Michael Garrison is a registered architect active in the design and construction of sustainable buildings. He has served as the faculty sponsor of the 2002 and 2005 Solar Decathlon competitions administered by the U.S. Department of Energy and was co-investigator for the 2007 team. Garrison's research has received numerous grants and awards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Renewable Energy Lab, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Foundation, Texas Energy Advisory Council, Texas Energy and Natural Resources Advisory Council, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and Austin Energy's Green Building Program.