The City of Charlotte’s Urban Design Center continues to strengthen its commitment to creating vibrant, people-centered spaces with the addition of three talented professionals to their team. These new hires bring diverse backgrounds in architecture, urban design, and placemaking, reinforcing Charlotte’s dedication to thoughtful urban development.

Chad Cramer: Bringing Planning Expertise with New Orleans Flair

As a Planning Project Coordinator and Urban Designer, Chad Cramer brings a unique perspective shaped by his New Orleans roots, where he developed a deep appreciation for the intricate relationship between place, culture, and nature. Armed with both Master and Bachelor of Architecture degrees from Tulane University, Chad specializes in transforming urban environments with a focus on connectivity, accessibility, and livability.

His experience in revitalizing public spaces and improving urban mobility aligns perfectly with Charlotte’s vision for sustainable urban development. Chad’s collaborative approach, working with local stakeholders and interdisciplinary teams, promises to bring innovative solutions to Charlotte. When he’s not designing better cities, you might find him on hiking trails with his adventurous feline companion, Possum.

Kara O’Hearn: Designing Connected Communities

As Planner and Urban Designer, Kara brings comprehensive academic and practical experience to Charlotte’s urban landscape. With a Master of Architecture focusing on Urbanism and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies with a Minor in Urban Studies and Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, her educational background provides a strong foundation for tackling complex urban challenges.

Her experience teaching second-year architectural design studio as a Graduate Teaching Assistant demonstrates her ability to communicate complex design principles and foster creative thinking. In the private sector, Kara has developed expertise in master planning, conceptual design across various scales, zoning overlays, and comprehensive plan work. Her passion lies in using design and analytical skills to create connected communities through multi-modal transportation networks while thoughtfully integrating natural and urban environments.

When she’s not enhancing Charlotte’s public spaces, Kara maintains an active lifestyle, participating in local races and beach volleyball competitions, embodying the dynamic spirit she brings to her urban design work.

Ria Naab: Bridging Art and Architecture

As the Placemaking Community Associate, Ria Naab brings a unique blend of artistic vision and architectural expertise to Charlotte’s urban landscape. A graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and the University of North Carolina Charlotte with a Master of Architecture, Ria discovered her passion for the Queen City during her graduate studies.

Her multidisciplinary approach combines creative expression with practical design solutions, focusing on developing sustainable spaces that foster community connection. In her role, Ria will be instrumental in managing the Placemaking Grant Program and creating engaging content for the Urban Design Center’s social media presence. Her commitment to community engagement is evident in her work to create spaces that not only look beautiful but also enhance the daily lives of Charlotte’s residents.

Welcome!

As the city continues to grow and evolve, the diverse expertise of Chad, Kara, and Ria will help shape Charlotte’s future through innovative design solutions and meaningful community engagement.

Their arrival marks an exciting chapter for the Urban Design Center, bringing fresh perspectives and specialized skills that will contribute to Charlotte’s continued development as a vibrant, sustainable, and people-centered city.

Please join us in welcoming them to the team!

P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for our Connections Newsletter to stay up to date with UDC projects around the city!