Bio:

The Great designer, is a trained architect and urban planner, Lesley has experience in a full range of project types and scales. Her practice includes both domestic and international experience with an emphasis on public engagement, liveable communities and sustainable design. Currently, she is envisioning a more equitable Chicago through planning and community engagement on various planning and development initiatives. Lesley is also the Director of Urban Planning and a Group Design Leader in the Chicago Studio.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

My dad introduced me to architecture in 3rd grade as he recognized my interest in drawing and building. He introduced me to the first black architect I ever met, Donald King, who taught me more about the design profession and served as a mentor.

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What do you do?

As our national practice leader for urban planning, I manage architecture and urban design projects that have a community or economic development focus across the country and in the Chicagoland Area.

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What excites you in the work you do?

Early on, a friend said I was a ‘champion for humanity ‘ because of the responsibility I felt architects had to the public. This remains true – understanding of how space impacts people’s behavior and ability to feel empowered is inspiring to me.

 

Who or what inspires you professionally?

Neighborhoods that have been systematically disenfranchised, learning how to build capacity to change their physical, and therefore, social, space.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

I have been honored by mayors and national organizations for design excellence or service. I am proud of all of my accomplishments & grateful to have the opportunity to move the needle on diversity, equity and inclusion in the profession.

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Featured Project Name: 

Matteson Streetscape

 

Featured Project Location: 

Village of Matteson, Illinois

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

July 2020

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Role in Featured Project: 

Principal-in-Charge

 

Featured Project Description:

Just south of Chicago, Matteson is a town that has remained a stable middle class, predominately African- American community even with other pressures. The Streetscape Improvement Plan for provides guidance on key strategies to create a functional, beautiful multimodal environments along the US30 and Cicero Avenue corridors. The Plan includes future policy recommendations for land use, transportation, economic development, landscape and streetscape improvements, and urban design strategies.

 

Photography Credit:

N/A

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