For me, urban planning and design are about shaping the spaces where life happens, not just for today, but for the generations that will follow. Planning is the art and science of anticipating the future and setting a framework for how a community grows, adapts, and thrives. Design is the translation of those plans into places that people can feel, navigate, and connect with — places that are functional, sustainable, and beautiful.
I see planning as an act of stewardship. It’s about understanding a city’s systems, housing, transportation, economy, and environment, and ensuring they work together to create equity, opportunity, and resilience. It’s policy and vision, grounded in reality. I see design as an act of empathy. It’s about imagining the human experience within those systems, the sidewalks we walk on, the plazas where we meet friends, the housing that supports families, the green spaces that recharge us, and making them not only practical but inspiring.
My journey to this work came from a deep curiosity about how environments shape behavior and how thoughtful interventions can transform a place. From my academic training in urban planning, urban design, and environmental policy to my hands-on work with long-range planning, zoning innovation, and community engagement, I’ve seen how intentional planning and creative design can elevate quality of life.
Ultimately, planning and design to me are two halves of the same whole: planning defines where we’re going, and design defines how it feels to get there. I chose this path because I believe our built environment should reflect our highest aspirations — for connection, sustainability, and belonging.
Leave a Comment