Charlotte Urban Design Center

Urban Design Banner

The Charlotte Urban Design Center's mission is to advance the quality of Charlotte's built environment and bring public awareness to the importance of urban design. The center reveals how design influences quality of life and economic resilience, and advocates for great public places in a livable city.

The Charlotte Planning, Design & Development Department formed the Charlotte Urban Design Center in 2016 to consolidate its urban design consultation, placemaking, and community engagement services under one roof.

Our Work

Learn more about the diverse projects we are actively working on across the city of Charlotte.

Our Work

Family looking at posters and interacting with hands-on presentation

Outside wall of the Charlotte Urban Design Center - South End with Charlotte Crown mural

The Studio

The Charlotte Urban Design Center – South End Studio is the city’s hub for engaging the community around urban design and placemaking. It is a space where residents, artists and community organizations can access the City of Charlotte’s planning and urban design resources and staff in a single location.

The Studio

Placemaking Program

The City of Charlotte’s Placemaking Program launched in 2018 with the mission of using urban design and placemaking to transform underutilized public spaces into vibrant places for people.

Visit the Placemaking Program page to see how the City of Charlotte is using placemaking to create more vibrant and well-loved community spaces, and how you can too.

Placemaking Program

Children playing in sand pit and artists painting wall mural in background

Mobile phone recording people hanging art near outdoor wall

People Make Cities Blog

The People Make Cities blog works to advance the quality of the built environment, create public awareness, and communicate the importance of urban design in Charlotte through in-depth storytelling and thought leadership from the Urban Design team. Get sneak peeks on projects and stay up-to-date with events happening at The Studio.

Receive email updates when blogs are published on our website.

People Make Cities

Connect With Us

Opportunities to partner with the Charlotte Urban Design Center are always popping up! Follow the Urban Design Center on Instagram and Facebook (@clturbandesign) for a look into our day-to-day activities and announcements.

Interested in applying for a Placemaking Grant or joining the Creative Pool? Please join our Placemaking Program email list to receive notifications about funding cycles.

Connect With Us

Meet The Team

The Urban Design Center is made up of a team of designers with diverse backgrounds and training. They provide leadership, expertise, and design thinking for the City of Charlotte and the broader community. Each team member works to advance the quality of Charlotte's built environment through public space, placemaking, infrastructure, transportation, transit, and economic development projects.

Will Linville, AICP, CNU-A

Will has been working as an urban planner and designer for over a decade in communities across North Carolina. He obtained a Master's of Urban Design and Bachelor of Science in Geography from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is most happy walking along streets purpose-built for people and admiring the preservation of the best of the historic built environment. He's motivated to create places that are more livable, equitable, and sustainable alongside community partners. When possible, he enjoys hopping on a tractor at the family farm in western NC.

Charlotte Lamb Kuuskvere, CNU-A

Charlotte holds a Master's of Urban Design from UNC Charlotte and a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies from UNC Chapel Hill. Her career with the City of Charlotte expands beyond the Charlotte Planning, Design & Development Department, including roles as emerging executive, strategy & budget analyst, and special assistant to the Mayor and Council. Charlotte has contributed to key initiatives like Charlotte Future 2040, the Arts and Culture Plan, and previously managed the Placemaking Grant Program. As a Charlotte native passionate about creating vibrant, sustainable urban spaces, she combines her professional skills with a deep commitment to Charlotte's growth and development.

Justin Ritchey, AICP, CNU-A

Justin has an MA of City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Architecture from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He also has a BS. He previously worked in transportation planning in Philadelphia, PA, and Fayetteville, NC. He is passionate about community design and placemaking to make a positive impact in local communities by increasing accessibility to public spaces. When not at the studio, he spends his time hiking regional trails, running half marathons, and exploring the Carolinas.

Chad Cramer, LEED GA

Chad is an urban designer with a passion for creating sustainable, people-centered spaces. He is from New Orleans, which set the stage for his passion for places, culture and nature. Chad received his Master's and Bachelor of Architecture at Tulane University, and his expertise lies in transforming urban environments to enhance connectivity, accessibility and livability. He has worked on various projects focused on revitalizing public spaces, improving mobility and fostering community well-being. Driven by his commitment to shaping vibrant, inclusive cities, Chad collaborates with local stakeholders and interdisciplinary teams to bring forward-thinking solutions to life. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring nature and hiking with his cat, Possum.

Kara O’Hearn

Kara is an urban designer with a Master's of Architecture with a concentration in Urbanism and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies with a minor in Urban Studies and Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During her time getting her master’s degree, she taught a second-year architectural design studio as a graduate teaching assistant, sharing her insights on designing with complex urban environments. She has experience in urban design in the private sector through executing master plans, conceptual design across varying scales, zoning overlay planning, and comprehensive plan work. She is passionate about using her design and analytical skills to foster community, connect neighborhoods through multi-modal transportation networks, bridge the natural and urban realm, and enhance the public realm experience. Outside of the Urban Design Center, you can find Kara hitting the trails, competing in local races, or diving in the sand at the nearest volleyball courts.

Madison Dugar

Ria Naab

Ria is an avid creator concentrated in Art, Architecture and Urban Design. She brings her multidisciplinary expertise and creative vision to every project. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Clemson University and a Master of Architecture from the University of North Carolina Charlotte. At UNC Charlotte, Ria fell in love with the city and developed a passion for design that brightens and uplifts communities. Her passion stems from a profound commitment to creating sustainable, engaging spaces that enrich people's lives and foster a sense of belonging. Now, she uses her skills for the Placemaking Grant Program, producing content on social media, and facilitating events for the South End Studio. Ria seeks adventure by exploring the city, trying new hobbies, and hiking or paddling the great outdoors.