Bio:
The great designer, R. Joyce Whitley was born to college educated parents in Monroe, North Carolina. A graduate of Fisk University, Western Reserve and the University of Chicago, Whitley had a rich career in planning around the country but ultimately joined her twin architect brothers at Whitley & Whitley Architects and Planners in Cleveland, Ohio as Planning Principal. Together they would complete a host of projects in the Midwest.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
Joyce interest in planning was realized after obtaining a masters of sociology degree. She saw it as a way to help people by planning new developments, mostly housing, for people to have a better life with equitable housing.

What do you do?
Planning is the process of exploring the development of a city. Joyce directed city, regional and urban planning in her career and engaged with the public to explain their designs and how it will help their community function better.

What excites you in the work you do?
The chance to improve the built environment was exciting and fulling to her care of people. She was encouraged by and supported big ideas, which sparked her desire to know and do more, and share her knowledge to those with the same goals.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Inspiration came from a spirit to help others. She realized that many of the realities of black life were a result of the nation’s injustices and discrimination. She enjoyed engaging and connecting with other people from different walks of life.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Serving as Chief Planning Advisor for the Model Cities Administration in Washington DC, where she played a part in drafting the requirements for planning and compiled assistance materials used nationally.

Featured Project Name: 
New Town In Town
 
Featured Project Location: 
Gary Indiana
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
1975

Role in Featured Project: 
Planner
 
Featured Project Description:
This project was a yearlong process of surveying and info gathering with the Gary Department of Development and Planning and other city agencies to inform intentional planning for the growth of the city of Gary, Indiana. Working with mayor Richard G. Hatcher, locations were proposed for future development along with plans for rehabilitation. The project goal included the development of policies to better use city resources to provide proper housing and city services for all.

Photography Credit:
Whitley Family / Gary, Indiana newspaper, Post-Tribune Thursday, October 17, 1974