Michael S Fraze - ASLA, Owner

Inspired by childhood memories rooted in the natural vernacular of rural Indiana, Mike Fraze’s work has honored the transformative role that perspective, nature, and experience play within the human psyche. Over the course of his career, Mike has crafted a design philosophy, Whole Systems, that infuses the power of collaboration between participants of all perspectives to realize engagement opportunities within the limits of the resources (nature, budgets, operations) available in their project. This philosophy renders transformative experiences within the landscape - in essence, Mike designs people spaces.

 Mike developed this philosophy at MESA Design Group, where he oversaw the growth of an eco-tourism studio from 1996 to 2010, that was recognized for design excellence in natured-based spaces that resonated beyond traditional values of beauty. His work explored the cognitive impact of scale, perspective, and discovery within the natural environment. Mike’s vision expanded the portfolio and established his studio as a national leader in ecological planning and design, serving as the prime consultant on many nature centers, parks, and camp projects. Of note, he lead the visioning for Galveston Island State Park, which was recognized with a 2016 Award of Excellence from National ASLA for innovation in planning within coastal environments and climate change.

 Mike cofounded Studio Outside in 2011, where he developed a workshop-based design process that engaged participants (clients, consultants, and community) through a series of Discovery Workshops that established the metrics for project success. These workshops were successful due to Mike’s commitment to creating forums founded upon a common sharing of Dignity, Empathy, and Integrity among all participants. Without which meaningful dialogues, discovery, and relationships could not be realized. During his tenure at Studio Outside, Mike lead the visioning for Girl Scouts Camp La Jita (2019 Honor Award National ASLA) and lead a multi-day Girl Scout USA National Symposium that looked beyond council boundaries to think strategically about how properties could work together as a system to deliver relevant, girl-focused programming.

 Whole System Studio, founded in 2023, is an exciting new chapter for Mike, as he continues to serve his clients and community while building new relationships within each commission. His passion for his clients and craft is as much a part of him as his family, and for those that work with Mike, they realize that he does not practice work life balance, or at least not very well. Rather, Mike subscribes to a fervent work life integration where his two passions, family and practice, are seemlessly intertwined. His wife Beth is all too familiar with weekend trips that may start with a client meeting and end with a site visit. Vacation photos include shots of the family as well as paver and wall installations. And of course, no meeting is complete without the latest story regarding Jake, Nick, Megan, or Brandon - Mike would not have it any other way.

Leadership