Adana Vincent: Cities are living, breathing entities. They evolve, adapt, and tell the story of the people who inhabit them. Your work as an urban designer places you at the heart of this transformation. Can you start by telling us about your journey into urban design?
Uttara Ramakrishnan: Absolutely. My journey into urban design was shaped by both my upbringing in Mumbai and my academic and professional experiences. Growing up in a city like Mumbai, with its stark social and spatial disparities, made me deeply conscious of the way urban spaces shape people’s lives. I started out studying architecture, but I was always drawn toward the broader questions of how cities evolve and how design can be used as a tool for social equity.
One of my most formative projects was an urban graphic novel I created while working as a researcher at the School of Environment and Architecture. Titled Of Trips and Obsessions, it explored the vast networks of Mumbai’s electronic market cluster. That project helped me realize that cities are made up of intricate, layered stories—each street and building is part of a larger narrative. That curiosity led me to urban design.
AV: Your work is deeply rooted in social justice and inclusivity. Can you tell us more about your research on gender equity and your involvement in Mumbai’s Development Plan 2034?
UR: That was a pivotal moment in my career. In 2016, I worked with a team of researchers commissioned by Akshara Centre, an NGO focused on women’s rights. We developed gender-inclusive recommendations for Mumbai’s Development Plan 2034. Our report was a success—the city adopted its first-ever chapter on gender inclusivity. That was an eye-opening experience because it showed me that design can be a vehicle for systemic change.
I’ve also worked on several initiatives that prioritize marginalized communities. For instance, I co-authored a report assessing the accessibility of Mumbai’s suburban railway stations for disabled people. Our findings led to modifications in station design that made transit more accessible. These projects reinforced my belief that urban design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that work for everyone.
AV: You’ve worked internationally with major urban design firms and research institutions. How did your career evolve from your early projects in Mumbai to your current role as an Urban Designer and Planner for the City of Berkeley, CA?
UR: After completing my Master’s in Urban Design at the University of Texas at Austin, I started working with various firms and agencies across the United States. One of the most impactful positions I held was at Perkins&Will, where I worked on projects like the Oklahoma City Innovation District and the Capitol Environs Land Use and Strategic Development Plan. Those projects taught me the complexities of strategic urban planning, economic mobility, and inclusive development.
I later moved into public sector work, which aligned with my values of community-driven design. My current role with the City of Berkeley allows me to focus on equitable urban planning, mobility strategies, and housing development. Berkeley is a city with a rich history of activism and progressive urban policies, and it’s inspiring to be part of that landscape. I work on projects that prioritize walkability, affordability, and environmental sustainability—issues that are critical to cities today.
AV: One of your recent projects, which won an award from AIA Austin, was with People United for Mobility Action (PUMA). Could you share more about that experience?
UR: That project was incredibly rewarding. People United for Mobility Action (PUMA) is a mobility planning organization dedicated to making transportation systems more accessible and equitable. When AIA issued a call for proposals under the theme Force Majeure, Urbinden, a local design firm, wanted to collaborate with PUMA. I saw it as the perfect opportunity to develop a tangible design and policy solution addressing environmental challenges. It was an exciting chance to explore how design, research, and policy can intersect to create meaningful urban solutions. The project’s success and recognition by AIA Austin reinforced my belief in the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping more sustainable and inclusive cities.
AV: What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in urban design today, particularly in cities like Berkeley?
UR: One of the most pressing challenges is balancing growth with affordability. Cities are expanding rapidly, and development often leads to displacement and gentrification. In Berkeley, we’re working on strategies that support inclusive growth—such as policies that promote affordable housing, public transit investments, and mixed-use developments.
Another challenge is the climate crisis. Urban design must incorporate resilience strategies, from green infrastructure to energy-efficient buildings and transit-oriented developments. The way we design our cities now will have long-term environmental and social impacts.
A.: Your work bridges research, activism, and design. How do you maintain that balance in your projects?
UR: I see design as an extension of activism. My work is about creating tangible, built environments that embody social justice principles. I always approach projects with a research-driven mindset—analyzing historical patterns, policy frameworks, and lived experiences before proposing solutions.
I also believe in interdisciplinary collaboration. I’ve had the opportunity to work with architects, policymakers, transit planners, and community advocates. That cross-pollination of ideas leads to stronger, more holistic urban solutions. I don’t see urban design as just about shaping spaces; it’s about shaping policies, behaviors, and futures.
AV: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of urban design? Are there any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?
UR: I’m excited about the potential for more community-led urban initiatives. With technological advances and open-source data, residents can now play a more active role in shaping their cities. Participatory urbanism is something I deeply believe in, and I hope to continue working on projects that center community voices.
As for upcoming projects, I’m currently involved in an initiative that aims to create more people-first streets in Berkeley—designing spaces that prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit over cars. It’s a step toward a more sustainable and inclusive urban future.
AV: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring urban designers who want to follow a path similar to yours?
UR: Stay curious and engaged with the world around you. Read widely—not just about urban design, but about history, sociology, and politics, because cities are shaped by all these forces. Get involved in grassroots organizations and advocacy groups—real-world experience will teach you things that no classroom can. And most importantly, listen to communities. The best design solutions emerge from understanding people’s lived experiences.
AV: Thank you, Uttara. It’s been an inspiring conversation, and we look forward to seeing more of your transformative work in the future.
UR: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these ideas.
Interview by Adana Vincent
