Toole Design Group

Sometimes it feels like planning doesn't matter because it can be so rare to see physical or behavioral changes as a result of an adopted plan. This is not the case in the City of Topeka who got about $30M to build and repair sidewalks, many of which are around schools BikeWalkKC worked with last year, alongside planners at Toole Design Group. Sidewalks are the infrastructure type most asked for in communities of all different shapes, sizes, and personality because they give people a dedicated and safe place to be. So, today, we are celebrating! Tomorrow, we keep fighting.

Last month at #AIA24, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) of Architects’ Committee on the Environment recognized the winners of this year’s AIA COTE Top Ten Awards. Each one offers lessons about the value and benefits of holistic design and cross disciplinary collaboration. Alice West Fleet Elementary School Arlington VA As this project proves, great design can solve complex problems. Driven by an intensive community engagement process, Alice West Fleet Elementary School reimagines elementary school typology to shape a compelling net zero energy and LEED Gold-certified learning environment. The project transformed a surface parking lot in Arlington, Virginia’s “Central Park” into the city’s first six-story elementary school, which boasts interior air quality that often exceeds that of the outdoors. Filled with natural light and safe materials, the school sends a resounding message to its young learners: “This space is for you!” Architect: VMDO Architects General Contractor: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Engineer - MEP: CMTA, Inc. Engineer - Structural: Springpoint (formerly Fox and Associates) Engineer - Civil: Bowman Consulting Engineer - Landscape: Waterstreet Studio Engineer - Traffic: Toole Design Group Environmental Graphic Design / Wayfinding: Iconograph, LLC Foodservice Design: EIS, Inc.  Parking: Rich & Associates Parking Consultants At this site, you can find a robust case study about this project, including complete information relating to the full AIA Framework for Design Excellence and a downloadable PDF:  https://lnkd.in/gNFwgfz3 Thank you to this year’s jury --  Nadine Saint-Louis, RA, AIA, NOMA, Chair, MCHarry & Associates, Inc., Miami Yu-Ngok Lo, FAIA, CDT, LEED AP, NCARB, YNL Architects, Culver City, Calif. Jack Rusk, Assoc. AIA, EHDD and C.Scale, San Francisco Eddy Santosa, AIA, Mott MacDonald, Los Angeles photo credits: Lincoln Barbour (gym and deck); Alan Karchmer (exteriors); Airphotos (aerial) If you are not already a member of the COTE LinkedIn group, please consider joining:  https://lnkd.in/gMNbKfxz COTE (pronounced 'coat') = Committee on the Environment; this AIA Knowledge Community was founded in 1990 and since 1997 has run the Top Ten Awards program, which was started as a way to encourage recognition of holistic excellence. IMO: The COTE community is as amazing as the acronym is not.  #MakeThingsBetter #DesignIsClimateAction #MoreJoyLessBullshit

As the 2024 #ITE Annual Conference in Philly comes to a close, I want to thank ITE—A Community of Transportation Professionals for creating the space to have remarkable conversations and meet equally passionate people. I am honored to be selected as one of this year’s ITE Young Leaders to Follow. It really means a lot that ITE recognizes the contributions that we, young professionals, make to this community! I also want to thank Toole Design Group’s continued support in my participation in ITE both as a board member of my local Section (ITE SF Bay Area Section) and my involvement in national initiatives such as the ITE Sandbox Competition (I was a judge this year! Thank you, James J. Carr II, PE, PTP, PTOE and Kathi Driggs, for the great work you do putting this together!). Lastly, I would like to share a little journal of takeaways, thoughts, and incredible advice I received over these past four days: Day 1 >> Conference travel is hard but worth it. I bonded with people from the west coast on our shared experiences of taking a redeye to Philly and participating in workshops and a reception all in the same day. I love meeting other passionate professionals who dive right in no matter how much sleep (and caffeine) we’re running on XD. >> Terminology is constantly evolving. A “stroad” is a cross between a “street” and a “road”; however, much like “futons”, which are neither a good bed nor a good couch, a “stroad” is neither a good street nor a good road. To make these safer either separate vulnerable users and reduce conflicts or integrate vulnerable users and reduce speeds! Day 2 >> If you want to make a difference, be an agitator. Speak up when you think something is wrong. We need to acknowledge the decades+ of wrongdoings (redlining, over policing) and continue to emphasize what we’re doing differently. Data, systems, standards, and engineering opinion only go so far. Consider what the community needs and make sure you get this firsthand. Have tough conversations and understand how history affects people’s trust in their leaders. Day 3 >> Look at more Latin American case studies 💖. Looking to Europe for innovation in active transportation is done often, but what we often overlook is the great work that Latin America is doing in this field. Latin America’s urban fabric was equally transformed by the invention and quick adoption of cars and deals with nearly identical issues to the United States (sprawl, high speeds, capacity, car dependence, connectivity). Day 4 >> Innovation never stops. So many moving pieces are in flux right now: automated vehicles, bike signals, policies, active transportation design, MUTCD, e-bikes, PROWAG, FHWA guides, oh my! Though it can get overwhelming, being part of the conversation ensures you’re providing your community with designs that push the envelope on safety, accessibility, equity, and, overall, public spaces that people can enjoy together. Thanks for reading! I hope we can connect in the future :)

A week ago today, the City of Half Moon Bay, CA City Council unanimously adopted the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan. It's been such an honor for our Toole Design Group team, along with our great project partners at Opticos Design, Inc. to work with City staff and the community to craft a vision the future of Main Street, Kitty Fernandez Plaza, and important gateways to downtown. The design solutions are inspired by the City's rich history as a coastal community and center an all ages and all abilities approach. More information on the project, community-driven process, and master plan is available here: https://lnkd.in/gizmYMm4