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RUDC Letter from the Chair (December, 2025)

By Alison Karfeld posted 7 days ago
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As many of us review our year-end “wrapped” summaries—whether from our music, reading, or even transit apps—we thought it fitting to offer an RUDC Wrapped for 2025 . It has been a transformative year across AIA, and throughout this period of change, one constant has stood out: the remarkable consistency and depth of engagement from our members. This year, RUDC surpassed 10,300 active participants on the AIA Community Hub . If you're not yet connected there, we encourage you to join the conversation—subscribe, share your thoughts, and tell us how RUDC can better support your practice and your city. RUDC now connects 22 state and local chapters ...
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RUDC Letter from the Chair (November, 2025)

By Alison Karfeld posted 24 days ago
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RUDC Letter from the Chair (November 2025) For those who joined us in Dallas for the 2025 RUDC Symposium, a two-day event filled with fast-paced presentations and tours, I hope you left as energized as I did by the enthusiasm, optimism, and problem-solving spirit that defined this year’s symposium. We explored a remarkable range of ideas, leaving both inspired and invigorated by the collective energy brought from cities across the United States and into Canada—looking at you, Toronto contingent! We owe immense gratitude to our speakers and tour leaders for curating such compelling content. Across scales and contexts, discussions spanned community-led ...
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RUDC Letter from the Chair (October 2025)

By Alison Karfeld posted 10-22-2025
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RUDC has long been one of AIA’s Knowledge Communities most deeply connected to our allied professions. We take pride in that — our events, and especially the annual RUDC Symposium, consistently draw more non-architects than architects. That’s exactly as it should be. Urban design is inherently interdisciplinary; it thrives on many voices. As I write this, just ahead of the RUDC Symposium in October (although you may be reading this after the symposium has wrapped), I’m looking at the registration list with real enthusiasm. It’s a vibrant mix of urban designers, architects, landscape architects, planners, academics, and city officials, among others — ...
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RUDC Letter from the Chair (September 2025)

By Alison Karfeld posted 09-22-2025
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As autumn settles in and our post-summer routines take shape, I know it’s almost time once again for the annual RUDC Symposium. I first attended in 2019, when the theme Mind the Gap brought together structured conversations at the intersection of urban design teaching and practice. I still recall the provocative and inspiring discussions led by David Gamble, Anne Tate, Terry Schwartz, and Dennis Pieprz—an experience that immediately hooked me as both practitioner and adjunct faculty. Soon after, I joined the RUDC Leadership Group and helped relaunch the symposium in the post-Covid era. In 2023, we convened in Washington, DC for Cities in Transition: ...
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RUDC Letter from the Chair (August 2025)

By Alison Karfeld posted 08-21-2025
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A new academic year always brings fresh energy to our profession. For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of teaching part-time at Virginia Tech’s Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center. Balancing this schedule with full-time practice can be challenging, but the inspiration our students bring—their optimism, creativity, and ambition—always outweighs the demands. They arrive eager to meet new collaborators, tackle design challenges, and shape a better future. (And honestly, is there anything more satisfying than back-to-school shopping for new pens and sketchbooks?) This year, however, begins under a shadow of uncertainty. Many international students ...
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RUDC Letter from the Chair (July 2025)

By Alison Karfeld posted 07-22-2025
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Summer is in full swing, and I hope all of us urbanists are finding time to enjoy the richness of our cities and towns – or maybe in a city or town you have the opportunity to visit. Whether at a farmers market, the playground, a celebratory event, or just observing street life from a park bench, hopefully we can all find time to engage in the amenities that our neighborhoods offer (and not just imagine them digitally with photoshop entourage). Here in Washington, DC, the pace of change is striking. Just last week, another wave of federal employees—including many architects, engineers, planners, and designers—were released through mass layoffs and reductions ...
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RUDC AIA25 Recap

By Alison Karfeld posted 06-23-2025
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RUDC AIA25 Recap By Maria Antony Katticaran, AIA The AIA 2025 Conference in Boston served as a powerful reminder of the critical, evolving role architects hold at the intersection of infrastructure, and civic life. As a transportation and infrastructure architect and urban designer, I was particularly struck by Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s reflections on the potential of design to bridge divides and foster belonging in communities historically fractured by the very systems we seek to improve. His framing of architects as stewards of connection echoes my own belief that we are, at our core, problem-solvers — uniquely positioned to synthesize technical complexity ...
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RUDC Letter from the Chair (June 2025)

By Alison Karfeld posted 06-23-2025
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“Architects create spaces where people interact — and that helps rebuild social trust in a world that desperately needs it.” AIA25 Keynote Pete Buttigieg argued that in our increasingly post-fact world, we have agency as architects and designers to help shape change. When we gather in person, in the tangible reality of physical spaces, we acknowledge a shared presence, a shared existence, and a shared respect for one another. While buildings are often designed for specific groups, the spaces between them — the urban spaces we as urban designers engage — are truly democratic: places where we can encounter one another, share experiences, and discover the unique ...
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RUDC Letter from the Chair (May 2025)

By Alison Karfeld posted 05-15-2025
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The American Institute of Architects is grounded in its nationwide network of local and state components, many of which host committees that reflect the AIA’s 21 Knowledge Communities . If you’re reading this, you’ve found your way to one—perhaps through your local chapter’s urban design, planning, or regional and urbanism-focused group. That’s how I began my journey, first as an inaugural member and then as Co-Chair of the AIA|DC Urban Design Committee (UD DC). RUDC remains a dynamic and committed group—organizing design competitions, lecture series, film screenings, panel discussions, and public programs. As I’ve moved from local engagement to national ...
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RUDC Letter from the Chair (April 2025)

By Alison Karfeld posted 04-15-2025
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5280 – If you’re from Denver, that number resonates. It’s everywhere, marking the “Mile High City.” From the row of purple seats in Coors Field to the engraved granite on the fifteenth step of the Colorado State Capitol, the mark of 5,280 feet above sea level appears again and again. (Note: Some 1969 researchers put the distinction of 5,280 feet at the 18th Capitol step, and in 2003, they changed it again to the 13th step. So let’s just say it’s approximately a mile high.) I had the privilege of visiting Denver earlier this month for the American Planning Association’s conference (#npc25). During the sessions and tours, one theme kept emerging: authenticity. ...
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RUDC Letter from the Chair (March 2025)

By Alison Karfeld posted 03-27-2025
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Letter from the Chair Scott Archer RUDC Vice Chair Peter Darby and I were honored to represent the Regional & Urban Design Knowledge Community at the AIA Leadership Summit in February. Kicking off the Summit, we participated in a Knowledge Community Leadership Retreat where AIA’s 21 Knowledge Communities alongside other leaders within AIA – such as representatives of the Strategic Council and BoKnoCo (Board Knowledge Community) – collaborated on developing ideas around themes of climate resilience, advanced technology, and equitable community development. All three themes are central to our work in Regional & Urban Design. Keep an eye out for ...
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RUDC Letter from the Chair (January 2025)

By Alison Karfeld posted 01-23-2025
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In her reflective December article, Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC – AIA’s 100th President – wrote about how she and AIA leaders helped secure the future of the Institute and our profession. “More Members,” “More Money,” and “More Mission” were the focus of 2024 and created a foundation for us all in 2025. In order to secure our future, change is inevitable, and the AIA Knowledge Communities, including Regional & Urban Design (RUDC), will be in the process of evolution this year. As the 2025 Chair, I’m excited for this opportunity to help chart our future in collaboration with the RUDC Leadership Group (including six new leaders!) and with all of you. ...
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RUDC "Cities are relationships: Regionalism Polycentricity" Symposium Recap

By Alison Karfeld posted 12-12-2024
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On November 14 and 15, RUDC hosted a symposium titled “Cities are relationships: Regionalism & Polycentricity.” Guests were welcomed to Indianapolis from all corners of the United States and across the globe. Day 1 was spent at the historic Athenaeum interacting with 21 speakers across 5 panels and 2 keystones. The topics were wide ranging yet interconnected, demonstrating that not only are communities related, but the issues the face and the solutions they utilize are related too. The day started with a discussion about how Indianapolis is planning for culture and equity by bridging gaps between groups as the city fosters thriving communities. It ...
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Letter from the Chair - Scott Archer, December Newsletter

By Alison Karfeld posted 12-12-2024
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Recently returned from Indianapolis after gathering with so many urban designers, architects, planners, landscape architects, city officials, university administrators, academics, and urbanists of all stripes, I’m reminded of how incredible and important the Regional & Urban Design Knowledge Community (RUDC) is. Urban Design as a discipline is often considered adrift between all of these disciplinary islands. While it may lack a permanent home, its flexibility and transdisciplinarity may be its primary strength. These gatherings are invigorating, educational, and growing, and we hope that other urbanists will find value and join us in the year to come! As ...
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Letter from the Chair - Jason Larrison, November Newsletter

By Alison Karfeld posted 11-01-2024
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By Jason Larrison 58 months down… 2 months to go. It was in late 2019 that I received a letter from then-president Jane Frederick, FAIA that I was appointed to the Regional and Urban Design Committee. I applied to join the RUDC after two decades of professional experience shaping the urban environment in Indianapolis. I was excited to learn from other experts in the field and to share my experiences with others. Almost five years later and things are coming to a culmination in November. I am finishing my tenure as a member of the knowledge community and as chair of the RUDC. It finishes with an exclamation point when the RUDC symposium is held ...
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Letter from the Chair - Jason Larrison, October Newsletter

By Alison Karfeld posted 09-25-2024
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By Jason Larrison My daughter’s high school recently held a “college spirit week” where they had a theme each day. One day, students were asked to wear an outfit themed to the school they want to attend; she wore a shirt from my alma mater Ball State University (chirp chirp). Another day, students were asked to dress for a profession they might want to join. She asked me what an architect’s outfit looks like; I gave her a common stereotype… black shirt, black pants, black shoes, trendy glasses, a notebook in hand, and a fine tipped pen. I gave her a scale for good measure (dad joke intended). I’ve know for a while that she wants to be an architect. ...
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Letter from the Chair - Jason Larrison, September Newsletter

By Alison Karfeld posted 08-27-2024
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By Jason Larrison Like millions of people around the world, I was glued to my television during the Olympics. I look forward to it every two years. I love the feats of human strength and endurance, the sportsmanship shown between competitors, and the collective celebration between nations. I also love the pageantry. The host city brings out their best and rolls out the welcome mat for those attending in person and virtually. Frequently large investments are made in buildings and infrastructure. Sometimes architecture steals the show (I’m still amazed by Beijing’s “Next” and “Water Cube”). But this year, Paris was not focused on highlighting ...
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Highlights from Regional and Urban Design Committee at AIA24!

By Alison Karfeld posted 07-03-2024
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The AIA RUDC Knowledge Community held a reception on Thursday, June 6 and a forum on Friday, June 7 for AIA ‘24 in Washington, D.C. These events were fun and interactive gatherings for discussing the transformative role of architecture and urban planning in the Washington D.C. metro area. Architects wield significant influence in shaping our cities, from housing and public buildings to infrastructure and public spaces. Key Points of the Discussion: ● Equity: Addressing socio-economic disparities through architectural and planning interventions, like the transformative impact of the 11th Street bridge. ● Mobility: Enhancing connectivity and accessibility ...
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April 30 "Equitable Communities Through Inclusive Urban Development AIAU Course Recap

By Alison Karfeld posted 05-08-2024
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On April 30, RUDC hosted an AIAU course entitled, "Equitable Communities Through Inclusive Urban Development." Vanessa Morrison from the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture, The University of Oklahoma and Dana McKinney White from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design presented aspects of their work addressing underserved communities. Highlighted projects from Oklahoma City and Los Angeles drew parallels in establishing facilities and comprehensive relationships. Each focused on neighborhood engagement, culture, connectivity, civic investment, and outreach to those experiencing homelessness. Moderated by RUDC member Rex Cabaniss, ...
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May Letter from the Editor -- Jason Larrison, AIA

By Alison Karfeld posted 05-06-2024
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It has been a pleasure being a part of the Regional and Urban Design Committee (RUDC) leadership these past four years and it is my honor to be the committee chair this year. The greatest enjoyment I receive comes from collaboration with my fellow committee members and other like-minded design professionals. In June, AIA will hold its annual Conference on Architecture and Design in Washington, D.C. RUDC Vice Chair Scott Archer AIA calls DC home and is creating a panel for the RUDC Forum at AIA24. He is bringing leadership from 11 th Street Bridge Park, Montgomery County Planning, and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to discuss connectivity ...
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