Will Linville, AICP, CNU-A Program Manager, Urban Design Center Urban Design, Urban Planning & Placemaking 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. william.linville@charlottenc.gov
Charlotte Lamb Kuuskvere, CNU-A Project Manager & Urban Designer Urban Planning and Design, Placemaking, Policy Development & Stakeholder Engagement 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. charlotte.kuuskvere@charlottenc.gov
Justin Ritchey, AICP, CNU-A Urban Designer & Project Coordinator Urban Design, Urban Planning & Transportation Planning 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. justin.ritchey@charlottenc.gov
Kara O’Hearn Urban Designer & Planner Architecture, Urban Planning and Design & Community Engagement 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. kara.ohearn@charlottenc.gov
Ria Naab Placemaking Community Associate Architecture, Urban Design, Placemaking, & Community Engagement 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. ria.naab@charlottenc.gov
Dhanya Mamallan Urban Designer & Associate Planner Architecture, Planning, Experiential Design & Research Dhanya is an Urban Designer with a background in Architecture, Planning, Experiential Design, and Research. She holds a Master of Science in Urban Design from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s in architecture from India. Over the years, Dhanya has honed her passion for cities by exploring the intersections of spatial politics, design and planning with a focus on participatory processes, urban research, and civic technology. She believes that the places we inhabit shape the people we become, and she is particularly passionate about advancing pedestrian-oriented inclusive urban environments that foster healthier, enriched and more connected communities. Beyond design, Dhanya enjoys exploring local farmers’ markets, painting, and discovering the cultural layers of new cities she calls home. dhanya.mamallan@charlottenc.gov
Karen Schultz Project Manager & Urban Designer Landscape Architecture & Urban Design Karen has a background in Landscape Architecture with a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Colorado Denver and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. With nearly five years of experience as a landscape designer in Charlotte's private sector, she developed an appreciation for the city's vibrant culture and the people that shape it. Karen is driven by research-informed design, committed to creating places that truly reflect the people and community she is designing for. In her free time, Karen can be found paddleboarding with her dog Wallace, exploring Charlotte's greenways, or cheering on Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium. karen.schultz@charlottenc.gov