In architecture and design, be it a building or a product, the classical principles of scale, proportion, detail and function all need to be in equilibrium. Those foundations are the key ingredients to great design, whether traditional or modern.
Born and raised in Africa, his 30-year architectural experience began as a student of his father’s, who taught him the beauty of detailing sketches. Today, Michael’s whimsical style is known throughout the design industry. Over the past two decades in the US, Michael has designed some of the world’s most sophisticated, award-winning luxury retreats including The Blue Train in South Africa; Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Puerto Rico; Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands; The Venetian Macau in China; and Montage Kapalua Bay in Hawaii. Michael loves to travel, and particularly enjoys the UK for its historic English country house architecture, and connecting with nature on visits back to South Africa.
Bachelor, Architecture
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Bachelor, Architectural Studies
University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
2018 US News and World Report. Montage Kapalua Bay, Maui, Hawaii. Number 1 on Maui.
2016 Africa’s Leading Luxury Train—World Travel Awards Zanzibar, Tanzania: Winner The Blue Train, South Africa
2015 Best New Restaurant on Maui—13th Annual Aipono Restaurant Awards: Winner Cane and Canoe Restaurant, Maui, Hawaii
2013 Best Hotel Interior (Americas)—International Property Awards: Winner Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico
2013 Project of the Year—Urban Land Institute (ULI) Vision Awards, Winner Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico
2009 Sustainable Hotel of the Year—HotelWorld Design Awards: Finalist The Palazzo, Las Vegas, Nevada
2008 HD Awards, Resort: Finalist The Venetian, Macau, China
2003 IHMRS Gold Key Award: Winner Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
1998 IHMRS Gold Key Award: Winner The Blue Train, Johannesburg, South Africa
Inspired design, “Storytellers,” Summer 2018.
Architect’s Choice (UK), “Architect Profile,” November 2017.
Refined Travelers, “Award-Winning Architect on the Future of Sustainable Design,” November 2017.
Jiefang Daily (Shanghai), “Hand Sketch” Cover Article, September 2016.
What Clients Want, Vol. 2, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, May 2014.
Dorado Beach, Lifetime, December 2011.
Hospitality Design, “Barefoot Elegance,” Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, August 2013.
Hospitality Design, “Perspective Places: Macao,” Michael Crosby, November 2012.
O, The Oprah Magazine, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, January 2007.
Architectural Digest, “An African Oasis Bathed in the Spray of Victoria Falls,” The Royal Livingston, November 2002.
Architectural Digest, “ The Blue Train-Traversing Southern Africa in Five Star Style,” October 2002.
“The Blue Train” by Gus Silber. First published 1999.
2019. Panel discussion: “Disaster Relief - Rebuilding the Caribbean,” HD Expo, Las Vegas, Nevada
2018. Panel discussion: “Face to Face in a Designed Space, with Wilson Associates,” BDNY, New York, New York
2013. Panel discussion: “Caribbean Luxury,” HD Boutique Expo, Miami, Florida
