M2L Associates is pleased to announce that Michael Mauer, the firm’s founding principle, was a featured presenter at the 2025 US CPTED Association Conference at San Diego State University in February. Mauer, who achieved his Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) certification from the International CPTED Association, has emerged as an early adopter and advocate for including key CPTED methods and strategies in landscape architecture and urban planning projects.
CPTED is a multidisciplinary approach to crime prevention that utilizes urban and architectural design and the management of both built and natural environments. CPTED strategies aim to reduce victimization, deter potential offenders before they commit crimes, and foster a sense of community among residents to help inhabitants gain territorial control over their areas, reduce crime and minimize fear.
CPTED is new tool in optimizing sustainability, project safety
The CPTED certification extends Mauer’s comprehensive expertise and accreditations, while showcasing the firm’s commitment to designing outdoor spaces that optimize safety with proven methods to influence behavior, reduce crime, maximize environmental equity and ultimately increase quality of life.
The CPTED approach builds on four principles: natural surveillance, territorial reinforcement, natural access control and maintenance. “Landscape architects may already be designing with some of these methods in mind, like using natural landscaping barriers to separate spaces or using clear signage, wayfinding and lighting to direct visitors” Mauer said. “CPTED puts proven safety and security data behind our designs, allowing us to remove opportunities for bad actors while promoting positive behaviors and perceptions ahead of time.
“Applied correctly, our CPTED strategies give project planners, engineers and architects an increasingly valuable tool to use in making outdoor spaces safer, healthier, more sustainable and more equitable for everyone,” Mauer said. “I’m honored to be an early adopter of the tremendous value of these proven methods and look forward to showing our clients and partners how projects can look good while increasing safety and security — an outcome everyone can agree on.”
Mauer is a 1985 graduate of the Ohio State University and helped launch M2L Associates into the company it is today. He is a licensed landscape architect, certified arborist, certified green-roof professional and licensed drone operator.
CPTED awareness is growing in the LA field
While CPTED strategies are not new among professionals in security, construction and building, and risk assessment, the concepts are relatively new in the landscape architecture and urban design field, with a limited number of design professionals achieving certification through the ICA’s rigorous education, training, and mentoring programs.
Mauer is among the small percentage of landscape architects in Texas and nationwide with this certification. In addition to being a certified member of the ICA, he is also a member of the United States CPTED Association (USCPTED).
Joelle Hushen, president and CEO of the National Institute of Crime Prevention (NICP), invited Mauer to be a featured speaker at the USCPTED national conference in San Diego, California in February. His unique professional background as a landscape architect, arborist and green-roof specialist distinguishes him in the field of CPTED. At the conference, Michael delivered a presentation on landscape architecture and CPTED, highlighting the importance of trees for the health and vitality of urban communities.
Mauer promoted the unique value of trees in a neighborhood’s overall health. “The presence or absence of trees in a community can be a key indicator of the community’s overall health, encompassing economic, environmental, health and public safety aspects. Communities that neglect parks and public spaces often experience higher crime rates and a lower quality of life due to negative environmental health conditions, pollution, adverse heat island effects, and ultimately, crime.”
Contact us to learn more about how CPTED strategies can benefit your next project