Modes of Practice is a salon series exploring the diverse ways urban design and planning are practiced today. Each salon features local NYC offices engaged in shaping cities across planning, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, economics, and engineering. A range of firms will share insights, projects, and approaches that define the evolving field. Be on the lookout as we develop the program outreaching to practices and places to meet for the upcoming AIANY Planning and Urban Design Committee monthly meetings.

AIA New York has awarded the Planning and Urban Design Committee’s “Modes of Practice” program with the 2025 VP Citation for Public Outreach. Thank you to all the local firms and organizations that have generously supported and hosted the salon series!

03/06/25
Perkins Eastman: A Global Approach to Local Placemaking | 1 LU
Eric C.Y. Fang, FAIA, AICP, LEED AP; Matthew Seybert, AIA, LEED AP

04/03/25
Climate Change: “Not in My Term of Office” | 1 LU/HSW
John Shapiro, Professor, Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment, Pratt Institute

05/01/25
Designing for Belonging: Grimshaw’s approach to Equity and Placemaking | 1 LU
Chris Obayda, RIBA, RIAS; David Dennis, AACA, NCARB, AIA; Lola Sheppard, Niharika Shekhawat, LEED GA; Daniel Latorre, the Wise City

06/05/25
SCAPE: Planning and Urban Design from a Landscape Perspective | 1 LU/HSW
Lee Altman, AIA, LEED AP, Principal; Laura Marett, ASLA, LEED AP, Principal

07/10/25
Buro Happold: Next-gen Industry Innovation Driving Cities Transformation  | 1 LU/HSW
Francesco Maria Cerroni, Mobility Leader; Mikayla Hoskins & David Bigio, Strategy & Policy

09/18/25
Union Square Partnership: What’s Next for Union Square?  | 1 LU
Ed Janoff, Deputy Director & Chief Strategy Officer

11/11/25
HR&A: Place-based Economic Development  | 1 LU
Jon Haragold, Principal; Brett Colazzi, Managing Partner

03/18/26
Gensler: Designing the Future City: Complexity, Carbon & Human-Centered Urbanism in Practice | 1 LU/HSW
Maitri Pujara; Oliver Schaper, Design Director, Principal