Michael Zilis – Walker Macy

As a Principal and landscape architect, Mike is recognized for his rich understanding of urban form and a dedication to the social, environmental, economic and aesthetic benefits that design can provide. Notably, he has been a leader in both landscape architectural design and in urban and campus planning, and has participated in long-term, multi-faceted projects from earliest feasibility studies through all phases of planning and implementation. He has focused his decades-long career on meaningful collaborations with clients, teams and communities that have led to the creation of vital public open spaces throughout the west. Mike is known for bringing an insightful, hands-on design approach resulting in the development of places that have transformed waterfronts, downtowns, educational institutions and neighborhoods. As a designer, he leads teams to find creative solutions that are rooted in the special qualities of place, environment and community. When he is away from the office he is an avid musician playing in a number of Portland bands and is a strong supporter of the arts. Mike recently served as the chair for Metro’s Nature In Neighborhoods grant evaluation committee.