Michael Fredericks is President and majority owner of SALT, where she leads the firm with vision, purpose, and a deep respect for community voice. With over 25 years of experience in architecture, planning, and facilitation, she brings a rare ability to connect big-picture thinking with meaningful, on-the-ground impact.

Michael’s work is rooted in the belief that transformational change begins with listening — especially to those closest to the outcomes. She is a trained Technology of Participation™ facilitator and has guided hundreds of community and organizational planning efforts across Alaska and beyond. Her leadership has helped Tribal organizations, nonprofits, and mission-driven teams clarify goals, align priorities, and build environments that reflect shared values.

Before joining SALT in 2018, Michael co-founded and led RIM First People, a Native-owned architecture firm dedicated to elevating Indigenous perspectives in the built environment. A proud Alaska Native of Yup’ik descent who grew up in Anchorage, she draws from both personal heritage and professional experience to foster equity, trust, and collaboration in every space she enters.

Michael holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a BA in Architectural Studies from the University of Washington. Michael, and her work has been honored with awards including the AFN President’s Small Business Award and the YWCA Women of Achievement Award.

At SALT, Michael’s leadership shapes a culture of clarity, curiosity, and care—ensuring each project begins with shared understanding and ends with lasting impact.

Away from the office, Michael lends her strategic thinking as a connector and community activator. Michael’s proudest accomplishment is the family she has created and the eclectic group that call her mom.

Qualifications: Masters of Architecture, Certification in the Technology of Participation

Yes, Please!: Knitting and Netflix.

No, thanks: Scary Movies.

Non-negotiable: Always finding the win-win.