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Diana Marsh
urban designer / urban planner
Professional Background
Diana Marsh is a seasoned urban designer and planner with extensive expertise in site planning, development reviews, zoning, and redevelopment initiatives. Over the years, she has demonstrated her unique ability to work across diversified scales and environments, effectively addressing both urban infill projects and suburban retrofitting. Her ultimate goal is to enhance the public realm within her projects; through innovative design, she shapes buildings that create visual interest while also fostering inviting open spaces.
Diana's passion for improving environmental conditions is evident in her projects as she emphasizes the importance of green streets and accessible mobility options, encouraging walking, bicycling, and better transit solutions. Her comprehensive knowledge allows her to skillfully navigate the mechanics of planning and design, employing zoning laws, crafting design guidelines, developing form-based codes, and creating redevelopment plans. Furthermore, her capabilities extend into streetscape design, sketching, massing studies, and transportation and transit planning.
Diana's career has been marked by a commitment to excellence in the field of urban design and planning, underscored by her foundational background in civil engineering and infrastructure planning. This powerful combination equips her to tackle complex challenges in the development landscape and to derive solutions that not only meet aesthetic requirements but also functional and environmental needs.
Education and Achievements
Diana's academic journey has laid a strong foundation for her professional endeavors. She pursued her Master of City Planning (MCP) at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, which is renowned for its innovative urban planning programs and its focus on real-world applications. Her academic pursuits began with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Cornell University, where she developed a robust understanding of the intertwined nature of design, engineering, and planning.
Her educational background contributes significantly to her holistic approach in urban design, where theory meets practice to create impactful outcomes. Diana’s experiences have led her to be part of various influential organizations, shaping urban landscapes both in the United States and beyond.
Key Positions Held
Diana currently serves as a Consulting Senior Urban Designer at Phillips Preiss Grygiel LLC, a firm dedicated to planning and real estate consultancy. In her role, she employs her extensive skills in urban design to contribute to innovative planning solutions.
Prior to this, Diana has held several notable positions that exhibit her commitment to the field of urban design and planning. She was the designer and planner at NAIAD DESIGN, where she integrated graphic design principles into urban planning projects. Her prior experience as a Graphic and Urban Designer at The Cecil Group allowed her to merge creativity with technicality, enriching various design projects with visual storytelling.
Diana’s professional journey also includes time as a senior Urban Designer and AICP at Phillips Preiss Grygiel LLC, where her role encompassed a more integrated approach to urban design. Before that, she served as an Urban Designer at AECOM/EDAW, where she was pivotal in integrating environmental considerations into urban planning practices.
In the capacity of Urban Planner at Calthorpe Associates, Diana further honed her skills in creating plans that balance community needs and sustainability. Early in her career, her role as a transportation planner at Parsons Brinckerhoff reflected her commitment to enhancing mobility and infrastructure within urban contexts. Each of these roles highlights her progressive mastery of urban design, solidifying her reputation in the field.
Additionally, Diana began her career as an Associate Civil Engineer at EBMUD, where she acquired invaluable technical knowledge that continues to inform her approach to urban design and engineering projects.
Graphic Design Services
Beyond her urban design capabilities, Diana also offers versatile graphic design services aimed at enhancing communication and visual engagement in projects associated with the built environment. Her graphic design works encompass a wide range of services including logo and identity creation, outreach and workshop materials, publication design, website design, and signage as well as environmental design. Diana’s skills in information design enable her to produce high-quality charts and maps that effectively convey vital data to stakeholders.
Skills and Software Expertise
Diana is not only proficient in urban design but also possesses a diverse skill set that includes expertise in various software applications essential for successful project execution. Her technical skills span software such as ArcGIS, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, HTML, CSS, SquareSpace, and WordPress, enabling her to create striking planning graphics and mapping solutions. Her prowess extends to conceptual site plan drawing and development, where she applies artistic and technical methodologies to ensure design coherency and functionality.
In addition to her design and technical skills, Diana is noted for her exceptional writing capabilities and strong data analysis skills, which assist her in crafting insightful reports, presentations, and project documentation. Moreover, her proficiency in the French language, where she is able to speak, read, and write fluently, enables her to communicate effectively in multilingual settings, thereby enhancing collaboration and outreach efforts within diverse communities.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her extensive career, Diana has contributed to numerous projects that prioritize sustainable design and community engagement. She has played a pivotal role in developing urban plans that not only meet regulatory requirements but also aim to improve the quality of life for residents. Her continuous pursuit of innovative planning solutions and design excellence has made her a vital contributor to transformative urban projects.
Diana's enthusiasm for improving public spaces makes her a proactive leader in urban design. By fostering vibrant and accessible environments, she continues to advocate for the integration of green initiatives in urban planning, thereby establishing a legacy of sustainability and community wellbeing.
Diana Marsh's journey in urban design and planning reflects her unwavering dedication to crafting spaces that resonate with the community's needs while promoting sustainability. Her ability to merge technical skills with creativity creates unique opportunities for enhancing the urban landscape, making her an invaluable asset in her field.