June 2023 Web Series

Community-based design initiatives can enhance the value of places and spaces as a sustainable resource for our communities. People who step into careers in community-based design and development are often already rabble-rousers and changemakers from the start in order to advocate for our communities. However, working in the fields can be isolated and feel limited. An important part of the mission of ACD is to provide resources, connections, and support for practitioners at multiple stages of a career. 

Over the course of three weeks, this series will be exploring different aspects of community design through the panelists’ real-world experience and lessons learned. Discussion about how equity, justice, and collaboration will be featured, in addition to exploring creative funding methods, building project legacies, and celebrating diversity.  

This web series is intended to rouse those working in the fields to continue to follow their own paths to do what is best for their communities and clients and to motivate those wanting to break into the fields to find a way into the work. 

June 13, 2pm EDT - Alternative Forms of Partnerships and Practice
with Miriam Gee & Haley Hardwick-Whitman of Co-Everything Studio, Brandie Mack of Designing Justice + Designing Spaces, and Bruce Engel of Bruce Engel Design

Exploring different practice models for community-based design and partnerships for how to make successful projects. Practice and partnership models vary with different elements of co-op practice and ownership, integrated workforce development and job training within the design process, and community-driven restorative justice integrated into the work they are each doing to advance the built environment. Moderated by Michelle Stadelman, Delta Design Build Workshop, ACD Board Member.

June 20, 2pm EDT - Creatively practicing community design: How to make a difference?
with Seema Thomas Guest Lecturer and Former Adjunct Professor at the University of District of Columbia and Planetizen Course Instructor, Yue Wu former Neighborhood Planning and Project Manager at the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, and Hayling Price Executive Director of Mobility Alliance Incubation Hub

The community design field spans several disciplines. The skills and experience gained from a planning, architecture, engineering, or related degree opens doors to several opportunities and some may not be considered typical pathways. In this session, attendees will hear panelists discuss how to operationalize community design work without being at a design organization. Moderated by Kimberly Burrowes, Urban Institute, ACD Board Member.

June 27, 2pm EDT - Perspectives on Practice: Exploring Pathways in Community Design
with Lily Song of Associate Professor of Race, Social Justice, & the Built Environment at Northeastern University's School of Architecture, Delma Palma with Empire State Development, and Abygail Manger with Assedo Consulting

What does it mean to navigate working in the community design field? How do we enter into this work, and how do we move through practice over the course of a career? In this session, panelists will further explore the inquiries and perspectives shaped throughout their personal and professional experiences. Moderated by Nick Guertin, Coalfield Development, ACD Board Member. 

Join us for these curated panels to understand and participate in the discussion as a community of practice. 

Free to members (sign-in to website to register for free). 

Costs: $10 per webinar for non-members, or $25 for the full series. 

Send questions to info@communitydesign.org.