There are a number of places that I love to visit in San Francisco to spark creative thinking: Fort Funston, Telegraph Hill and the Filbert Street Steps, the Presidio and Land’s End. Here, I find inspiration and a restored freshness…
How Colorful, Charming Shopfronts can Energize Public Spaces
A couple of years ago I was traveling with a colleague to Seattle for a project. As we were walking to the hotel after dinner, we came across a beautiful storefront. It was two stories in height with high-quality detailing, red painted metal work…
Think Rome's Fountains are Just for Display? Here is how Water Elicits Joy and Exhibits Elegance in Public Spaces
One of my favorite things to witness in a city is children playing in water within a public space. The sound of their laughter every time a jet of water randomly squirts up and fills their diapers. It immediately makes me want to…
Why Kind, Beautiful Buildings Spark Joy and Happiness
I prefer to travel, in order of preference, by foot and then by bike. Most importantly, I prefer both self-propelled modes of transportation over driving a car. I have been car-free for three years…
Why Our Greatest Source of Joy and Happiness are the Vibrant, Walkable Public Spaces Around Us
As an urban designer, I am passionate about creating walkable, sustainable communities by way of physical place-making. Based on my experience, people form attachments to places they love…