Michael has over thirty years of experience in professional practice and academia. He has master-planned and designed a wide range of complex mixed-use projects in both urban and suburban contexts, allowing him to develop a extensive knowledge base in retail, commercial and residential typologies. Michael's expertise in all phases of the entitlement process and his understanding of the intricacies of public-private-partnerships, has helped both developers and municipalities successfully implement unique projects. In recent years, Michael has focused on community-building initiatives, working collaboratively to formulate planning visions and help realize them through the writing of creative zoning mechanisms and design guidelines, particularly in urban, town center and transit-oriented contexts. An active member of the Urban Land Institute, Michael has participated at the national and regional level, currently serving on the Real Estate Advisory Committee and chairing a number of Technical Assistance Panels. After 15 years at Arrowstreet, including 1 ½ years as a partner, Michael helped create Form + Place in 2011, an architecture and planning firm designed specifically to allow him to share his passion for good design and good process with an informed and engaged client base.

Gillan H. Wang, Graphic Design + Administrative Support

Gillan has been working with the Form + Place Team since 2017. She has a Masters Degree in Architecture from Syracuse University and a strong background in art and design. She has worked on a wide range of projects at Form + Place, contributing to the firm in the areas of graphics, writing and marketing, as well as financial, firm management and other administrative organizational tasks. Gillan has expertise in a number of graphics programs and has used her design skills to help create and publish key planning documents including the City of Springfield’s Northeast Downtown Master Plan.

Strategic Alliances

John Rufo, Architect + Artist

John and Michael have been collaborating since the early 1990’s and, together, founded Form + Place in 2011. In January of 2024, John established a new company, John Rufo Studio, allowing him to find a more purposeful balance in his architectural and art interests. John and Michael remain committed to collaborating on the unique range of architecture and urban design initiatives that have helped Form + Place build a reputation as one of the leading placemaking and community visioning firms in New England.