I’m a storyteller at heart. The most satisfying part of my job as a landscape architect/urban designer is bringing the story of a place to the surface. I’ve been lucky to design streetscapes, multi-use trails, and parks across the United States – from the route of an American Revolution Battle in Arlington, MA, to the birthplace of Dr. Seuss in Springfield, MA, to a place where Lewis and Clark slept. I enjoy learning about places through talking with the locals, walking and/or biking around the community, and digging through plans, photos, and news articles. By weaving local materials, vernacular design, wayfinding, interpretive signage, and public art into designs, I reveal the unique character of each place.
I moved from the rainy, well-caffeinated city of Seattle to join Alta’s Berkeley office. Berkeley is a great setting for Alta’s office with its pedestrian and bike-friendly streets. Whether on foot, bike, or the BART, I enjoy exploring my new city - especially the parks, trails, and the Gourmet Ghetto - with my husband and son.
Nora is a landscape architect and urban designer who combines design creativity and deep knowledge of sustainable practices to achieve holistic solutions. Nora establishes a clear vision for each project through a collaborative effort with clients, interdisciplinary teams, and communities. She champions a place-based design approach to create resilient communities that not only support active lifestyles, lively commerce, and healthy ecosystems; but also reveal the rich story of a place.
Recent Projects*
Shoreline Interurban Trail; Shoreline, WA
Nora was the lead urban designer for a three-mile segment of non-motorized trail that completed an important missing link within the Interurban Trail Regional System. Once the old Interurban Streetcar Line, this multi-use trail strengthens Shoreline’s pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. Nora developed a cohesive trail identity that showcases its cultural and natural history.
Arlington Heights Gateway Project; Arlington, MA
Nora led the production team for a streetscape redevelopment along the historic route of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. The fast track nature of this project required an intensive design review process for gaining public consensus, followed by highly efficient preparation of contract documents. Streetscape enhancements included brick sidewalks, bike lanes, street furnishings, ornamental street lighting, street trees, gateway signage, and a town clock.
Tempe Multi-Modal Transportation Plan; Tempe, AZ
Nora served as an urban designer and community outreach specialist for developing Tempe’s 20 year vision for a strong multi-modal transportation system. During a series of stakeholder and public meetings, Nora documented people’s thoughts on how to achieve a vibrant city supported by a network of transportation options.
Pinnacles National Monument Transportation Study; Paicines, CA
Nora helped develop four transportation study alternatives, graphics, and a project newsletter for Pinnacles National Monument. The study provided background information and recommendations for improving visitor access in and around the park while protecting its natural resources. Nora developed alternative concepts that effectively responded to the park’s transportation and access issues, including insufficient parking, below-standard parking areas, and operational challenges with an intermittent van shuttle system.
Squire Park Intersection Repair; Seattle, WA
Nora co-led a public outreach process that captured community-generated ideas of how to make Squire Park’s streets greener, calmer, friendlier, and safer. She developed a menu of site-specific, street-calming projects; including woonerfs, chicanes, and street painting projects. Nora helped implement an “Intersection Repair” – the first of its kind to be approved by Seattle’s Department of Transportation.
Scottsdale Road Streetscape Master Plan; Scottsdale, AZ
Nora was the project manager and urban designer for the overall master plan and design guidelines for the entire length of Scottsdale Road (25 miles). In addition, Nora managed the development of a streetscape design for two segments at the south end of the City.
Aurora Square Redevelopment Plan; Shoreline, WA
Nora was the project manager and lead urban designer for the redevelopment of a 30 acre commercial property along Highway 99 in Shoreline, WA. Redevelopment concepts were developed based on the notion that viable businesses, surrounding neighborhoods, and employment centers would be preserved and strengthen by introducing mixed-use development, high-capacity transit, and pedestrian-orientated improvements to the district. Nora led a series of workshops with project stakeholders that cultivated redevelopment concepts rooted in community values.
Columbia City Pedestrian Improvement District; Seattle, WA
Nora led a pedestrian improvement study for Columbia City, one of Seattle’s thriving historic districts. The study identified opportunities for enhancements within the historic district and beyond to include logical connections to public transportation and neighborhood destinations such as parks, the library, and shops.
*Completed while at other firms
