What is your role, and what does a day in your work life at CCD look like?  

I’m an urban designer on our planning and urban design team, where I oversee the design and management of CCD parks and streetscapes. I focus on the layouts and components for seasonal programming and landscape enhancements while collaborating with other departments on CCD-led programming and design ideas. 

My work also involves conducting field evaluations of public use patterns and making sure those patterns align with plans for small open spaces and district wide blocks.  Also, I develop site analyses and mapping for projects of various scales, address planning challenges and create design concepts through 2D/3D drawings for internal use and stakeholder presentations.   

What’s your favorite thing about working at Center City District?  

My favorite thing about working at CCD is the opportunity to be hands-on in the field, conducting site observations and analysis while seeing projects make progress and people enjoy the spaces.  I also love collaborating with a diverse and committed team. 

What work are you most proud of in your role at CCD?  

There are so many projects I’m proud of, but the most recent one would be the West Walnut Street holiday streetscapes.   

As part of the project, we installed new evergreen plantings in the planter, which were thoughtfully chosen to provide year-round greenery.  Holiday ornaments and string lights were added to the planters to match the festive spirit of the holiday. In addition, decorative snowflake lighting fixtures were also added to CCD’s banner poles to create an inviting holiday atmosphere.  

It involved collaboration with many teams, and it was wonderful to see it come to life. 

If you were planning a day out in Center City, what would be on the agenda?  

I’d book a ticket for one of Ensemble Arts’ concerts or shows.  Before watching the show, I’d head to Reading Terminal Market for a bite at Saami Somi, Famous 4th Street Cookies, and Sweet Nina’s banana pudding.  After the concert, I’d walk around 15th & Sansom to find a spot for dinner. 

What is something interesting about you outside of your CCD work that you would like to share about yourself? 

I love playing musical instruments.  I started learning how to play musical instruments when I was 4, starting with the piano and flute.  In school, I played the piano for music classes and accordion in the orchestra.  In college, I was the bass guitar player in a rock band. 

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