Don Westphal, Principal for Westphal & Associates and The Nadi Group
MHInsider Legacy Award Winner
Don Westphal, the winner of the MHInsider Legacy Award, developed his first community in 1964. He was paid $45. Westphal opened his Rochester, Mich., landscape architecture firm in 1969. He has planned and designed all variety of property in his career, but his heart is in the affordable housing sector, bringing to life communities for workers and families, and has become a leader in the smart, holistic design of manufactured home community and RV resorts all across the country. His company in 2020 merged with The Nadi Group, a landscape architecture and design firm operating in Canada and the U.S.
What do you view as the biggest achievement in your career?
Being able to do what I enjoy for more than 50 years is my biggest achievement. Having the opportunity to provide decent living environments for average families and planning in a responsible way has been especially rewarding. Seven community of the year awards for projects we designed, MHI President’s and Lifetime Achievement awards are testaments to our commitment to excellence and the ability to satisfy the needs of our clients.
What work or life skill do you give the most credit for your achievements?
Our ability to look at each project as a unique opportunity to change the face of the earth in a positive way while stressing affordability is important. Involvement in industry organizations, local, and church activities have created rewarding experiences and friendships that I cherish. Being able to withstand the ups and downs of a small business owner is a skill that is needed to survive and exceed in one’s life work. I have been blessed in so many ways.
MHInsider is a publication of MHVillage and is the premier source of manufactured housing news with a national audience of manufactured housing professionals dedicated to producing and delivering high quality, affordable, off-site built housing.
