The Bottom-Up Revolution How To Design Urban Places That People Love
Nov 13, 2025
Will McCollum, a registered architect and co-founder of Citymakers Collective, shares his passion for human-centered urban design. He discusses how immersive travel shapes our understanding of urban spaces and critiques the disconnect in architectural education. Will emphasizes the need for democratizing design knowledge to create resilient communities. He also highlights his current projects that balance privacy and density while showcasing the financial benefits of new urbanism. Lastly, he encourages civic participation in shaping vibrant places.
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Toledo Door Epiphany
- Will McCollum describes opening a narrow door in Toledo and discovering a vast cathedral that surprised him.
- That sudden ‘squeeze then open’ experience solidified his desire to build walkable, surprising places.
Unexpected Music In Rome
- Tiffany Owens-Reed recalls stumbling into a free sacred performance in a Roman church from a residential plaza.
- The moment showed how everyday urban fabric can deliver spontaneous, moving experiences for residents.
Education Loses The Human Scale
- Will argues architecture education abstracts away the human experience, causing a disconnect in built spaces.
- He says grounding design in human experience must be the foundational teaching architects receive.