David Motzenbecker Claimed

David Motzenbecker, Founder of Motz Studios, is an ANFT Walk Leader, a Forest Therapy Trail Design & Certification Consultant, and an award-winning Landscape Architect practicing since 2001. David has given over 300 walks to over 2,100 participants since 2018.

​Motz Studios draws on David’s inherent curiosity about the world and his deep interest in Japan and the United Kingdom.  Fellowships in both cultures deepened his study of design, arts, history, mysticism, and spirituality - and their connection to nature.  David brings his design expertise in landscape architecture to his guide practice, demonstrating how the genius loci, or genius of the place, has affected humanity positively throughout our history. He also weaves Stoic philosophy and insights into his walks, gleaning insights and metaphors from the forest that help in shaping our everyday lives and places.  

Motzenbecker is a visionary thinker, inspirational speaker, and expert at public engagement and facilitation.  His awards include the H.W.S. Cleveland Award for Leadership Potential, and the Lob Pine Award (the highest award given in the MN Landscape Architecture community) for exemplary leadership and mentorship for the landscape architecture community over an extended period.  All these elements have coalesced over the course of David's practice shaping him as a designer, and now influencing the ethos of Motz Studios.