Criss graduated with a bachelor's of Architecture (5-year professional degree) in 1982 from California Polytechnic State University, San Louis Obispo (Cal Poly). He started his practice in 1983 specializing in residential construction. With over 45 years of experience, he has designed hundreds of homes. With his involvement in the Palos Verdes Art Jury (currently vice president) the Rolling Hills Community Association, the Palos Verdes Pavilion, and the South Eighty Homes Association (Somers, MT), he has donated countless hours back to the communities he has practiced in. He is married and has a daughter, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren. When he's not in his office, he enjoys boating, golf, and a good game of cards. Criss has expanded his practice to the Flathead Valley, more specifically Whitefish, Bigfork, Kalispell, and the Flathead Lake communities such as Lakeside, located in the wonderful state of Montana, where he hopes to retire in the distant future.

Montana and California state licensed Architect, member American Institute of Architects (AIA), and Nation Council of Architectural Registration (NCARB)