Michael MacLean
Interdisciplinary Art + Design
Michael MacLean is founding partner of OSO planning + design. He is a designer, artist and builder who holds a Master’s of Environmental Design Studies (Design-Build) from Dalhousie University (2019) and a BFA in Design from Concordia University (2017). Michael has expertise in participatory design, community-based design-build and site-specific art and design is build on a foundation of community work. Michael's approach is shaped by his rural community upbringing in Quebec and experience working for the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation in youth support and engagement. Through his recent work and master’s thesis “Design-Build As An Approach for Community- Focused Projects: Building and Adapting in a Northern Community” Michael continues to innovate and explore ways of working with communities and bringing them into the process. His thesis identified and tested design-build as a participatory approach to working with youth in Dawson City through a partnership with the education system. Michael’s work has been highlighted in the exhibition, design competitions and publication. His recent work focuses on an impact-based approach to project development and he currently sits as a board member on the Planning and Design Centre in Halifax, NS.
Michaels experience weaves a strong foundation of community work with his specialization in participatory design and research on design-build processes. This unique perspective and expertise has created many opportunities to innovate and find new ways to build capacity within communities. With every project at OSO Michaell continues to identify opportunities to engage with community while developing projects with community impact.