Testimonials
“I have never before reached the completion of a renovation or building project only to wonderfully discover that every detail of the design was perfect! Michael, Katie, and the entire team at Studio io transformed our rather plain 1980s church into a true work of art through some relatively simple sanctuary modifications. The thought that went into each detail is truly impressive, leaving little doubt as to why the phrase “It’s just stunning” is the most frequent comment I have received from parishioners and visitors regarding our new sanctuary. I have found it life-giving not only to explain to parishioners the various levels of symbolism incorporated into this renovation but also, and more importantly, to see them have developed a deeper love for and understanding of the Holy Mass through the beauty that now so well elevates our hearts and minds to the Heavenly liturgy.
Michael and Katie were easy to work with and communicated quickly and well throughout this project, especially in fielding questions about or suggestions regarding the design plans. I certainly will choose Studio io for any future church design projects with which I might be involved, and I highly encourage anyone else considering a church renovation or new build to do the same!”
– Rev. John M. Szatkowski, Pastor, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Richardson TX
“Studio io provided us with a beautiful partnership that was rooted in the authentic Catholic tradition. Ultimately, our dream blossomed into an impeccable manifestation of what the Church has in her mind for sacred architecture. Rooted in the authentic principles of the Second Vatican Council, the guidance what we received from Studio io cleared the path for an architectural overhauling that was both contemporary and refreshing. Their knowledge of the theological and liturgical principles kept the entire process both rooted in the classical tradition and faithful to what the Church asks of us in the present times. Indeed, as has been noted in many liturgical journals since its completion in March of 2021, the sacred architecture in St. Leo Parish is now continuously professing a most profound testament to both faith and reconciliation in a little corner of western Alabama.”
– Very Rev. Justin Ward, STL, Pastor, St. Leo the Great; Vicar for Sacred Liturgy
“What a blessing to discover Michael Raia and Studio io! As the first-term pastor of a parish in the North Carolina countryside, I was told from my first Sunday that we needed a new church – a big church; an expensive church; a community-centered church; an inviting church – and anxiety for that project overwhelmed every other pastoral initiative in the parish. When we engaged Studio io, however, we found a firm that not only listened to our stakeholders but also knew how to ask the right questions to get all of us to look at our parish life with new eyes. I am very pleased to report that as a result of our work with Studio io, we are well underway in expanding our facilities, but more importantly, we are experiencing a transformation in the way we engage with each other and with our Faith. Thank you to Michael and the Studio io team for your pastoral approach and your tremendous expertise!”
– Father Ryan Elder, Pastor, Holy Family Catholic Church
“I have worked with Michael on two church projects at parishes where I have served as pastor. In all of these projects Michael has brought a unique combination of architectural and building expertise, theological and liturgical knowledge, along with superb leadership and people skills. Michael is the ideal consulting professional as he knows how to get a team excited about a project, give valuable input, and put everyone at ease in the process. He is a good communicator, well-organized, and gives helpful presentations to inform others. Most importantly, Michael is a man in love with the Church and since in using his God-given gifts. His professional approach is supported with spiritual depth. I highly recommend him to you as a consultant or project manager.”
– Rev. Brian McMaster, Pastor, St. Mary’s Catholic Center at Texas A&M University
“Working with Studio io was an amazing experience. It was professional, personal, engaging, and enriching overall; it far exceeded my expectations. We needed a concept for a new, traditional church that fit our parish and we believed Michael Raia and his team could provide it in a way our other options could not – few combining a beautiful design with liturgical formation, Catholic theology, parish ministry, pastoral needs, an understanding of the rich architectural tradition of the Catholic Church, and a deep faith in Jesus Christ. They also provided formation for our parish leadership, building committee, and parishioners along the way.
This makes Studio io stand out in the best way possible to begin the design process, and I could not recommend working with them highly enough. For pastors and parishes seeking parish renewal that is inspiring, balanced, and life-giving along the journey, Studio io is a true gift to the Church.”
– Brandon Barker, Director of Evangelization & Discipleship, St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church
“Michael has identified a significant void in architectural offerings redefining liturgical worship space or updating facilities with a small project in any size parish. The renovation of an existing worship space, updating the church sanctuary, changing the outside environment or the interior design on a small budget is a potential nightmare. With limited funds, grand hopes, many opinions and no professional help available (the job is “interesting but too small”), the update project is actually far more complex.
Michael has a unique offering for this business space. He presents a full service product on a micro-scale. His extensive large project experience is evident as he works with the client through every step of the effort. He manages early expectations from the parish group and is well versed in current liturgical norms and direction while being a pragmatic guide on project scope and budget. I strongly recommend that someone fill this role in every project and further recognize Michael as the premier person to deliver happy results.”
– Frank Bradley, Committee Chair, St. Helen Catholic Church
“This team approach fills a tremendous need for those engaging in sacred architecture projects who want to reap the many benefits of working with a local architect of record but need to find a trustworthy, reliable, and respectful design consultant who knows Catholic tradition and can keep the integrity of a conceptual design’s intent, character, proportion, and scale as it moves through design development and ultimately construction. I have been impressed with Michael and his team as we have encountered obstacles but have come up with solutions that continue to make our project better. We have done this in a collaborative and prayerful way that will hopefully serve to deepen the faith of all involved in the process, and provide a transforming, sacramental encounter for generations of seminarians and formators when it is finally complete. Through the team’s Catholic faith, they have supported our project through constant prayer and discernment, and as a result, we have also had a lot of fun in the process.”
– Very Rev. Jonathan Kelly, Rector, St. John Vianney Seminary
“The liturgical designers at Studio io specialize in making ugly churches beautiful. In our case, it was converting a Protestant church into a Catholic Church. They walked with us every step of the way beginning with an in-person visit, several renderings with varying price projections, and finally the implementation of our desired plans. Even when challenges arose in the renovation and building of certain aspects of the plan, Studio io consultants were easily contactable and provided support. I hope that every parish priest considering renovating his parish church considers Studio io when looking for advisors.”
– Rev. Nolan T. Lowry, STL, Pastor, St. Edward Catholic Church
“I can’t recommend Studio io highly enough. From start to finish Michael and his team were flexible, accommodating, creative, and responsive to feedback. Our project was separated into several phases because of financial constraints, and Michael was always patient and helpful in making sure things were done beautifully and within our budget. Our chapel went from an unremarkable brick room with wall to wall carpet to a beautiful place where our students are learning to love to pray, thanks to the vision and hard work of Studio io’s team. May God continue to bless their work.”
– Fr. Connor Danstrom, Chaplain, St. John Paul II Newman UIC
“I recommend the liturgical design and consulting services of Michael Raia, the founder of Studio io. I have found his services to be very helpful in assisting parishes to bring church interiors to new life, with beauty and dignity, in accord with the liturgical norms of the Church, taking into account the realistic limits of parish financial means.”
– Most Rev. Mike Sis, Bishop of the Diocese of San Angelo TX
“I have had the privilege of knowing Michael since I came to work for the Catholic Diocese of Austin in 2011; he is a valued member of our team of professionals assisting me with the design of churches and other buildings. They work with architects-of-record, design/builders and directly with us as the case may call for. In short, they do a great job! Michael’s knowledge of liturgy, understanding of the use the church building and his ability to gently get his point across is invaluable to pastors, building committees, our Bishop and me. I have found the firm is flexible; we can do a few hours of consultation or a contract for a complete liturgical design. Or anything in between. Some liturgical consultants are not much more than brokers for artists, not so with Studio io. I strongly recommend using Studio io and Michael on any chapel, church, prayer garden or other ecclesiastical project, both designing new or renovating existing.”
– Patrick Baker, Director of Facilities Planning – Diocese of Austin
“Michael Raia was an excellent choice for our project for many reasons. He took the time to understand why we needed a new building and what we needed in that new building. He made sure that at every step, our vision was being upheld. When it came time to make decisions that we were not anticipating, he walked us through all of our different options. If we were not happy with those options, he found other options for us.
Michael’s level of customer service was incredible. Michael made himself available to us whenever we needed him. Not once did we feel like we were not a priority. Working with Michael on our building project was the bright light in a long timeline. He kept us focused and moving forward. I could not imagine doing this without him, his expertise, his passion, or dedication. Michael brings all of these things with him to every project. Saint William and I highly endorse his work and his company.”
– Ana-Cristina Gonzalez, COO, St. William Catholic Church
“What I first noticed and appreciated about Michael was that he spoke on my level. I did not need to be an expert in architecture to understand his vision for our church and school campus. He is a great communicator. Michael is also extremely personable and caring. I witnessed much interaction between him and parishioners, and I believe everyone came away with the same warm feeling I felt upon first meeting him. The next thing I noticed was his love for the Catholic Church. It’s very clear that his heart is in serving, and it’s a great bonus to have his expertise in the field of facilities design. He helped guide our volunteer committee to a fabulous Master Plan that will serve St. Eugene well for many years to come. Michael is very thorough with details and kept our volunteer committee on task. Although our work together has come to an end, I’m confident Michael will remain a great friend of mine and St. Eugene.”
– Nicole Hughes, Bldg Committee Chair, St. Eugene Catholic Church
“It is my pleasure to recommend Michael Raia with Studio io. Hill and Wilkinson has been fortunate to work with Michael on several projects. Michael is not only a talented designer, but also a strong leader who is willing to roll up his sleeves and work with the team to get the project within budget while maintaining the integrity of the project scope and intent. He has a keen understanding of the entire project scope and was a great help to our team in the field by keeping things moving and understanding the sense of urgency that is often required in construction. I will continue to look for any opportunities where we can work with Michael in the future. I would absolutely encourage you to utilize him on your project. You will not be disappointed.”
– Kristy Attaway, VP& RM, Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors