A native of North Carolina, Michael Bain graduated from North Carolina State University in the first School of Furniture Design. After graduating, he worked at Macy's in San Francisco in the Department of Interior Design. Moving to New Orleans in 1983 to design spaces for individual clients and to renovate historical homes, he also managed a law firm for several years. After this diverse career he became interested in real estate and the historical aspect of real estate in New Orleans. He has flourished in his chosen career. He found his niche.