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Alyssa Koehn
senior associate - placemaking and urban design
Professional Background
Alyssa Koehn is a dynamic professional who expertly navigates the intricate worlds of urban planning, policy, development, and design. With a unique ability to facilitate conversations between distinct sectors, Alyssa is currently making significant contributions as an Associate - Studio Manager on the Placemaking team at Arcadis (IBI Group). In her role, she expertly manages the team's market plan and administrative functions while leading large, complex master planning projects that shape urban landscapes. Her multifaceted experience allows her to bridge the gap between architectural design and urban planning, ensuring holistic approaches to placemaking that consider both aesthetic and practical elements.
Before embarking on her current role, Alyssa’s career path was filled with progressive responsibilities that reflected her commitment to marrying design with urban policy. She previously served as a Senior Associate - Studio Manager at Arcadis and held multiple roles at IBI Group, including Associate Manager of Urban Design, Urban Designer, and Urban Planner. This diverse background has provided Alyssa with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in urban development, making her a valuable asset in her field.
Education and Achievements
Alyssa’s strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for her successful career. She earned two Master's degrees concurrently from the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): a Master of Architecture and a Master of Urban Planning, Design, and Development from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. Impressively, she completed both degrees a year ahead of schedule while actively engaging in extracurricular initiatives. Alyssa's involvement in founding a student journal and leading two student organizations showcases her leadership skills and dedication to fostering community among fellow students.
Her education began at The University of British Columbia, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Geography. This diverse educational background, blending political understanding with geographic analysis, provided her with a robust framework for navigating the complexities of urban landscapes and policies.
Alyssa’s commitment to excellence during her academic journey is reflected in the numerous design competitions she participated in, where she not only honed her technical skills but also developed innovative design solutions that garnered recognition from her peers and faculty alike.
Notable Projects and Roles
Throughout her career, Alyssa has diversified her portfolio by engaging in various positions that have enriched her expertise in both urban design and planning. Her early experiences included working as an Intern Architect at Francl Architecture Inc. and as a City Planning Intern for the Marketing of the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program at the City and County of San Francisco. These roles provided her with a practical understanding of the implementation of policies in real-world scenarios, particularly in how design and regulation interact to produce livable urban environments.
Moreover, her tenure as a Teaching Assistant at UCLA denotes her commitment to education and mentorship, wherein she not only shared her knowledge with students but also continued to deepen her understanding of urban issues through scholarly engagement.
In her earlier years, Alyssa also played pivotal roles in administrative capacities, serving as a Project Administrator at Graham and as a Student Development Coordinator at The University of British Columbia. These positions equipped her with essential organizational and communicative skills, allowing her to navigate complex project demands and stakeholder interests seamlessly.
Leadership and Impact
Alyssa Koehn’s leadership extends beyond her professional roles; she has been actively involved in steering student initiatives at The University of British Columbia, including serving as Co-chair at the UBC Student Leadership Conference and as a Firstweek Coordinator for the AMS of UBC Vancouver. These leadership experiences have not only contributed to her development as a leader but have also fostered environments that encourage collaboration and personal growth among her peers.
Her ability to engage with diverse groups, from students to professionals in the field, highlights her commitment to making a meaningful impact in her community and beyond. As Alyssa continues to expand her influence in urban development, her background of education, experience, and leadership uniquely positions her to advocate for thoughtful, inclusive urban spaces that prioritize community needs.
In summary, Alyssa Koehn is a committed leader at the forefront of urban planning and design, with a proven track record of managing complex projects and fostering collaborative environments. Her academic achievements and multifaceted career reflect her passion for creating spaces that bring together the best of architecture and urban policy, aiming to enhance community engagement and improve the quality of urban life. As she moves forward in her career, Alyssa is poised to drive innovative approaches in urban planning, making her a distinguished figure in the field.
tags=[
urban planning
architectural design
urban policy
master planning projects
urban designer
Placemaking
leadership in urban design
UCLA
IBI Group
community engagement
urban development
student organizations
project management
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