Archinect - News

Taubman College gifted $1.35 million for scholarship that supports future Masters of Urban and Regional Planning students

2022-11-03T08:30:00-04:00

The University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning has received $1.35 million from retired urban planner and Taubman alumni David Lepo '78. The gift adds to the David A. Lepo Urban Planning Scholarship Fund, which he established in January 2022.

The scholarship supports students with financial needs in the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program. It also places a special focus on students from Ohio, which is where Lepo is from.

“I've had a very fortunate life, and that includes the opportunity to attend Taubman College,” said Lepo. “Some people don't have as easy a way as I did. I was very fortunate. I was an out-of-state student and could still afford to go to Michigan. I want everybody to have that chance because there's no reason not to allow everybody to rise to their best.”

Lepo worked extensively throughout California, serving as the planning director for Newport Beach, California. He also worked for the cities of Los Alamitos, Signal Hill, ...

Five job opportunities for emerging landscape designers and urban planners

2022-06-07T09:00:00-04:00

In previous weeks, we've highlighted employment opportunities for recent graduates and design professionals with 1-3 years of experience. Today, we highlight 5 jobs for firms that specialize in landscape architecture and urban planning.

Be sure to check out our editorial specific to new graduates and designers looking to kick start their careers on Archinect Jobs.

Living Habitats LLC seeks an Entry Level Landscape Designer
Location: Chicago, IL

Details: "Living Habitats is currently seeking an entry-level landscape designer to join our office in Chicago. Ideal candidates will demonstrate outstanding communication skills and design capabilities – both digital and hand drawn and the ability to work both independently and within a collaborative fast-paced environment. Successful candidates are expected to have technical proficiency in AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, G-Suite, and Adobe Creative Suite workflows. Experience in 3D modeling programs such as SketchUp, Rhino and Revit are preferre...

Donald H. Elliott, former NYC Planning Commissioner, has passed away aged 89

2021-12-30T18:07:00-05:00

More sad news to pass along in the closing days of another tragic year as The New York Times is reporting that influential preservationist and urban planner Donald H. Elliott passed away at his home in Brooklyn this past Thursday.

Elliott was chairman of New York’s City Planning Commission for a number of years through the early 1970s and was instrumental in leading a shift away from the Robert Moses-led planning mandates that were a hallmark of the region in the decades following World War II.

As chairman of the commission, Elliott oversaw the successful effort to save the South Street Seaport from redevelopment in addition to spearheading a host of other significant initiatives including the rezoning of midtown’s retail-friendly Fifth Avenue and the division of the city into over 60 individual community districts, the legacy of which is still in place today.

Elliott was born to socially-minded parents in Manhattan in 1932 and later went on to study at Carleton College before obta...

UVA professor Ellen M. Bassett has been announced as dean of Georgia Tech's College of Design

2021-12-22T10:58:00-05:00

More movement at the top of the academic landscape this week as Georgia Tech has announced University of Virginia urban and environmental planning professor Ellen M. Bassett as the next John Portman Dean’s Chair of the university’s College of Design.

A former Fulbright Scholar, Bassett has taught at Portland State University, UVA, and Michigan State. At UVA Bassett serves as the Associate Dean for Research in addition to her teaching role and is currently director of the school’s Real Estate Design and Development certificate program.

Bassett holds degrees from the University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin-Madison, respectively, and spent over a decade working in East Africa as an urban and environmental planner in addition to working closely with the World Bank and U.S. Department of State in consultant roles.

A university statement lauded Bassett for her “deep commitment to international engagement, scholarship, and teaching” as well as her “real-world impact on communi...

8 highlighted job opportunities for urban designers and planners

2021-12-16T16:57:00-05:00

Firms are preparing for the new year and many are looking for candidates to join their team in 2022. For this week's curated job post we highlight urban design and planning positions currently listed on the Archinect Job Board.

If you're preparing for an upcoming job interview or refreshing your resume and CV be sure to check out the Archinect Tips section for helpful news articles and resources to get you ready for the professional practice.

Zuccotti Park. Image courtesy of Cooper Robertson

Cooper Robertson seeks a Senior Urban Designer
Location: New York, NY

Details: "Cooper Robertson integrates architecture and urban design across all scales, from individual buildings to campuses and city districts. Founded in 1979, we are a dynamic and diverse mid-sized office that operates as a collective of architects working closely together to wed practicality and professional rigor with art and design. We are seeking a highly motivated and talented senior urban designer with proven leadershi...