Mike qualified as an architect in 1989, the year he set up his practice; he graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1986 after receiving first-class honours at Leeds Polytechnic, having completed an apprenticeship as an architectural technician with training at Bath Technical College. His interest in nature led to his qualification as a landscape architect in 2014. He has taught for many years, including a decade at the University of Bath and as a unit master at the Architectural Association and the University of Westminster. He has been an external examiner for the master’s courses at UCL and a longstanding visiting critic. He completed his PhD in the Engineering Department at the University of Bath and is currently a visiting professor at the Manchester School of Architecture and Sheffield University.

Appointments Manchester School of Architecture, Visiting Professor, 2025; Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, Bio-ID External Examiner, 2023-27; Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, External Examiner MArch, 2016-19; University of Bath, Teaching Fellow and Lecturer, 2012-22; University of Westminster Diploma Studio Visiting Lecturer, 2013-15; University of Bath, Visiting Tutor and Lecturer, 2009-12; RIBA Awards Regional Jury Chair, 2007, 2009, 2010; University of Cambridge, Visiting Critic, 2008-11; UCL Bartlett Unit 17, Visiting Critic, 2005 – 2017; Architectural Association School of Architecture, Unit Master, 2001 – 2004; founded Tonkin Liu London, 2002- present; Architecture Foundation, Architectural Advisor, 2000 – 2001; London University, Unit Master, 1998-99; Chinese University, Hong Kong, Part-time Lecturer, 1996-98; found Tonkin Hong Kong, 1992-98; founded Tonkin Architects London, 1989-2002; Architectural Assistant, Nigel Coates; Branson Coates 1986-87; Architectural Assistant, Eva Jiřičná Architects, 1987-88; Architectural Technician, Astam Design, 1977-80.