The Urban Design Center is thrilled to welcome two new team members who bring fresh perspectives, diverse experiences, and a shared passion for shaping accessible and vibrant urban spaces.

Dhanya Mamallan: Associate Urban Designer & Planner

Originally from Chennai, India—a city known for its rich cultural heritage and dynamic urban life—Dhanya brings a global lens to her work in urban design. She holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Chennai and earned her master’s in urban design from Georgia Tech in 2023. Her academic journey also included time in the Netherlands, where she explored Dutch planning strategies and Water Urbanism.

Dhanya was drawn to the Urban Design Center for its collaborative, community-focused approach. “The Center’s hands-on work and its engagement with grassroots projects really resonated with me,” she shares. “I believe access to well-designed urban spaces is one of the most important public goods, and I’m excited to contribute to that mission here.”

She views urban design as a powerful tool for shaping how people live, often in subtle but profound ways. “Access to good urban spaces can spark creativity, shift aspirations, and redefine daily routines,” she says. Since arriving in Charlotte, Dhanya has enjoyed exploring the city on foot—especially along the light rail corridor—and has already found a favorite local spot in Ilios Crafted Greek Restaurant.

Gracie Layman: 2025-2026 Design Fellow

Each academic year, the Urban Design Center partners with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Master of Urban Design program to host a design fellow, providing valuable real-world experience for an incoming graduate student. Gracie is our second design fellow in this collaborative program.

Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Gracie is excited to begin planting roots in the Queen City. She completed her undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech in Environmental Horticulture, with minors in Soil Science and Viticulture, in 2023.

Gracie’s background in landscape architecture sparked her interest in creating spaces that people can enjoy and connect with. “Urban design allows me to make more impactful, broad-scale designs that help build better communities,” she explains. “I love making green spaces and environmentally friendly designs, but knowing that they also meet the needs and goals of a community is incredibly rewarding.”

Her favorite city remains her hometown of Richmond, where she cherishes memories of rock hopping on the James River at Belle Isle. “It’s a place where everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of the city together,” she says—an experience that continues to inspire her vision for inclusive public spaces.

At the Urban Design Center, Gracie is eager to learn from the entire team and explore all facets of urban design. She’s especially interested in green infrastructure and sustainability and hopes to use this fellowship to help shape her future career path.

Welcome!

We’re excited to have Dhanya and Gracie on board and look forward to the creativity, insight, and energy they’ll bring to our work and the communities we serve.

Please join us in welcoming them to the team!

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