I know what a substandard foundation looks like. I know what a defective waterproofing system costs. I know when a contractor cut corners — and I know how to prove it.

Over 25 years, I deliberately built expertise across every phase of real estate: architect, developer, contractor, broker, owner's representative, and asset manager (overseeing 3.2M SF commercial portfolio). Each role taught me something the others couldn't. I wanted to add legal expertise to complete my understanding of the entire real estate lifecycle.

So I went to law school—not to fix mistakes, but to complete the picture. To understand how projects should be structured from day one.

Here's what I learned: Most career success in A/E/C comes down to communication, not technical skill. How you explain a problem matters more than solving it. How you document a change order protects you more than the contract. How you handle difficult conversations determines whether you build a sustainable business or burn out fighting fires.

And now, the industry is changing faster than ever. AI is reshaping how we estimate, schedule, and manage projects. Beneficial ownership reporting is changing how we structure deals. Force majeure claims are being tested by tariffs and global disruptions. The labor shortage isn't a trend—it's the new reality.

I write about these emerging technologies and legal developments because understanding them early is the difference between adapting and getting left behind. The professionals who thrive won't just master today's tools—they'll anticipate tomorrow's challenges.

Why you're here: You're facing a real situation right now—a career decision, a project challenge keeping you up at night, a difficult client conversation, stakeholder conflicts threatening your project, or trying to understand how new regulations or technologies will impact your work. You need practical solutions from someone who's actually been there.

Ascent AEC exists to teach what I wish someone had taught me: how to navigate client relationships, protect yourself legally, communicate like a professional, and stay ahead of the trends reshaping our industry.

No legalese. No theory. Just real lessons from someone who's walked the entire path—and is watching where it's headed next.

Questions? Contact Michael at michael@ascentaec.com