This Urban Design Forum is Part 3 of the Guiding Principles Series

Missed Parts 1 and 2? Read the Recaps for Representation and Foundation and then RSVP below!

The Civic Design Center will be showcasing our new Guiding Principles for Civic Design with 4 events focusing on the 4 pillars: Representation, Foundation, Preservation, and Expansion.

Preservation: Following Foundation, we must always consider Preservation of our natural environment and promotion of good civic design. We must make sure that there are standards in policy and zoning to protect these elements, but those standards must be adaptable if they no longer benefit or represent the community.

Each event will have a panel of 3 speakers who will explore the 3 Principles within their pillar. They will use their own perspective and professional experience to provide precedents in Nashville and beyond that we can look towards as a positive example for city planning. The Design Center will moderate the panel, but all of the events are intended to precede more in-depth discussion between attendees and panelists over drinks. It is a great opportunity to network with like-minded peers and community advocates while also making strides for the implementation of the Principles within our corner of the world.

Become a member to attend the full series for free!

Meet the Panelists

Mekayle Houghton, Cumberland River Compact

Mekayle Houghton is Executive Director of the Cumberland River Compact - a regional environmental organization that addresses the root causes of water pollution and environmental degradation through action, education, and collaboration. She serves on multiple boards including River Network and the Tennessee Solar Energy Association. She earned a Bachelors and Masters degree from the University of Chicago. She and her husband have four sons and have called Nashville home for 20 years.

Dee Patel, The Hermitage Hotel

Dee Patel is Managing Director of The Hermitage Hotel, running all company facets and spearheading strategic direction of the iconic hotel. Patel was named General Manager in 2014 and then Managing Director in 2019, the first female to serve in both roles in the hotel’s 112-year history. Under her leadership, The Hermitage has garnered numerous accolades, including the designation as a National Historic Landmark, the only hotel in the state to hold this distinction.

José González, Conexión Américas

Jose is one of the co-founders of Conexión Américas, a Nashville-based nonprofit organization dedicated to building a welcoming community and creating opportunities where Latino families can belong, contribute, and succeed. He was instrumental in the building of Casa Azafrán, the nonprofit collaborative at the gateway to Nashville's International District that houses Conexión Américas and nine other partners.

What are the Guiding Principles for Civic Design?

What are the Principles all about? What are they prioritizing when it comes to urban planning and design? The Principles all specify a major theme to strive towards when it comes to the growth of our communities. Each Principle also has a set of adaptable goals that outline some concrete actions we recommend for community and design stakeholders. These Principles are based on the Design Center’s original “10 Principles” from the community-based Plan of Nashville. Check out the Principles here and commit to using them as a guide for your work.

Below are the principles that will be discussed for this event:

• Prioritize design that alleviates impact on the environment’s natural resources.

• Recognize historic and socially significant distinctions in community design.

• Promote community-supported, local economies to be equitable and sustainable.

RSVP for Preservation Below