Surrey, BC/WWPress/ – Michael Anthony von Hausen, President of MVH Urban Planning & Design, Inc., was Recognized and Distinguished as a Top Professional of North America 2026-2027 by The Who’s Who Directories.
Michael Anthony von Hausen is a distinguished leader in urban planning and design, serving as the President of MVH Urban Planning & Design Inc., a firm renowned for its expertise in sensitive land development planning, resilient urban design, group facilitation, and fostering community partnerships. With over four decades of experience spanning public and private sectors globally and across North America, Michael has established himself as a visionary in creating sustainable, innovative, and economically viable development solutions. His unique approach integrates planning, design, and economics to achieve balanced outcomes that address economic, cultural, and climate change challenges.
A graduate of Harvard University with a degree in Urban Design specializing in land development economics, Michael has consistently combined his professional practice with academic research and teaching. This synergy has enabled him to pioneer cutting-edge solutions in urban planning and design. His work has garnered both national and international acclaim, reflecting his commitment to excellence and innovation in the field.
Michael’s professional achievements are complemented by his leadership in education and community engagement. He has served as the chief instructor and curriculum coordinator for the award-winning Urban Design Certificate Program at Simon Fraser University as an adjunct professor in the graduate Urban Studies Program at the same institution. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor at the University of the Fraser Valley Vancouver Island University, where he teaches in the Regional and Community Planning Program. He also developed and continues to facilitate the School of Development for the Urban Development Institute in Vancouver. His dedication to education underscores his passion for mentoring the next generation of urban planners and designers.
To support his teaching and research, Michael has published five books including: Dynamic Urban Design: A Handbook for Creating Sustainable Communities Worldwide (2013); Small is Big: Making the Next Great Small and Medium-Size Downtowns (2018); New Pathways to Approvals: Developing Better Communities Together (2021); Public Realm: The New Makers Handbook (2022); and Real Estate Primer: An Introduction to the Development Process (2025). These books are used widely across Canada in various university, college, and professional educational programs including Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, University of the Fraser Valley, Queen’s University, Fanshawe College as well as the Urban Development Institute.
Throughout his illustrious career, Michael has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors. In 2012 and 2026, he was included in the Who’s Who for Professionals and Executives. In 2016, he was named a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners, the institute’s highest honor, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the profession. In 2024, Michael was named a Fellow of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. His firm, MVH Urban Planning & Design Inc., received the Award of Planning Excellence from the Canadian Institute of Planners in 2019 for the Cowichan Bay Village Vitalization Strategy, a testament to his ability to create transformative community-focused projects.
In 2020, Michael was honored with the Research and Innovation Award from the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects, recognizing his outstanding leadership, research, and academic achievements. Then in 2023, MVH Urban Planning & Design Inc., received two Awards of Excellence from the Planning Institute of British Columbia for their Grand Forks Official Community Plan innovations, and the Garrison Crossing Neighborhood Plan (First Legacy Award).
Michael’s expertise extends beyond technical skills; he is a master facilitator, adept at guiding groups through complex planning processes, securing project approvals, and managing initiatives from feasibility studies to construction. His collaborative approach and commitment to sustainable, “soft touch” development solutions have made him a trusted advisor and leader in the field of urban planning, and design and real estate development.
The Who’s Who Directories, a New York based biographical publication company, Publisher of The Top Professionals of North America distinguishes and profiles leading professionals who demonstrate recognizable success and leadership in their field. The directory is valued for promoting awareness of individual accomplishments and achievement within the North American community.
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