June 9, 2026 (Austin, TX) – RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture (RVi) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Binkowski as President. Binkowski, who served as Senior Vice President of Operations, has assumed the role following the retirement of longtime President Chris Crawford.
Binkowski brings extensive operational leadership experience and a deep understanding of RVi’s business, culture, and clients. Since joining the company, he has played a key role in driving operational excellence, strengthening team performance, and supporting strategic growth initiatives.
“Ryan’s leadership, vision, and commitment to our people and clients make him the right choice to lead RVi into its next chapter as the best outdoor experience design studio in the country,” said Crawford. “His track record of delivering results and fostering collaboration positions the company for continued success.”
Binkowski said he is honored to step into the role. “I’m excited to build on the strong foundation that Chris and our team have established to ‘Design a Better World’.” RVi has an exceptional group of professionals, and I look forward to working together to continue delivering outstanding service to our clients and partners.”
Over the course of his 40-year career, Crawford has been instrumental in RVi’s growth and success. His leadership and dedication have helped shape the firm’s culture, strengthen its reputation, and guide its continued evolution.
RVi remains committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service as it enters this new leadership chapter.
At RVi, we advocate for nature, inspire creativity, tell captivating stories, and forge strong relationships to create places with staying power. Through creative strategy and design, we lead integrated teams to envision the world’s next great communities, public places, campuses, and hospitality experiences. RVi is a part of the Atwell Family of Companies.
After decades of leadership and lasting impact, Chris Crawford is stepping into retirement and closing an extraordinary chapter at RVi. Over the course of his career, Chris has helped shape not only the firm’s growth, but also the culture and relationships that define it today. We sat down with him to reflect on his journey, the moments that mattered most, and the perspective he’s gained along the way.
How did you start working at RVi?
I joined RVi as a new college graduate in May 1986. The firm actually taught my senior design class at Texas A&M, and I was hired through that connection while I was still in school. I graduated on a Friday and started the following Monday. I still remember my first-day outfit: a mauve shirt and matching mauve pants.
Early on, I had the opportunity to work closely with the firm’s founder, Bob Richardson, and build a strong relationship with him. He became a mentor to me. After some time, I left RVi to gain experience at another firm, but seven years later, I returned. I’ve now spent the last 32 years here.
It’s a good reminder of how important relationships are. You never know when your paths might cross again or where those connections might lead.
What moments from your time at RVi stand out most to you?
Leaving RVi is not easy. This place has shaped my life in ways I will always carry with me.
I met my wife here, which makes this chapter even more meaningful, and even harder to step away from. But what I will remember most are the people. The relationships built here have defined my career and made it truly special.
Many clients and colleagues have become lifelong friends. Some of those friendships go back to when I started my career 40 years ago, and even now, we can pick up right where we left off. Even if we haven’t spoken in a long time, the moment we reconnect, it feels like no time has passed.
That sense of connection is what makes RVi different, and it is what I will carry forward.
What was your favorite or most memorable project?
I’ve had the chance to travel widely and work on a variety of meaningful projects. I’m proud of what we’ve created. Our work influences how people live, gather, and play, and I’ve been able to visit these places and see that impact firsthand. What we design becomes part of people’s everyday lives and some of their most meaningful moments. Our communities are the backdrop for first birthdays, graduations, and countless everyday experiences.
We’re not just designing projects; we’re helping shape communities in lasting ways. That’s what made every new project something to look forward to.
Looking back on your time as President, what is one thing you are most proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of how much RVi has grown. Not long ago, we were a firm of about 25 people. Today, we’re nearly 200 strong. Along the way, we’ve expanded our geographic reach and built meaningful relationships with clients and communities across the country.
What matters most is how we’ve grown. We’ve stayed true to who we are. Our creativity, our vision, and our genuine desire to shape the world around us remain at the core of everything we do. As we’ve grown, we’ve stayed grounded in the values that defined us early on, and that balance is something I’m especially proud of.
What excites you most about the future of RVi?
What excites me most is the depth of talent we’ve built, especially as we’ve brought several great firms into the fold. The people who have joined us bring new perspectives, fresh ideas, and a level of creativity that continues to push us forward.
We’re in a position now where we’re not only expanding geographically, but also expanding what we’re capable of as a firm. We’re continuing to lean into innovation, explore new ideas, and take on projects in areas we haven’t worked in before. That combination of experience and new energy is incredibly exciting, and it opens the door to possibilities we’ve never had before.
What is your advice to those just starting out their career in landscape architecture?
Focus on building relationships. Your career is about much more than good work and design. It’s about getting to know your clients, understanding what matters to them, and developing genuine, lasting connections. Those relationships are often the most meaningful part of what we do, and they shape not only the success of a project but the experience of working on it.
What do you plan on doing with your time now that you are retiring?
I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife, children, and grandchildren. I’m also excited to enjoy some of the things I love, including traveling, fishing, painting, and spending time on our ranch.
Across cities of every size, there is a growing recognition that some of the most valuable opportunities aren’t found on blank canvases; they exist in the overlooked, the underperforming, and the in-between. Vacant lots, aging plazas, and leftover parcels are increasingly being reimagined as meaningful public places that support daily life, strengthen the city’s identity, and create lasting value and memories.
This shift we’re seeing reflects a broader evolution in how urban spaces are understood and designed. Unlocking that value is not about starting from scratch. It is about recognizing the potential in what already exists and designing with intention, flexibility, and a clear understanding of how people actually use space.
“The best urban spaces aren’t defined by what they were—they’re defined by what they can become when you understand the community around them,” says RVi’s Joel Baldin, ASLA, Director of Urban Design.
From civic plazas in Chicago to adaptive reuse destinations like The Exchange in Fort Collins, we’ve seen how constraints, context, and willingness to see things differently can create something entirely new and impactful.
Seeing opportunity where others see contraints
The foundation of reimagining underutilized urban space starts with a shift in perspective. What may appear to be a limitation, an awkward parcel, aging infrastructure, or financial constraints, often becomes the catalyst for more inventive, more resilient design solutions.
Baldin emphasizes that this process begins with listening: “Every site has a story, even the ones that feel overlooked. Our role is to uncover that story and translate it into a space that feels intentional and relevant to the people who use it.”
Rather than imposing a predetermined design language, the approach should focus on context, community input and engagement, and flexibility. Urban plazas, for example, are no longer treated as static spaces, but as adaptable environments where “cool things happen,” from performances and markets to everyday informal use.
In projects like Monroe Landing Plaza in La Porte, Indiana, we’re helping transform existing parking and part of a street into a flexible community space designed for everyday use and events. The goal is to unlock new value by aligning the space with how people actually live, gather, and connect.
This approach reframes constraints as opportunities. Budget limitations, site challenges, and existing conditions are not barriers; they are design drivers that push teams toward more creative, efficient, and ultimately more authentic solutions.
Ogden Plaza Park, City of Chicago
Designing for flexibility, everyday use, and human experience
A key characteristic of successful reimagined urban spaces is flexibility, both in design and in how people experience and define the space over time.
The Exchange in Fort Collins is a clear example of this shift. What began as a deteriorating parking lot and city block evolved into a vibrant, container-based destination that supports a wide range of uses throughout the day and across seasons.
As RVi’s Paul Mills, Regional Vice President and Principal on this project explains, “We were not trying to program every space to be something—we let it be open and let people choose their adventure.”
That philosophy reflects a broader trend in urban design. Civic open spaces are being designed to accommodate variability—movable seating, open lawns, layered gathering areas, and edges that support both activity and pause. These elements allow people to shape their own experience, whether that’s a family gathering, a casual lunch, or a community event.
Baldin reinforces this idea from an urban design perspective, “The goal isn’t to control how a space is used—it’s to create the conditions for it to be used in many different ways, over time.”
This balance between structure and openness is critical. At Logan Square Plaza in Chicago, for example, layered seating, improved pedestrian connections, and flexible open areas were designed to support both daily use and small-scale gatherings, creating a space that feels active without being overdesigned.
Ultimately, we know that flexibility ensures longevity and improves performance. Spaces that can evolve alongside community needs are more resilient, more inclusive, and more likely to remain relevant over time. They also attract foot traffic, support local businesses, and increase the overall value of the surrounding area.
Designing space for flexibility is not just a design decision. It is a strategic one.
The Exchange, Fort Collins, CO
Identity through contrast, adaptation, and storytelling
We believe that reimagined urban spaces should be expressive, not just functional. They create identity, often by embracing contrast and leaning into what makes a place unique.
This idea of contrast as a design tool is becoming more prevalent. It allows projects to acknowledge their context while also signaling something new, something contemporary, dynamic, and forward-looking.
At The Exchange, that identity is shaped through adaptive reuse. Repurposed shipping containers form the edges of the site, creating intimate, people-oriented environments while framing a more open central green. Rather than blending into the historic red-brick context of Old Town Fort Collins, the project intentionally stands apart.
As Mills noted, “It’s intentionally contrasting… a surprising element.”
Baldin sees contrast and placemaking as part of a larger storytelling approach: “Placemaking is storytelling on a grand scale. Every design decision contributes to how people understand and connect with a place.”
Public art, materiality, planting, and spatial organization all play a role in shaping that story. Whether it’s restoring visibility and safety to an underperforming plaza or introducing new layers of programming and identity, the goal remains the same: create spaces that feel authentic to their community while offering something unexpected.
Reimagined spaces can shift how those in-between places work and what they become over time.
City of Fort Collins alleyway enhancements
A new way forward: Reimagining what’s already there
Looking at overlooked or underperforming urban spaces in a new way reflects a broader change in how cities evolve, respond to new needs, and think about the role of public space.
We believe that “leftover spaces” are opportunities to create connections, support local economies, and enhance everyday life. Through a combination of thoughtful design, community engagement, and a willingness to embrace constraints, these sites are being transformed into places with purpose and staying power.
As Baldin puts it, “When you approach a project with curiosity instead of assumption, you open the door to solutions that are more creative, and more meaningful.”
From Chicago to Fort Collins and in other regions of the country, the takeaway is clear: the future of urban design is about seeing what’s already there and reimagining it into something better.
April is World Landscape Architecture Month, which is centered on Landscape Architecture in Action – through design, practice, learning, and impact. To bring that theme to life, we connected with three RVi leaders to hear their insights and perspectives.
Brett Anderson, PLA, ASLA – Landscape Architecture in Action through design
Out in the field where ideas take shape. Brett Anderson out on a recent hike taking in the landscape, finding inspiration in every line, slope, and horizon.
We asked Vice President, Brett Anderson to share one design decision he made that had a big impact on a project. “It is hard to point to one decision that made a big impact,” he stated. “It is more a series of small decisions that cumulate into overall project success.” That mindset shapes how he approaches every project, with a clear personal standard: “This has to be the best project I have ever done.”
Rather than seeing constraints as limitations, Brett leans into them as part of the creative process. “Take all of the parameters, restrictions, budgets – things that you could look at as roadblocks – and incorporate them into a creative solution without sacrificing the overall outcome,” he says. “Project restrictions should not be deal-breakers, but challenges to be more creative in our solutions.” It’s a perspective that turns problem-solving into design opportunity and keeps the work both grounded and innovative.
For Brett, a project becomes tangible in the earliest moments of design. “I love to draw and sketch. Design is the language that I use to get out my ideas and thoughts.” That act of sketching is where ideas begin to take shape, where abstract concepts start becoming real places.
Inspiration is “everywhere, constant, and all around,” says Brett. As a keen observer of public spaces, he studies how people move through and interact with their environments—how circulation, materials, and the natural context influence behavior and define the character of a place. He’s especially drawn to the energy and complexity of cities like San Francisco, New York City, and Chicago, where design is constantly on display in how people gather, connect, and experience the built environment.
Andy Howard, PLA, CPSI – Landscape Architecture in Action through practice and learning
Standing small beneath something timeless. Andy Howard and family taking in the scale, perspective, and quiet inspiration only a place like this can offer.
For Andy Howard, Senior Landscape Architect, the most important parts of a project are often the ones no one ever sees.
“People rarely see the depth of the design process,” says Andy. “The rough sketches, iterative concepts, and team discussions all shape a project long before anything is built. What they experience is the final space, but behind it are layers of ideas, testing, and refinement.”
That process is anything but linear. Using Bellaboo’s Imagination Garden as an example, Andy describes the work as an “onion” of design thinking, where ideas are built up, tested, and sometimes intentionally peeled back to create a stronger outcome. Ongoing collaboration plays a key role, especially with play equipment vendors and manufacturers. Through shared sketches and multiple rounds of iteration, concepts evolve into something both imaginative and buildable.
Early in a project, success comes down to alignment. “Strong collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and the community is critical,” Andy explains. “Establishing a clear vision and continually reminding ourselves of the end user helps ground each design decision in purpose from the start.”
But some of the most meaningful lessons come after a space is in use. Watching how families and communities actually engage with parks and play environments has shifted how Andy approaches design. “You can’t fully predict the creative and unexpected ways children play and learn,” he says. “Seeing those interactions firsthand reinforces the importance of designing flexible, layered environments that invite discovery.”
That perspective is shaped by experiences beyond the office, too. Travel and time in nature—whether backpacking through Europe or hiking with family in state and national parks—continue to influence his work. “Nature offers endless inspiration. Its forms, systems, and sense of wonder all inform how I approach creating meaningful, people-centered spaces.”
At the core of it all is a belief that design should bring people together. As Andy puts it, “Families and friends that play together, stay together.”
Joemy Buschur, Sites AP, LEED Green Associate – Landscape Architecture in Action through impact
Joemy Buschur exploring Chinati Foundation in Marfa, TX and how simple forms and big landscapes come together.
For Joemy Buschur, Associate Project Manager, landscape architecture is rooted in growth—expanding how we think about design and understanding its long-term impact. Her perspective has evolved alongside the challenges shaping today’s built environment.
“The acceleration of climate change and the increased need for resiliency have changed the implications and responsibilities of design and construction,” she explains. With a background in adaptive reuse, Joemy approaches projects with a systems-based mindset—looking beyond individual elements to understand how landscapes, infrastructure, and communities work together. “It gives me the tools to take a broader view, analyze existing systems, and work collaboratively to address immediate challenges in both the urban environment and natural systems.”
That approach is grounded in continuous learning, often found outside the office. Time spent observing native plant communities has been especially influential in shaping how she thinks about design. “Spending time in natural settings has deepened my understanding of plant design,” she says. “Mimicking natural plant groupings in designed landscapes creates a true sense of place and a plant palette that’s made to thrive.”
For Joemy, impact isn’t defined by a finished project; it’s revealed over time. “I know a project is successful when I see it evolve with use,” she shares. “Adoption and adaptation by communities is the mark of a project infused with life.”
Through Joemy’s lens, Landscape Architecture in Action is both a learning process and a lasting commitment—one that connects people, ecology, and places in ways that continue to unfold over time. “I see my work as a framework for co-creation with communities for many years to come.”
From process to place
At its core, Landscape Architecture in Action is a continuous process shaped by people, perspective, and purpose. From Brett’s iterative decision-making to Andy’s behind-the-scenes collaboration and learning, to Joemy’s long-term view of impact, a common thread emerges; meaningful design evolves, adapts, and ultimately belongs to the communities who use it.
In the heart of Downtown Fort Collins, a full city block has been reimagined into a vibrant, community-centered destination. The Exchange, designed by RVi in collaboration with Brinkman Development and the City of Fort Collins, reflects what’s possible when thoughtful planning, adaptive reuse, and placemaking come together with a clear purpose.
This project wasn’t about blending in. It was about creating something intentionally different – an “open entertainment district” where people could move freely, explore local businesses, and shape their own experience. As Regional Vice President Paul Mills described, the goal was to create “an eclectic, unique space downtown that’s different… a surprising element” within the historic fabric of Old Town.
A new way to see the block
A bird’s eye view of The Exchange in the heart of downtown Fort Collins.
The Exchange began with a broader challenge: an entire block that had grown tired and underperforming over time. While the parking lot became a visible focal point, it was just one piece of a much larger opportunity. Initially, the property was acquired with plans for a more traditional mixed-use, multifamily development. But as Mills noted, “the fiscal reality to scrape everything and build a whole new building was deemed too expensive.” That constraint became the catalyst for a more creative solution.
Rather than starting from scratch, RVi worked with Brinkman Development to reimagine the site as a community-centered destination. The vision shifted toward creating a place where restaurants, bars, retail, and open space could coexist in a way that felt organic and approachable.
At the heart of the design is a central green lawn, intentionally left open and flexible. This space anchors the site while allowing it to evolve throughout the day and across seasons. It’s not over-programmed or overly defined. Instead, it invites a wide array of use, whether that’s kids playing, friends gathering, or live music activating the space.
“We’re not trying to program every space to be something,” Mills explained. “Just let it be open and let people choose their adventure.”
This mindset shaped every aspect of the project, turning what could have been a conventional development into a dynamic, community-driven environment.
Designing for flexibility, interaction, and everyday use
One of the defining characteristics of The Exchange is its emphasis on flexibility. Rather than prescribing how people should use the space, the design creates opportunities for a wide range of experiences to unfold naturally.
The central lawn is complemented by movable furniture, shaded areas, and interactive elements, such as a putting green and ping pong tables. These features allow users to shape the space as they like, by pulling chairs together, creating gathering spots, or simply finding a place to relax. “That really is the definition of flexible space,” Mills noted.
Surrounding the green, outdoor patios extend the usability of the site, supporting year-round events and entertainment. The integration of a common consumption area further enhances the experience, allowing visitors to enjoy offerings from multiple vendors while remaining within a shared, social environment.
Custom seating, benches, and thoughtfully placed gathering areas encourage people to linger. The design fosters casual interaction. It’s a place where families, students, and visitors can coexist comfortably, each finding their own way to engage in the space.
Mills described it as having “the ability to spread your wings between establishments,” where even children can move freely within a safe, open environment. That sense of freedom—of not being confined to a single use or experience—is what sets The Exchange apart.
The central lawn is complemented by movable furniture, shaded areas, and interactive elements like a putting green and ping pong tables.
Adaptive reuse and a bold design identity
Visually, The Exchange stands in deliberate contrast to its surroundings. Located within the historic context of Old Town Fort Collins, known for its consistent red brick architecture, the project introduces a fresh, contemporary character shaped by adaptive reuse.
Repurposed shipping containers define the perimeter of the site, housing a mix of local food, beverage, and retail vendors. This approach not only reflects a more sustainable, cost-effective solution, but also establishes a distinct identity for the space. “It doesn’t just blend in with the surrounding aesthetics,” Mills said. “It’s intentionally contrasting.”
That contrast is part of the experience.
The Exchange emerges as something unexpected—modern, open, and energetic. The containers create intimate, people-oriented environments along the edges, while the central green opens up to provide breathing room and visibility across the site.
Layered throughout are elements of public art, color, and texture that reinforce the eclectic spirit of Fort Collins. The design bridges indoor and outdoor experiences seamlessly, allowing people to move fluidly between vendor spaces and the open plaza.
Repurposed shipping containers define the perimeter of the site, housing a mix of local food, beverage, and retail vendors.
A thoughtful and meaningful transformation
The Exchange is a clear example of how constraints can lead to better outcomes. What began as a financially driven shift away from traditional development became an opportunity to create something more meaningful, something rooted in community, flexibility, and experience.
Through integrated design, planning, and entitlement services, RVi helped transform an overlooked site into a vibrant, family-friendly destination that supports local businesses and strengthens the cultural fabric of Old Town Fort Collins.
Every community has a story; it’s shaped by how people gather, how they move, and how they connect to the land around them. The most meaningful places don’t happen by accident. They are shaped through listening closely, asking thoughtful questions, and designing with intention.
At RVi, engagement – ranging from stakeholder collaboration to community input – is a part of how we approach every project. Whether shaping fast-growing master planned communities or park, recreation, and open space systems, the goal is the same: to create places that feel authentic, connected, and built to last.
While community engagement is often associated with public work, stakeholder engagement plays an equally important role in shaping private development and mixed-use environments.
Across our work, we’re seeing a few consistent themes emerge in how engagement continues to shape planning and design outcomes. These insights reflect how engagement is evolving as a practice and how it adapts across different regions of the country, responding to growth, culture, and community priorities.
Rather than a single approach, these themes show up in different ways across regions and project types, but consistently influence how places are envisioned, designed, and experienced.
From feedback to vision: engagement as an early design driver
Engagement is increasingly happening before a clear vision is defined. In fast-growing markets, this shifts its role from gathering feedback to helping shape what a place could become. Rather than reacting to plans, stakeholders, residents, and future users are influencing foundational decisions – how a community connects, where people gather, and what daily life looks like.
Engagement is part of the process from early planning through design, helping ensure that outcome reflects the needs and priorities of the people they serve.
In growth states like Arizona, Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas, this often means engaging early to help define what a community could be. RVi’s work on master-planned communities such as Eastmark (Mesa, AZ) and Meridiana (Brazoria County, TX) reflects this shift. Residents and stakeholders aren’t just reacting to plans; they are helping shape them. Conversations around walkability, access to nature, and everyday gathering spaces translate directly into the framework of parks, trails, and mixed-use environments.
EastVillage (Austin, TX)illustrates how early and ongoing engagement informs not just layout, but experience, blending residential, commercial, and open space into a cohesive, people-first environment.
In more established regions like the Midwest and cities like Denver, engagement often takes on a more iterative, consensus-driven role. Projects like Garfield Park Conservatory Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden (Chicago, IL) and Central Park Playground (Denver, CO) reflect the layered nature of engagement, where park districts, residents, and stakeholders shape outcomes through multiple rounds of input, helping to ensure the final design reflects long-term community priorities
Across all regions, the most successful places are shaped by engagement from start to finish.
Meridiana Master Planned Community, Brazoria County, Texas
Designing for real use: how engagement shapes experience
Across both public and private work, engagement is becoming less about collecting input and more about understanding behavior. How people want to gather, move, and spend time is directly shaping design decisions – from amenity programming in master planned communities to the activation of public spaces and mixed-use environments.
At its core, engagement is about understanding what brings people together and designing places that make those connections easier and more natural.
In rapidly growing sun belt communities, this often shows up as highly programmed, amenity-rich environments. At Meridiana, for example, community identity is built around shared experiences, from learning-focused amenities to outdoor gathering spaces, creating opportunities for interaction from day one. Similarly, Eastmark uses a network of parks, event spaces, and trails to foster connection across neighborhoods.
Places like The Exchange (Fort Collins, CO) highlight how mixed-use environments can become social anchors, blending retail, dining, and open space into a cohesive destination that encourages both planned and spontaneous interaction.
In more established regions, particularly across the Midwest, the focus often shifts toward strengthening existing community ties. Naperville’s Riverwalk (Naperville, IL) demonstrates how revitalized public spaces can reconnect communities to their surroundings while supporting both daily use and large-scale events.
Across all regions, our goal is the same, to create places where people feel a sense of belonging. The most successful places support everyday use while strengthening connections across the community.
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Integrative Medicine Garden, Barrington, IL
Nature as common ground across communities
One of the most consistent patterns across regions is the role of nature as common ground. Regardless of project type, access to open space, trails, and natural systems creates shared experiences that bring people together. Engagement efforts often reveal a strong desire for these elements – not just as amenities, but as essential parts of daily life.
Projects like Oso Bay Nature Preserve (Corpus Christi, TX)demonstrate how natural systems, water, native landscapes, and trail networks, can anchor development and create shared experiences. These environments invite people outside, encouraging everyday interaction with both nature and one another.
Our work across park systems and open space, such as Mueller Greenways (Austin, TX) and various community trail networks reinforces the idea that accessible, well-designed landscapes can support recreation, ecological awareness, and long-term stewardship.
Across geographies, nature serves as common ground. It transcends demographics, invites participation, and creates opportunities for connection that feel both universal and deeply personal.
The Southeast Greenway at Mueller in Austin, Texas.
Community and stakeholder engagement is no longer a one-size-fits-all process, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. The most successful approaches recognize that every community is different, shaped by growth patterns, cultural expectations, and local priorities.
From master planned communities to public places to campuses and hospitality environments, our work shows that while approaches may vary by region, the core principles remain the same: listen early, engage often, and design with people at the center.
Whether building new communities in fast-growing regions or reinvesting in established ones, thoughtful engagement leads to places that feel authentic, resilient, and connected. We see stronger, more lasting results when we work with designers, developers, and municipalities to align engagement with community priorities.
From environmental science to urban planning, Marie D’Addario brings a passion for sustainability, equity, and community connection to her work.
Marie D’Addario is a Planning Associate based in RVi’s Sarasota, Florida office. Her journey into planning was sparked by a love of the environment and a desire to create meaningful spaces for people. In this Employee Spotlight, Marie shares what drew her to planning, how her environmental background shapes her perspective, and why collaboration and community input are key to building places that thrive.
What inspired you to pursue a career in planning?
Planning was recommended to me while I was working on my bachelor’s degree in environmental science. I took one planning class and immediately loved how it blended my interest in the natural world with my desire to shape meaningful spaces. That experience inspired me to pursue a master’s in urban and regional planning where I discovered a passion I didn’t know I had.
Planning is everywhere. It influences how we live, work, move, and interact with the world. It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of shaping that experience. I’ll always be grateful to my environmental science capstone professor who introduced me to this path.
What’s been the most challenging part of your career so far?
I completed my master’s in 2024 and joined RVi shortly after, so one of the biggest challenges has been translating theory into real-world practice. In school, you’re working with hypothetical scenarios, but now, the work I do directly influences communities and the built environment. It’s a big shift, but also a meaningful one. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a talented, experienced, and supportive team, especially within RVi’s Florida planning group. Spanning multiple jurisdictions across the state, they’ve been instrumental in helping me navigate the transition from academia to practice and continue to support my growth as a planner.
Another challenge has been navigating the political nature of planning. Our work is often subject to public scrutiny, and balancing the interests of the public, clients, and local politics can be delicate. It’s something you really only learn on the job.
What has been your favorite or most memorable project so far?
The City of LaBelle Comprehensive Plan update has been the most rewarding so far. These long-range plans shape development for the next 20 to 40 years, so they have real power to impact a community’s future. We held a public workshop in May, and hearing directly from residents about their hopes for their city was truly inspiring.
That’s one of the things I love about planning–it’s about the ecology of human relationships and how people interact with their built environment. Our role is to make sure that environment serves them. LaBelle has been a great reminder of how planning is ultimately about people.
You mentioned that you have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. How does that influence your work as a planner?
A lot! As an undergrad, I interned and volunteered in invasive species control, plant identification, trail maintenance, and endangered species care, mostly through the North Florida Wildlife Center. That experience deepened my appreciation for the natural world.
During my master’s program, I served as a graduate research assistant focused on community resilience and climate adaptation—particularly in international communities that had experienced structural racism, disinvestment, and a lack of representation in decision-making processes. These intangible barriers significantly limited their ability to respond to climate change events. Our research explored the intersection of climate planning, food sovereignty, and community empowerment, and it underscored how deeply environmental issues are tied to social equity. The stories we encountered from these communities were both inspiring and humbling.
I truly believe the future of planning lies in harmonizing environmental stewardship with thoughtful, inclusive design. Everything from housing and transportation to green space and the natural environment needs to coexist in a way that supports both current and future generations. We can create communities that are not only functional and connected but also resilient and sustainable over the long term. That’s why I’m passionate about integrating environmentally conscious principles into every project I work on, because meaningful planning should support both people and the environment.
What is your experience with coastline preservation? What do you wish more people knew?
During grad school, I specialized in international coastal resiliency. I learned that while erosion is a natural process, it’s been worsened by encroaching development, rising sea levels, and extreme weather. The result is damage not only to habitats, but also to infrastructure and communities.
We need sustainable land use practices and community resilience strategies to reduce long-term harm and prevent displacement. The more people understand these challenges, the better equipped we are to protect our coasts for both people and nature.
What’s one small thing people can do to be better environmental stewards?
Volunteer in your community! Whether it’s a beach cleanup, helping at a wildlife shelter, or maintaining local trails, these actions make a real difference. You’ll learn a lot and see firsthand how consistent, small efforts can positively impact your community and the environment.
What do you enjoy the most about being a planner at RVi?
Definitely the people. Our Florida planning team is spread across multiple jurisdictions, which creates a unique and collaborative dynamic. Everyone brings different strengths to the table, and we genuinely support each other.
I also love working on public sector projects and developmental reviews. Getting to collaborate with other planners and help shape projects that benefit entire communities is really fulfilling.
What are some of your professional goals in the next five years?
I want to continue learning and growing as a planner. I’m currently preparing to earn my AICP certification, which is a big milestone. I’ve also been taking on more project management responsibilities. Those two things are helping me train for the next step in my career as an associate project manager.
What is a fun fact that your colleagues might not know about you?
I’ve had the chance to work with some pretty fascinating animals! During my time in conservation and endangered species, I cared for a red kangaroo named Marlu (yes, in Florida!), a Eurasian griffin vulture with a nine-foot wingspan, and several lemurs including black and white ruffed lemurs that loved to perch on my shoulder, despite being the second-loudest primates on Earth. It was an incredible experience and gave me a deep respect for the animal world.
Courtney Levingston is a Senior Planner in RVi’s Denver office. With 16 years of experience, she has expertise in both the public and private sector as a client and as a consultant. In this Employee Spotlight, Courtney shares who inspired her to pursue urban planning, the positive effects of planning in communities and lives, and unexpected facts that people may not know about the profession.
Who inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture and planning?
My grandmother. She was a World War II veteran and very active and engaged in our community, which was a small northern suburb of Detroit. Some of my earliest memories are going with her door-to-door while she gathered signatures for petitions and advocated for community-driven initiatives. From attending town meetings with her to sitting with her at the kitchen table as she single-handedly wrote a national historic resident designation for our little downtown, I witnessed her do all she could to make the place she grew up and lived in better for everyone. She taught me that with a bit of hard work, one person can make the world a better place.
What kind of education, training, and experience do you have in urban planning?
I earned my undergraduate degree in pre-law at Michigan State University, then pursued my master’s in urban and regional planning from the University of Colorado. In between that, I took a gap year to immerse myself in the Colorado lifestyle and explore other passions, particularly my love of skiing. Now, I have 16 years of experience, with most of that time spent in the public sector. I switched to the private sector when I joined RVi. I wanted to get a range of experiences and leverage my deep knowledge of Colorado’s public planning landscape to strengthen client relationships and bridge the gap between public and private sectors. I saw a disconnect between city planners and consultants, and I wanted to use my knowledge and experiences to improve collaboration and communication between them.
What do you enjoy the most about being an urban planner?
The variety of projects. I love how one day I’m working on a downtown revitalization plan, then the next day I’m facilitating a community meeting for a new park. Planning is so dynamic, and I love that it requires a blend of creativity, strategy, and problem-solving.
What has been the most challenging part of your job?
Planners can get a lot of public scrutiny. We have the best intentions of showing people how we do this work to improve communities and lives, and it’s tough when our good intentions are met with skepticism or resistance. To get past that, I try to lead with empathy and transparency, listen to the community, and show our work. When they see we have nothing to hide, and that we are genuinely interested in them as humans and not just completing a project, it helps establish trust.
What was your favorite or most memorable project?
One project that stands out was a long-range plan for a new mixed-use community that included a 70-acre park. The vision ultimately didn’t pass a public vote, but the silver lining was that we could now advocate for the property to become a full park space. In Colorado especially, we’re huge advocates for green spaces, and knowing that the community will benefit from all that open space is a win in my book.
What is something you wish more people knew about urban planning?
Planning is so much more than zoning and land use codes. It’s about shaping the way people experience and interact with the built environment. Also, your voice as a member of the community holds a lot of weight. Public input drives our projects, whether they are public or private sector initiatives. A planner’s goal is to make sure community needs are reflected in the end result.
What made you choose RVi?
The people. RVi has some of the most talented designers out there, producing beautiful, inspiring work that’s done with integrity and authenticity. As someone who formerly sat on the client side, I knew people from RVi in different capacities over the course of my career and knew I wanted to be part of a team whose values aligned with my own.
What are some of your career goals?
I want to leverage my expertise in municipal processes and public planning to help bridge the gap between public and private sectors here in Colorado and beyond. I also want to continue developing really strong client relationships for RVi moving forward.
What has been your proudest career moment?
It’s hard to say. As a planner, I’m always looking forward and not backward, so I like to live in the future. Overall, I’m proud of the work I’ve done to improve communities, and I also think the best is yet to come!
What is something your colleagues may not know about you?
My minor was in Japanese and I studied abroad in Japan, where I got to climb Mount Fuji. I played basketball growing up, and I’m a huge Denver Nuggets fan. I also love to run; sometimes, instead of a typical site walk, I’ll turn it into a site run and get the best of both worlds.
