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

Working Groups

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
• Community of Practice
• Education & Training
• Publications & Research

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Executive 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.

Jessica Phillips

Jessica Phillips is a human-centered strategist and design thinker with a background in engineering, project management, and civic innovation. Her interdisciplinary career blends systems thinking with creative problem-solving to reimagine how we plan, build, and serve communities. Jessica's approach is rooted in empathy, equity, and curiosity, shaping everything from infrastructure to public services with people at the center. She brings experience in both federal and local government settings and is passionate about integrating design thinking into urban planning practice. Jessica is excited to support this interest group and help champion more inclusive, responsive, and imaginative planning systems.

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

Community of Practice | Position Vacant

Education & Training | Jessica Phillips

Research & Publications | Position Vacant

Support Team

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:

Community of Practice 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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