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 related to the topic intersection between Planning and Design Thinking promoting human-centeredness in the Planning discipline to improve community engagement practices, collaboration, and planning transparency that results 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

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;
Awareness;
Education & Training;
Event Planning;
External Communications;
Innovative & Best Practices Development;
Partnership Development; and
Publications & Research

Leadership / Co-Founders

Co-Founder

Eric Howell

Eric R. Howell, NCI, brings over a decade of experience in academia, government, and the nonprofit sector, focusing on public policy, community planning, and grassroots advocacy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies and Urban Policy & Planning. He studied Civic Engagement and Design Thinking at the University of Minnesota and is currently pursuing a Master's in Public Administration in Urban Planning. A long-time member of the American Planning Association, Eric has held various leadership roles and is currently developing the APA Design Thinking in Planning Interest Group.

Co-Founder

Krysti Barksdale-Noble

Krysti J. Barksdale-Noble, AICP, has been the Community Development Director for the United City of Yorkville since May 2010. With nearly 25 years in urban planning across nonprofit, public, and private sectors, she has substantial expertise in the field. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and Regional Development and has completed coursework in the Master of Public Policy and Administration program at Northwestern University. Certified since 2007, Krysti is an active member of the American Planning Association.

Kayla Barbour

Kayla Barbour is a sustainability-focused planner and social entrepreneur based in Western Kentucky. As the founder of Ecopacity Planning, she integrates design thinking with land use planning, natural resource conservation, and localized economic growth. In 2022, Kayla completed her Master's in Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati DAAP School of Planning, focusing on Environmental Planning and earning a graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems. Kayla is excited to join as the Event Planning contact lead and as co-contact lead for the Advocacy and Partnership Development working groups.

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 is currently pursuing dual graduate degrees in Urban and Regional Planning and Public Administration at Florida State University, with a focus on neighborhood and community development and housing. Additionally, Eli holds a certificate in emergency management, highlighting their commitment to community resilience.

Chelsea Maida

Chelsea Maida is assigned by the design thinking interest group as the liaison for Florida and lead contact for Advocacy and Partnership Development. With a rich background in community engagement, advocacy, and relationship building, Chelsea is known as an "anti-parachute planner" for maintaining connections 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 holds a bachelor's degree from Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.