Leading with vision,
designing with purpose
Kristen Hall, AICP is an urban designer and city planner specializing in complex urban infill projects in politically challenging landscapes. Her work centers on creating equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities.For two decades, Kristen has worked across many different cities and scales to design master plans, write guidelines, direct public outreach, lead entitlement processes, and craft implementation strategies.
Her clients range from cities and private developers, to institutions and public-private partnerships. This diversity of client experience enables her to effectively lead projects which require all parties to work together. Kristen’s core area of expertise is delivering projects that call for innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.
Approach
Vision + Design
A plan begins with a vision - collectively imagined, and expertly refined. This vision is then given form through streets, parks, and buildings: ways of moving around, places of identity kept and created. The plan is implemented through clear and purposeful design guidelines, written and understood in collaboration and with city agencies, designers, and engineers.
Hand in Hand
Effectively engaging with stakeholders is key to planning for positive transformation. How can the planning process benefit a community during the process and beyond? Who are the people most likely to be impacted by the change, and how can their voices be amplified? Especially in vulnerable communities—how can an engagement process build the foundations of a larger civic infrastructure?
Build it Better
The design process is iterative, with moments for a fresh perspective to bring critique and refinement. Important ideas may need sharpening, clarity brought, or processes streamlined. KHCD advises on masterplans, design controls, implementation processes, building designs, retail and placemaking strategies, support for entitlement strategy, and feasibility.
