Don Westphal

After graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Don obtained his Master's degree from the University of Illinois, where he wrote his thesis on manufactured housing. In 1964 he designed his first manufactured home community for $45, which he celebrated with a trip to the Lincoln Hotel for a prime rib dinner and had money left over! Don opened his Rochester, Michigan, landscape architecture firm in 1969. He worked as a consultant for the Mobile Home Manufacturers Association to support his entrepreneurial goal of starting his practice by age 30. Fifty years later, Don has become a leader in the manufactured home community and Recreation Vehicle Resort design all across the United States and has a reputation for smart, holistic community design in and around Rochester. Don finds inspiration in his family, employees, church and community activism. When he's not running full speed ahead, he enjoys restoring vehicles to their former glory, including two 1955 MG Sports cars and a 1939 Ford Pickup.