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Cristina Ungureanu

Senior Project Director, RIOS

Professional Background

Cristina Ungureanu is a highly skilled urban designer and planner based in Los Angeles, known for her innovative approach to placemaking and her passion for developing strategies that activate urban streetscapes. With a wealth of experience, she has held several prestigious positions throughout her career, including her current role as a Senior Project Director at RIOS, where she is responsible for growing their planning and urban design practice. Cristina's dedication to merging design with policy-making allows her to create environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and responsive to the needs of communities.

Her expertise spans a variety of domains in urban planning, including large-scale master planning and public realm design frameworks. Cristina's work is defined by her ability to engage creatively with clients and communities, focusing on iterative problem-solving that brings together diverse perspectives. This systems-based approach ensures that design solutions are sustainable and resonate deeply with the environments they inhabit.

Prior to her role at RIOS, Cristina honed her skills as an Associate and Senior Planner at WXY Studio, where she played key roles in numerous urban projects that emphasized community engagement and innovative design. She also gained invaluable experience as a Project Manager at the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, allowing her to contribute to New York City's green spaces and recreational areas. Her career has been marked by a commitment to enhancing urban life through thoughtful planning and engagement, making her a notable figure in the field of urban design.

Education and Achievements

Cristina's educational background is as impressive as her professional experience. She studied at the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she earned her Master in City Planning (MCP) with a focus on City and Regional Planning, alongside a specialized Urban Design Certificate. Her academic pursuits also led her to the Harvard Kennedy School, where she completed studies in Real Estate Finance, equipping her with the financial acumen needed to navigate complex urban development projects.

Additionally, Cristina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies, achieving Highest Honors in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley. This interdisciplinary foundation combines her interests in social science and urban development, providing her with a deep understanding of the political and social complexities involved in urban planning.

Achievements

Throughout her career, Cristina has worked on projects that have significantly transformed urban spaces, where her commitment to community engagement and strategic design has been pivotal. From her time as a Livable Streets Intern at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, where she explored sustainable transportation solutions, to her role as a Long-Term Recovery Planner at James Lee Witt Associates, Cristina has consistently demonstrated her ability to navigate complex urban issues and contribute meaningfully to the development of resilient cities.

Her contributions to urban planning are marked by a commitment to collaborative practices and innovative placemaking strategies that enhance the quality of life for residents. This has positioned Cristina as a forward-thinking leader in the urban design field, making her insights and methodologies invaluable in shaping the future of urban environments.

tags':['urban design','urban planning','placemaking research','large-scale master planning','public realm design','streetscape activation','creative engagement','policy development','systems-based problem solving','RIOS Los Angeles','WXY Studio','project management','sustainable urban development','community engagement','transportation solutions'],

questions':['How did Cristina Ungureanu develop her expertise in placemaking and urban design?','What unique strategies does Cristina employ in her large-scale master planning projects?','In what ways has Cristina's educational background influenced her approach to urban planning?','How does Cristina engage with communities to incorporate their needs into urban design frameworks?','What notable projects has Cristina worked on that exemplify her innovative approaches to streetscape activation?']} abogados.to/prime-2022-legal.png?

Cristina Ungureanu
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Location

Los Angeles Metropolitan Area