A CALL TO ACTION! – A Panel Discussion
May 16, 2009
San Diego architecture and design leaders discuss the building of local cultural, social and economic value despite San Diego’s long-standing aversion to Civic Building, and the recent public discourse in response to our current economic recession. Topics will include our waterfront, downtown and neighborhood civic projects, such as libraries, city hall and community centers, as well as a call to action.
Moderator: Howard Blackson, Urban Designer
Howard has over 18 years of experience in planning and urban design working throughout California, Hawaii, and Asia. A San Diego native, Howard has earned a Master of Arts degree in Urban Design from the University of Westminster, London; a Master Planning Certificate from Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Texas, Austin.
A practicing New Urbanist, Howard’s planning and design consultancy firm, PlaceMakers, has served a variety of projects ranging from downtown San Diego mixed-use buildings to master planning several large-scaled projects throughout the region, such as downtown redevelopment plans for National City, San Marcos and Ramona. Howard participated in the rebuilding of Mississippi’s gulf coast as well as the Louisiana Recovery Authority’s efforts after Hurricane Katrina. He is an advocate for innovative coding, design and public process tools in response to San Diego citizen’s current perception that all new projects are in conflict to their community’s character.
Panelist: Rob Quigley, FAIA Rob is a nationally recognized architect whose work has garnered more than 60 design awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). In 2005, the AIA California Council honored Rob with the Maybeck Award—California’s equivalent of the Gold Medal—for three decades of architectural design excellence. Rob was also an early leader in the sustainable design movement, designing solar-powered homes in the 1970s—long before “green” became an industry buzzword. His work is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to conserve natural resources. A longtime student of the public realm, Rob has focused his recent efforts on civic and academic buildings.
A native of Southern California, Rob earned his Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Utah in 1969. Upon graduation he entered the Peace Corps, where he developed his skills designing and building affordable housing in underserved areas of Chile. After two years of service, Rob settled in San Diego and opened his own architecture and planning firm. Shaped by his early experiences, he became a pioneer in the design of architecturally significant yet affordable housing for the working poor.
Panelist: Mark Steele, FAIA
Mark has been involved in planning and design in San Diego since 1978. Since founding the firm in 1983, he has guided its evolution with the vision of integrating architecture, planning, and urban design – reflecting his desire to build quality places for people and to create a more comprehensive view of the built environment. He is actively involved with all projects produced by the firm providing planning and design leadership while maintaining quality control of its work. He’s also responsible for selecting the call waiting music.
As Chair of the San Diego Planning Commission, he worked tirelessly to develop programs and policies that would directly and positively impact the people of San Diego and maintain our unique quality of life. Promoting civic responsibility and consideration for the long term, he is known for thoughtful decisions regarding the public realm causing the Urban Land Institute San Diego/Tijuana chapter to vote Mark the Smart Growth Visionary in 2004. His work as Past President of the San Diego Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and President of the California Architectural Foundation indicates his commitment to his profession. The National American Institute of Architects elevated him to Fellow in 2001 in recognition of his achievements in architecture.
Panelist: Mike Stepner, FAIA, FAICP
Mike has over 30 years of experience in leading, managing and participating in comprehensive planning programs and the development of public policy. During his 26-year tenure with the City of San Diego, from 1971 to 1997, he was responsible for myriad projects and programs, including the city’s general plan and growth management efforts as well as the preparation of community plans for both newly developing and older communities such as Downtown’s Gaslamp District and Hillcrest’s Uptown District.
He is on the faculties of the NewSchool of Architecture & Design and University of California in San Diego, where he currently serves as an adjunct professor, and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In April 2000, Mr. Stepner was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners; in 1996, he was chosen for Fellowship in the Institute for Urban Design; and, in 1992, he was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. He also received the Leadership in Planning Award from the NewSchool of Architecture in recognition of his significant contributions to the promotion of good planning concepts in San Diego. In 1991, he received the Distinguished Leadership Award of the California Chapter of the American Planning Association in recognition of his outstanding and sustained contributions to planning.
Panelist: Frank Wolden, Urban Conceptualist
Frank is a Design Principal and Urban Conceptualist with Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, has been a leader in many major design initiatives that have shaped San Diego’s redevelopment. Frank possesses a passion for design in the planning and creation of diverse urban mixed-use environments. He is currently revisiting his work with the original Horton Plaza project with an innovative approach to re-urbanize this recognized downtown revitalization anchor. And, the recently adopted Quarry Falls Plan, in Mission Valley, is an example of the innovative sustainable approach Frank brings to the dialog and form of redeveloping San Diego.
Prior to joining Carrier Johnson, Mr. Wolden was the founding principal of the firm, City Design and held senior positions in planning and architecture with the City of San Diego, Centre City Development Corporation and the Jerde Partnership in Los Angeles. Wolden received his Master of Fine Arts Degree and Bachelor of Arts Degree from San Diego State University. He serves as a guest lecturer and design instructor at San Diego State and the New School or Architecture.