Michael Spencer, ASLA

Michael Spencer has a unique and compelling view of design, notably as design relates to community planning, garden design, and landscape architecture. The idea is expressed as 'simplicity': the goal of environmental design is to create a sense of endurance and peace, and this can be achieved by simple, bold design.

In 1992. Mr. Spencer was looking for a way to express his unique design vision, and founded MSA Design.

He is interested in planning and planning issues, in gardening, in travel, and in writing. Mr. Spencer is a popular speaker, and has taught Design Theory for the University of Florida Extension Service, and particpates in the Gardening Lecture Series, held each winter in Naples, where he lectures about the theory of design. Mr. Spencer is an animated speaker on gardening and community planning issues.

Mr. Spencer has been an impassioned critic of current landscape and community construction in Lee and Collier counties. Some of his writing, particularly regarding the 'Naplescape' median improvement program in Collier county, can be found at www.badlandscaping.com. He is a tireless champion of design excellence.

Mr. Spencer is a former Rotarian, is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, the American Planning Association, and the Urban Land Institute. He is an active and certified Master Gardener, and is a member of the International Palm Society. He has served as Vice-President of Temple Shalom in Naples, Florida.

Mr. Spencer is very interested in scientific issues, particularly related to cosmology. He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He also maintains a strong interest in the designs and language of antiquity; he received a Bacholor of Arts in Classics from Lousiaina State University in 1974.

Mr. Spencer received a Master of Landscape Architecture from Lousiaina State University in 1978.