Mickel was born and raised in New Zealand, where he began his training as a carpenter/joiner in 1985. He holds a level three New Zealand Certificate in Engineering. His carpentry apprenticeship, which included both theoretical course work and hands on building, lasted four years, and upon completion, he traveled to Holland where he lived for three years.

While in Holland, Mickel was involved with many types of building projects. He spent 3 months restoring a 700 year old church in Amsterdam and helped to renovate existing warehouses into luxury apartments in downtown Amsterdam.

For eight months, Mickel was involved in a project to build ten new houses, and finished his time in Holland bringing old houses up to new building code standards.

Upon returning to New Zealand, he began his own business as an independent renovation contractor. In the past 15 years, he has completed projects ranging from historic restorations, additions, kitchen and bathroom renovations and complete interior remodels. Mickel worked at Wellington Polytechnic for three years training new apprentices and was involved in the new Pre Employment Carpentry course.

In June 2003, he relocated to Southern Vermont, where he lives off the grid on thirty acres of beautiful wooded land. With twenty seven years as a full-time renovation carpenter and teacher he brings a love of his craft together with a high level of professionalism which is apparent both in his work and his workshops. Currently he teaches at Yestermorrow Design/Build School, and runs Real Life Renovation Workshops and Phoenix Hill Renovations.