Paul Florczak began studying architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago and graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1998.

After graduation, he joined Anthony Belluschi Architects where he gained experience in retail and international mix-use projects. In June 1999, he married Karina, a longtime companion and friend from the church choir.

After his marriage, he enrolled in a master's degree at Arizona State University, focusing on environmental design and facility development. He obtained his master's degree in 2001.

He then went on to work at Dick Fritsche Design Group in Phoenix, AZ, where he explored his design skills in local projects and co-founded the Sky Harbor Airport Car Rental Center. In 2003, he moved back to Chicago to work as a project architect for Optima, Inc. in Glencoe, a design firm.

He also worked as architect/project manager for Baker Associates and OKW Architects in Chicago, where he was involved in small and large scale projects.