Hi there, I'm Eric! I'm an emerging urban designer and planner nearing the end of my studies at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon, US.
In my student work I've taken on projects at the intersection of environment, food systems, public places for play, and transportation for community connection. I've worked with public and private clients, and thrown in some personal pet projects, to make visionary plans for cities and regions. My design philosphy combines bold, accessible styles with people's hopes for the future to envision spaces for connection, resilience, and fun.
Before planning, I was a research technologist in neuroscience and biomedical engineering at Northwestern University in Chicago. I used cutting edge data analysis pipelines to visualize data that expands our understanding of how the brain lets us move and feel our bodies in space. In my undergraduate psychology work at DePauw University I studied how sensation and perception let us interact with each other and develop incredible talents.
I believe that making places that work for people starts with co-creation. I engage with people who live, work, and visit the places I’m planning for to understand their wants and needs. Then the space can start to speak for itself. Geography, history, culture, and use combine to shine a light on the possibilities of the future.
I first fell in love with cities during a year studying in Tokyo. The beautifully efficient use of space, the embrace of history and modernity, and of course the impeccable public transportation system have a contagious effect. I came to understand the profound potential for cities to support limitless ways of living.
At heart I’m a dreamer. What can we learn from nature about accepting the complexities of life? How do people connect with each other, their cities, and the world? Where do we go from here? I believe the spaces we find ourselves in and the ones we create can shape the answers to these questions and more.
Let’s make beautiful places for everyone together!
Some clients of my student work:
Better Block PDX
Pickathon music festival
Portland Parks & Recreation
Press & Awards:
City Cast Portland: What’ll Happen When the Burnside Bridge Closes for 5 Years?
April 28, 2025
Bike Portland: Guest Article: ‘Better Burnside’ reimagines marquee street during upcoming bridge closure
March 26, 2025
Portland State University Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning: From “car sewer” to “signature street”: MURP students and Better Block PDX continue West Burnside efforts
February 21, 2025
Won: Council of University Transportation Centers Planning & Policy Group Award 2025
Honorable Mention: The Western Planner Conference 2025 Student Planning Project of the Year Award
