2024
INNOVATIVE URBANISM sERIES
In an era marked by rapid urbanization and climate change, our expectations for urban spaces are evolving. This series of presentations delves into the transformative potential of equitable, restorative, and responsive design in shaping future cities. We will explore how urban spaces can prioritize inclusivity and social justice, ensuring that all community members have a voice in the design process.
Through case studies and innovative practices, we will examine strategies for creating urban environments that not only meet the needs of diverse populations but also restore ecological balance and enhance resilience against climate challenges. Attendees will learn about the principles of restorative design, focusing on how urban spaces can rejuvenate both communities and ecosystems.
Join us as we envision cities that adapt to changing social and environmental landscapes, fostering equity and sustainability. This series aims to inspire urban planners, designers, and community advocates to rethink their approaches and embrace a holistic vision for future urban development. Together, we can cultivate urban spaces that are not just places to live but thriving ecosystems of opportunity and belonging.
IUS SPRING SPEAKERS
Erin Christensen Ishizaki AIA, LEED AP ND
Mithun Partner
Erin is nationally recognized for advancing sustainable, healthy development. An urban planner, designer, and architect, Erin leads plans, strategies, and design research for public, private, non-profit, and institutional clients, with experience in transit-oriented development, housing, and high-performance districts. Erin's award-winning work and collaborative, listening approach highlight the nexus of well-being, resilience, and inclusion in projects that maximize investment for all. Her research drives practice, including the widely published Mariposa Healthy Living Initiative, and shapes industry standards like the EcoDistricts Protocol and Enterprise Green Communities Criteria. Erin was recognized by the Urban Land Institute as a Global 40 Under 40 Professional.
Sandra Girgis
Mithun Senior Associate
Sandra is an urban designer, planner and project manager who is creative, and results driven. She is passionate about enhancing neighborhoods and communities to function at their greatest potential. Sandra brings experience collaborating with complex stakeholder groups, from institutions and agencies to local governments and community groups. Sandra’s work has focused on the project management of complex private development and plans with political sensitivities. Implementing plans, housing studies, site selection analysis and visioning documents for key geographies. Sandra brings experience working on the client side of a Higher Education where she spent 4 years at Harvard University in their Urban Planning and Design division implementing the Enterprise Research Campus Framework Plan.
FEB 26
WEDNEsday
11:30Am-1:00pm
2025
Steamplant Rooftop Lunch
1.5 LU/HSW (Pending)
Join us for a discussion about collective impact models and the designer’s evolving, critical role in shaping more regenerative, equitable futures for our communities. Designers, Erin Ishizaki and Sandra Girgis will share a behind the scenes view of their evolving, fourth generation design practice and how multi-disciplinary designers are engaging with communities to co-design a more resilient, inclusive future. This will include examples of place-based, collective impact models such as Just Communities, and a discussion of the designer’s evolving role in advancing positive community change. We will share lessons from over a decade of community-based, participatory research on how design, development, and place management affect wellbeing, social connections, and resilience outcomes for people. We will share an “on-the-boards” update of our work with Spokane’s University District on a next-generation 2064 Conceptual Plan. This includes how the U District can continue to pioneer regenerative urban systems in energy, infrastructure, and mobility; and can celebrate and honor this unique, special place at the bend in the majestic Spokane River where people have been coming together for thousands of years to advance a thriving, prosperous district for all.
SPONSOR
OCT 15
WEDNESDAY
11:30am-1:00pm
Steamplant Rooftop Lunch
1.5 LU/HSW (Pending)
Join us for an exploration of the importance of integrating cultural context into the design process to foster inclusivity and connection. Attendees will learn how to approach space design with sensitivity to the unique needs and values of diverse populations, examining case studies that highlight successful culturally responsive projects. The session will cover key principles, best practices, and collaborative strategies for engaging communities in the design process, ultimately empowering participants to create environments that celebrate cultural heritage and promote social cohesion. Join us to discover how thoughtful design can transform spaces into vibrant reflections of community identity and belonging.
If your company is interested in helping to sponsor these great events please email AIA Spokane
REGISTRATION
$50 REGISTRATION FEE
$20 STUDENT RATE
Each event will require separate registration.
Scholarships available upon request. Please email office@aiaspokane.org for more information.
2025
Registration
#Register2
$50 REGISTRATION FEE
$20 STUDENT RATE
Scholarships available upon request. Please email office@aiaspokane.org for more information.
If you need accessibility assistance during the event, please email us to set that up. We are happy to accommodate.