Max graduated summa cum laude with a degree in architecture from the University of Florida in 1994. He went on to receive a Masters Degree at Columbia University, along with an honor award for design excellence. Prior to launching his own firm, he worked for the world renowned architect, Zaha Hadid in London. Thereafter, Max worked for New York-based SHoP Architects on the award-winning design for the Manhattan Museum of Sex (MOSEX). Of greatest influence, however, was Max's association with Florida architect, Gene Leedy. He was raised in a Leedy-designed home and later began his career at Gene's Winter Haven office. Leedy was an important member of the Sarasota School of Architecture movement and provided Max with a solid background in classic modernism.
Locally, Max has served on the City of Miami's Planning Advisory Board and Urban Environment League's Board of Directors. He has also worked for Coconut Grove's Village Council as Zoning Committee Chairman. He is a graduate of the Miami Fellows Initiative and continues to serve on the Board of Advisors for Florida International University, the Professional Liaison Committee for the University of Florida and the National Tropical Botanical Garden at The Kampong's Board of Overseers.