Michael von Hausen is President of MVH Urban Planning and Design Inc., a firm that specializes in growth management, sustainable master planning, urban design, city and rural planning and community partnerships. As one of Canada’s leaders in urban design and planning, he brings over 40 years of public and private land development, planning, and design experience from across North America. He was elected a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners in July 2016 – the highest honour for a Canadian Planner for his leadership and distinguished practice. Michael also advises provincial and national governments, municipalities, and private clients on land development, sustainable policies, and acquisition/sales strategies. His firm has received ten local, provincial, and national awards over the past seven years for its innovation in planning, development, and design.
Michael uniquely blends planning, design and economics to find sustainable “soft touch” development solutions that balance higher economic, cultural, and environmental gains. His recent award winning projects include the Daye Lake Eco-City for 1.1 million residents in Huangshi, China, the City of Penticton Downtown Plan, the City of Leduc Downtown Master Plan, and the City of Langley Downtown Master Plan. Other projects include the redevelopment of Deerfoot Mall in Calgary, Alberta and the 786 acre Cambrian Crossing community for 7,000 residents in Strathcona County, Alberta.
Michael was recognized as an honoured member of the Trademark Who’s Who for Executives for Excellence in Urban Design in 2015. Michael von Hausen was elected to Lambda Alpha International in 2011, the honorary society for the advancement of land economics in recognition of his distinguished career and outstanding contribution to the advancement of land economics and service to his community.
Michael and Jonathan have worked extensively together on major projects, including the award-winning Bragg Creek Revitalization Plan, Valemount Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw, Grand Forks Official Community Plan and Nature Park Design, East Acreages Area Structure Plan, East Highway 1 Area Structure Plan, and Sheppard Area Structure Plan.