Design Thinking in Planning Interest Group

About / History

The American Planning Association's Design Thinking in Planning Interest Group was birthed from the Design Thinking Series in 2022 taught by Thomas Fisher (University of Minnesota) where we, as Planners, can explore integrating Design Thinking perspectives, principles, and practices in our planning efforts as a way to be relevant to the constant changes in our communities. COVID-19 was the context we spoke about throughout the course. Participants from this course recognized this course content as essential for advancing a more human-centered and equitable approach in the field of Planning.

Vision Statement:

To serve as the American Planning Association's premier hub on the intersection between Planning and Design Thinking, promoting human-centeredness in the Planning discipline to improve community engagement practices, collaboration, and planning transparency, resulting in human-centered planning, policies, and investments.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the American Planning Association's Design Thinking In Planning Interest Group is to advance design thinking by expanding awareness, advocacy, and education across the Planning industry and in related disciplines through communications, education and training, guest speakers, events, the design of innovative and best practices, and partnership development.

Join the Interest Group

Learn more about our Interest Group, Leadership Team, and Working Groups 

Leadership Team

The APA Design Thinking In Planning Interest Group Leadership Team serves as the acting Overseer to the Working Groups and their respective Focus Areas, providing overall support, where necessary, to the Working Group Contact Leads and Contributors.

The Focus Areas include the following:

• Advocacy & Partnership Development
• Education & Training
• Events
• Publications & Research

Leadership / Co-Founders

Co-Founder and Executive Co-Director

Eric Howell

Eric Howell's 16-year planning career spans Transportation Policy, Community Development, and Grassroots Advocacy, focusing on human-centered planning. His passion for design thinking led him to pursue a Master of Professional Studies in Civic Engagement at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He has contributed to publications on innovative community engagement in transportation. In 2022, he applied design thinking in the Design for America + Mele Summer Design Accelerator, co-developing and testing user-centered product solutions with Unilever's MELE team. A longtime APA leader, he co-founded this interest group in 2023 and now serves as Executive Co-Director, aspiring to advance planning practices through design thinking.

Executive Co-Director

Kayla Barbour, MCP LFA

Kayla Barbour is a sustainability-focused planner who began practicing Design Thinking in 2017 via the Berea College Entrepreneurship for the Public Good and Stanford University Innovation Fellows programs. In 2022, Kayla completed her Master's in Community Planning at the University of Cincinnati DAAP School of Planning. As founder of ECOPACITY Planning, she strives to integrate Design Thinking within projects relevant to spatial analytics, land use planning, and economic development for private and public entities alike. Kayla is driven to immerse design thinking methodologies within the Planning field, and she’s honored to serve as Executive Co-Director of the interest group.

Eli Kennedy

Eli Kennedy brings extensive expertise in overseeing data collection and analysis, implementing efficient management practices, and seeking innovative solutions to enhance processes and workflows. Eli holds both a Master of Science in Planning degree and a Master of Public Administration degree from Florida State University. Eli specializes in community development, outreach, and housing. Additionally, Eli holds a certificate in emergency management, highlighting their commitment to community resilience.

Chelsea Maida

As treasurer, lead contact for the Advocacy & Partnership Development and Events Working Groups, and State of Florida liaison — you can typically find Chelsea Maida connecting people. As an urban designer with a rich background in community engagement, advocacy, and resiliency, Chelsea is an "anti-parachute planner" with strong investment and continued relationships from past projects. They are pursuing a Master of Social Sciences degree at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Florida State University and hold a Bachelor's degree from Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2012).

Working Group Contact Lead Information:

Advocacy & Partnership Development | Chelsea Maida

Education & Training | Vacant

Events | Chelsea Maida

Publications & Research | Vacant 

Support Team

Treasurer | Chelsea Maida 

Data & Technical Manager | Eli Kennedy

Communications | Vacant 

Learn about our Leadership Team and Working Groups and get involved.

Volunteer

The Design Thinking in Planning Interest Group is seeking volunteers to serve as:

Education & Training Working Group Lead

Publications & Research Working Group Lead

Communications Support Team member

Resources

APA Design Thinking Series

Design Thinking— a PAS Quicknotes by Thomas Fisher

Design Thinking: New Approach to Solving Planning Challenges

American Planning Association Research KnowledgeBase

Contact Us

If you have any questions or if you would like to get involved, please contact us at designthinkinginplanning@gmail.com

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