Michael Edwin Nichols, FASLA
Category: Leadership/Management
Nichols Design Group, Inc., Solana Beach, California

Michael Nichols, of Nichols Design Group, received his nomination, in Leadership/Management, from the San Diego Chapter. From his time as an undergraduate to his earliest days as a Southern California landscape architect, Nichols has been driven to share his talents and passion with his community. He successfully ran for the Solana Beach City Council in San Diego County, beginning his tenure in 2006, and has served three times as mayor. His leadership has transformed his city into one of the most environmentally progressive communities in California and has raised awareness among government officials at all levels of the importance of landscape architecture in intelligent urban planning. Both as a practitioner and as an elected official, he has guided his oceanside city to become an environmental frontrunner on climate-change issues, walkability and green development. Through the example of his professional work and his commitment to public service he has raised the profile of the profession and demonstrated the power of landscape architecture to transform communities.