MICHEAL SMELEK
PARTNER & PRINCIPLE ARCHITECT
Since learning to play golf at age eleven, Michael has been fascinated by both the complexity of the game and the diverse beauty of the environment in which it is played. This appreciation for the outdoors and an emerging talent for art led him to pursue a career in Landscape Architecture. Mike Smelek began his career in golf course and landscape architecture in 1980, when he graduated from the University of Idaho with his degree in Landscape Architecture. While attending the University of Idaho, he set a goal of specializing in golf course design and shortly after graduating, was given an opportunity to fulfill this passion. Upon graduating, Mike was immediately hired by Robert von Hagge, where he was able to cultivate his talent under one of the leading architects in the industry. In 1992, Mike was promoted to Senior Partner of the firm and in January of 1995, Mike was given the distinctive honor of being added to the firm’s name von Hagge, Smelek & Baril (vHS&B). Now, after more than four decades and the design of countless golf courses all over the world, Mike continues to utilize his extraordinary talent in all areas of the design and implementation process at Smelek Design. His meticulous attention to detail as well as diligence in performance and service continues to garner praise from clients all over the world.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture – University of Idaho
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
Registered Landscape Architect – #1090 Texas Board of Architectural Examiners Member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (1983- ???) Member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (2005-2014)
EXPERIENCE
43 years practicing golf course architecture, landscape architecture and land planning.
Design, Implementation and Construction Observation of 28 golf courses throughout Japan, Mexico and the United States
Renovation of 6 Golf Courses
100+ Upscale Residential Outdoor Living Design Including 80+ Luxury Pool Designs
Worked with Major Local Houston Developers to Master Plan Both Commercial & Residential Amenities Such
AWARDS & PRESS
We have designed and restored some of the top-rated courses in the world including the #1 and #2 golf courses in Japan, the #1 private course in Houston, Texas, a top-rated private course for the state of Texas and one of the Top 10 Affordable Public Golf Courses in America. Our world renowned and award-winning designs have hosted several professional tournament events which include PGA Tour, Senior PGA, JPGA, LPGA and US Open Qualifiers and most recently, our Le Golf National hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup Matches & 2024 Olympics.
Michael has been featured in Golf Digest, The Houston Chronicle, 2024 Houston Press Best of Houston, Golf Magazine, Golf Inc. Magazine, American Express Travel, Japanese Golf Classic Magazine, and books including “The Architects of Golf” and “Secrets of the Great Golf Course Architects”.
Smelek Design has continued the legacy with a recent renovation project garnering a finalist award in an international competition as well as a fourth-place finish in Golf Inc. Magazine’s Development of the Year 2023 for the East River 9, a nine-hole, par 3 course and entertainment venue.