Our Story
Our journey in creating inviting spaces begins with a strong family influence. Michael, our founder, was inspired by his grandfather, who ran a design/build golf course company in Iowa during the 1960s and 70s. This early exposure to the art of designing landscapes sparked a lasting interest in landscape architecture—an area focused on creating environments that connect people with nature and improve well-being.
Michael's career started in Iowa in 2005 when he joined a commercial architecture firm as a drafter. This experience allowed him to develop his skills while pursuing a degree in landscape architecture and later earning a master's degree in sustainable design. His education provided a solid foundation for creating spaces that are not only functional but also inviting and environmentally friendly.
In 2008, he began independent consulting, which allowed him to explore his creative vision. By 2011, he partnered with others to form a business in Iowa, where he continued to grow and expand his impact in outdoor living spaces.
In 2015, Michael decided to sell his stake in the Iowa business to start a family in Minnesota. This change led to the creation of a new venture focused on landscape design and commercial greening, alongside residential design-build projects. We developed a specialty in biophilic design, utilizing a unique living wall system that has enabled us to work throughout the United States and in 15 countries. Some notable projects include Universal Studios in Beijing, the Perlan Museum in Reykjavik, Royalmount Mall in Montreal, and a biophilic design project at the New York Mets stadium.
Alongside his design work, Michael founded a nonprofit organization aimed at inspiring kids to explore the relationship between nature and STEM fields. This initiative has led to impactful projects nationwide, peer-reviewed publications, and opportunities to speak publicly, including a TEDx talk in Japan. The nonprofit continues to inspire young people to appreciate and engage with the environment.
Today, we focus on creating welcoming outdoor and indoor living spaces in the Twin Cities metro area, working closely with local homeowners to enhance their properties through thoughtful design. We are dedicated to bringing together aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that each space not only meets the needs of our clients but also fosters a strong connection to nature. In addition to our local efforts, we facilitate national and international biophilic design projects.
Michael continues to oversee the nonprofit organization, which aims to inspire young people to explore the intersection of nature and STEM fields. He also contributes to the academic community by teaching graduate students about Sustainable Urbanism once a year. This dual focus allows us to not only improve the quality of life for individuals and communities through our design work but also to educate and empower the next generation of environmental stewards.