An Architecture Practice

Ghost is an architecture studio defined by clarity, rigor, and creative freedom. Rooted in Modernist principles, we are driven by the human connection for which our buildings are made.

Ghost balances conceptual exploration with precise execution—shaping spaces that respond meaningfully to people and their environment. Every project is an act of persistence 01, guided by a belief that constraint is not a limit, but a tool for discovery 02.

fig. 01 — Persistence (n)

Persistence is essential to our process—we view challenges as catalysts for creativity, often leading to defining moments in a project.

fig. 02 — Discovery (n)

The first design stage focuses on gathering and analyzing information about the site, users, and requirements.

03

04

fig. 03 — Office

fig. 04 — Caesura House, 3D Section Model

Leadership and Design Team

Michael Gooden, AIA

Founding Partner & Principal

Michael Gooden is the founding Principal of Ghost Architects, formerly M Gooden Design, where he leads all project design. A Registered Architect licensed in Texas and Wisconsin, he brings over 20 years of residential and commercial experience, including nine years at one of the top commercial architecture firms in the U.S.

He founded M Gooden Design in 2012 and fully launched the firm in 2015. His work has been featured in publications worldwide, including Dwell, Interior Design Magazine, Dallas Morning News, D Magazine, and ArchDaily. In 2022, he received D Magazine’s Visionary Award for Emerging Architecture.

Michael attended Baylor University on a full academic scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Design. Outside the studio, he once toured the country in a beat-up van with his band, playing for peanuts and cheap beer. Today, he enjoys time with his wife, Darrah, and their teenagers, Oscar and Nella.

Michael Gooden, AIA

Michael Gooden, AIA, is the founder of Ghost Architects with over 20 years of experience creating modern, context-driven residential and commercial spaces.

Kevan Russell, AIA

Managing Partner

Kevan Russell is a Registered Architect, licensed in the State of Texas, and serves as Managing Partner at Ghost. He has led a wide range of multi-family, commercial, and single-family projects throughout his career. Kevan joined the firm—then known as M Gooden Design—in early 2016 as an Associate and was elevated to his current role in 2025. He holds both a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Texas Tech University.

Outside of architecture, Kevan is passionate about the art of a well-crafted burger. On weekends, he can often be found seeking out the juiciest patties and the most decadent toppings.

Kevan Russell, AIA

Kevan Russell is a Texas-licensed Registered Architect and Director of Architecture at Ghost Architects, where he leads multi-family, commercial, and single-family projects. He holds both a Master and Bachelor of Architecture from Texas Tech University.

Erik Torres, NCIDQ, RID

Associate, Project Manager

Erik Torres is a Registered Interior Designer, licensed in the State of Texas, and a key member of the Ghost team. He joined the firm-then known as M Gooden Design- in mid-2020 after four years with a notable commercial architecture firm. Since joining Ghost, Erik has expanded his expertise in boutique single-family residential design and sharpened his skills in visualization. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2016.

Outside of design, Erik holds a self proclaimed title of “Taco Connoisseur” and can be found searching for the best street tacos wherever he travels. When he isn’t belittling Tex Mex food, he enjoys spending the weekend in with his French Bulldog named Peppa.

Erik Torres, NCIDQ, RID

Erik Torres is a Texas-licensed Registered Interior Designer at Ghost Architects, specializing in boutique single-family residential design and visualization since joining in mid-2020.

Christopher Anderson, AIA

Director of Architecture

Christopher Anderson is a Registered Architect, licensed in the State of Texas, and a key member of the Ghost team. He joined the firm—then known as M Gooden Design—in early 2021, bringing several years of experience as a Project Manager and active involvement in the residential architecture community. Christopher holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from Louisiana Tech University. Since graduating in 2012, he has specialized in single-family residential design across North Texas, developing a strong focus on craft and detail through his work with boutique firms and hands-on engagement in all phases of project delivery.

Outside of architecture, Christopher embraces his status as a self-proclaimed beverage enthusiast. He can often be found exploring local coffee shops or breweries—and occasionally traveling long distances or waiting in hour-long lines for rare releases.

Christopher Anderson, AIA

Christopher Anderson is a Texas-licensed Registered Architect at Ghost Architects, specializing in single-family residential projects, and he earned his Master of Architecture from Louisiana Tech University in 2012.

Daniel Mitchell

Associate, BIM Manager

Daniel Mitchell joined Ghost in late 2023, bringing over a decade of experience in single-family residential design. He has a strong interest in advancing the practice of architecture through new and emerging technologies. Since earning his Master of Architecture from Louisiana Tech University in 2012, Daniel has gained diverse experience—from building and installing millwork at a local Louisiana shop to designing and managing residential projects in Dallas, as well as briefly serving as a project coordinator at a large multi-family firm.

Outside the studio, Daniel enjoys design-related hobbies such as woodworking. When he’s not in the shop, he can often be found sipping a well-crafted bourbon cocktail, catching the latest films, or following motorsports.

Daniel Mitchell

Daniel Mitchell joined Ghost Architects in late 2023 with a decade of single-family residential experience and a passion for architectural technology, having earned his Master of Architecture from Louisiana Tech University in 2012.

Wesley Tunnell, RA

Senior Associate, Architect

Wes Tunnell is a Registered Architect, licensed in the State of Texas, and a valued member of the Ghost team. He began his career at a boutique practice, gaining experience in furniture design, custom homes, commercial spaces, and master planning.  Wes has contributed to several award-winning projects, including NorthPark Center, One Legacy West, and Houston’s Allen Center. He is committed to creating thoughtful architecture that emphasizes clarity over complication.

A native of East Texas, Wes earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis before moving to Chicago to get some first-hand experience. He later returned to Texas to complete his Master of Architecture at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Outside the studio, Wes enjoys refining his barbecue skills and working on landscape projects.

Wesley Tunnell, RA

Wes Tunnell is a Texas-licensed Registered Architect passionate about clear, thoughtful architecture, with experience spanning custom homes, commercial projects, and master planning that has contributed to award-winning designs.

Abby Noelke

Project Manager

Abby joined the Ghost team in mid-2024 after making the move to Dallas from Los Angeles, where she previously worked for a nationally recognized design-build firm. With over nine years of experience, she has contributed to a wide range of projects, including single-family homes, luxury hospitality, commercial spaces, and historic renovations. She holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Kansas.


As a former Kansas Citian, Abby welcomes the ongoing debate: Who does barbecue better - Texas or KC? She will tell you who she thinks has the best football team, though. Outside the studio, she enjoys spending time in her local community garden, hosting friends and family, traveling, and working towards her goal of visiting all 63 U.S. national parks.

Abby Noelke

Our Approach

Ghost represents our commitment to being a Good Host throughout the engagement with our clients and build partners.

We believe in the human 05 element of architecture, and prioritize the interplay of nature, light, and material. Our collaborative, transparent design process guides our choices and recommendations during programming, concept development, product selection, detailing, and material specification.

fig. 05 — Human

We strive to understand the human experience at the heart of every project—ensuring our work is grounded in real lives, needs, and aspirations.

Listen

We begin by listening closely—to our clients, to the site, and to the unspoken dynamics that shape the project. This helps us uncover the unique perspectives, needs, and constraints 
that will inform every design decision.

1 — Listen

Connect

We strive to understand the human experience at the heart of every project—ensuring our work is grounded in real lives, needs, and aspirations. This approach shapes not only our design process but also the way we communicate and collaborate with our clients and construction partners.

2 — Connect

Visualize

We translate insight into vision using advanced visualization tools that clearly express spatial possibilities. Our renderings serve not just to create impressive presentations, but as highly effective communicators of our design vision and, ultimately, the intended results.

3 — Visualize

Document

We give form to vision through precise documentation, ensuring clarity, constructability, and continuity. We are passionate about creating documents that empower craftsmen at every stage of construction.

4 — Document

Guide

We see ourselves as stewards of the project—hosts throughout its journey in our studio and into construction. Throughout the journey, we lead conversations with intention—navigating complexity and decision-making with clarity and care in mind.

5 — Guide