Five Insights that Elevate the Voices of Women
In honor of Women's History Month, we highlight the insights and experiences of women at RDG who are influencing the built environment.
Women’s History Month is a time to honor the contributions, achievements and lasting impact of women throughout history. What began as a weeklong national celebration in 1982 — following a congressional resolution and presidential proclamation — grew into a monthlong recognition in 1987, thanks to the advocacy of the National Women’s History Project. Since then, the month has been dedicated to celebrating the vital role women have played in shaping our country. From the arts and sciences to business and public service, women’s contributions have helped define the world we live in today.
At RDG, women across our markets and disciplines lead conversations, contributing their knowledge and experience to creating thoughtful spaces that serve communities across the country. In honor of Women's History Month, we've compiled five women-authored insights that highlight their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities influencing the built environment.
Creating Inclusive Cities: Embracing Deaf Urbanism in Urban Design
In urban design, true inclusivity means going beyond basic accessibility and embracing principles that prioritize the lived experiences of all people. In this article, RDG Urban Planner Maya Struhar explores how DeafSpace and Deaf Urbanism can inform the way we shape cities, ensuring that the built environment fosters equity and belonging for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (HOH) community. By considering elements like visual connectivity, spatial awareness and sensory experiences, planners can create spaces that enhance overall quality of life. These intentional design choices don’t only benefit Deaf individuals — they contribute to a more human-centered, inclusive urban landscape for everyone.
Transformative Healthcare Design for an Ever-Changing World
The needs of healthcare environments are constantly shifting, shaped by advances in technology, evolving patient expectations and public health challenges. In this piece, RDG Architect and Partner Katie Ramsbottom, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, discusses how thoughtful, human-centered design can help healthcare spaces adapt and remain resilient over time. She highlights the importance of flexibility, sustainability and evidence-based solutions in shaping environments that support healing while also meeting the practical needs of caregivers and staff. By planning with the future in mind, designers can create healthcare spaces that are both innovative and enduring.
Demystifying NRHP Designation: Four Questions about Historic Places Recognition
For communities and property owners, securing a spot on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) can be a meaningful way to preserve architectural and cultural heritage, yet the process is often misunderstood. In this article, RDG Architectural Historian Michelle Cunliffe, AIA LEED AP, explains what makes a site eligible for designation and what it means for preservation efforts. She dispels common misconceptions about restrictions and highlights how NRHP recognition can open the door to financial incentives like tax credits and grants. By navigating this process with a clear understanding, architects and planners can help ensure that historic structures remain functional, relevant and valued for generations to come.
Creating a Housing Toolkit
Communities across the country are grappling with housing shortages, rising costs and shifting demographic needs, making it more important than ever to approach housing with strategic, adaptable solutions. In this article, RDG Urban Planner and Principal Amy Hasse, AICP explores the concept of a housing toolkit — a collection of policies, zoning strategies and design approaches that communities can use to create more diverse and attainable housing options. She discusses how a well-crafted toolkit can help local leaders navigate regulatory barriers and address housing challenges in a proactive, sustainable way. By taking a flexible and collaborative approach, communities can build housing solutions that are both innovative and responsive to their unique needs.
The Evolution and Future of Senior Living Design
As the expectations of aging populations shift, senior living design is evolving to prioritize independence, wellness and community engagement. RDG Architect Weishi Wang, AIA, LEED AP, explores how modern senior living environments are moving away from institutional models, instead incorporating hospitality-inspired elements, flexible spaces and multi-generational interaction. Thoughtful design choices can help create settings that support aging in place while fostering meaningful connections and a strong sense of belonging. By anticipating future needs, designers can craft senior living communities that enhance quality of life and provide a sense of home at every stage of aging.