Cushing Terrell hires Keith Walzak AICP, ASLA as Director of Planning and Landscape Architecture
Walzak will focus on sustainable urban planning and post-pandemic housing and development needs for mid-sized communities across the western United States.
Keith Walzak, Director of Planning and Landscape Architecture
Cushing Terrell welcomes Keith Walzak as Director of Planning and Landscape Architecture. Walzak brings 35 years of experience in the public and private sectors leading efforts to build thriving communities through healthy, resilient placemaking design. Walzak will work to expand Cushing Terrell’s urban development portfolio in the western United States with a particular focus on Seattle, Denver, Austin, and Boise.
“Keith’s experience as a licensed landscape architect and an AICP planner adds tremendous value to our firm’s landscape architecture and planning groups,” said Wayne Freeman, Principal in Charge of Planning at Cushing Terrell. “His knowledge of and passion for urban planning and design in some of the major markets where Cushing Terrell is engaged makes him a natural fit as both mentor and brand ambassador.”
“I’m eager to leverage Cushing Terrell’s multidisciplinary structure and sustainability expertise,” said Walzak. “With the foothold the firm has established across the West, I see great potential for this team to support small and mid-sized regional towns as they plan and adapt to the post-pandemic world. Affordable housing is a core need, and Cushing Terrell is perfectly suited to help communities address this challenging planning concern.”
Walzak’s previous experience includes serving as the Integrated Planning Program Manager for the Unified Port of San Diego, as well as leading urban design and planning programs for several firms, including NBBJ, Nelsen Partners, Entranco, Inc. (AECOM), and most recently VIA Architecture in Seattle. From 2003-2007, Walzak served as the Planning and Design Director for the Three Springs Neighborhood — a master planned traditional neighborhood development in Durango, Colorado. He has held roles as a public community development and design consultant, volunteer board member, planning commissioner, and community design and public art committee member for such organizations as Habitat for Humanity (Durango) and the Historic Fox Theater renovation in Tucson, Arizona. He is a former member of the City of Seattle Design Review Board and the Downtown Seattle Association.
Walzak’s work at Cushing Terrell will emphasize business development and the pursuit of new partnerships to help communities and developers achieve equitable living opportunities, including solving for the new complexities in housing and urban development that must be considered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more about Cushing Terrell’s Planning and Landscape Architecture services.
About Cushing Terrell
Cushing Terrell was founded in 1938 on the belief that integrating architecture, engineering, and design opens the doors for deepened relationships and enhanced creativity. This foundation continues to define the firm and its multi-disciplinary team today. Driven by empathy, the team works to design systems and spaces that help people live their best lives, achieve their visions, and enjoy healthy, sustainable built environments. With more than 375 team members and expertise across the commercial, education, government, healthcare, residential, and retail markets, the firm has offices in Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Texas, and Washington. For more information about Cushing Terrell, visit cushingterrell.com.
