John is an artist, urban designer, architect, planner, and storyteller. As a partner at MAKERS through 2020, he has made an indelible impact on the urban design and planning profession, on work ranging from waterfronts and public improvement projects to site master planning, comprehensive planning, and urban design projects. Of particular note is the work he did to draft the region’s first set of design guidelines and to assist the State of Washington Department of Ecology on the state shoreline management rules. John is known for his unparalleled design and graphic skills, as well as his ability to built consensus to act on difficult planning and urban design issues. As a constant observer, critic and thinker, he has dedicated his life to understanding the human experience, natural systems and cultural change and applying his observations to help create people-oriented places that foster healthy ecological systems.
Now as partner emeritus, John focuses on challenging projects requiring innovative solutions to address current issues, including housing, adaptation to climate change, regional ecological sustainability, and downtown revitalization.