Michail Papavarnavas holds a diploma in Architecture and a PhD from the University of Patras (GR), a Master in Conservation Studies from the University of York (UK), and a Master in Design Studies from the Harvard Graduate School of Design (US).

Since 2008, he has undertaken several architectural and urban design projects, as well as monument restoration projects. He has nine entries in international architectural competitions, having received two Honourable Mentions and a First Prize with a commission for the regeneration of the historical centre of Arta. He has ten publications in scientific publications and seventeen presentations at conferences on topics related to the History of Architecture (with emphasis to Byzantine and post-Byzantine era), as well the Urban Studies and the Cultural Heritage Studies. He has worked as a researcher in six research programs, four of which at the University of Patras, one at the Cyprus Institute and one at Harvard University.