Spring 2023

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Alumni changemaker: Joshua Son, ’14 M.U.R.P.

A curiosity about where and why developers decide to build unlocked a passion for urban planning and design

Urbanist Joshua Son (’14 M.U.R.P.) says learning how to ride a bike gave him his first real sense of freedom. It sparked his love for exploration and allowed him to go places without having to worry about a car ride. He also credits his mom for providing structure while also affording him the opportunity to do what he wanted, which allowed him to have enriching experiences. This freedom was the catalyst that formed his interest in urban planning and historic preservation. “I loved exploring downtowns and historic town centers. I noticed the mixed-use, dense nature of these areas and how different they were from the sprawl of the surrounding suburbs,” Son said. “In high school, I would meet up with friends to check out live music and bands that would be playing in local record shops and coffee shops in downtown Norfolk, and that further shaped how I perceived downtowns — vibrant, bustling, creative and diverse.” Today, Son works as a city planner for the City of Chicago. Along with reviewing large, complicated development projects, he thrives as part of a team that is developing Chicago’s own citywide framework plan. It’s something that hasn’t been done since the 1960s. Opportunities like this are what motivated Son to work in Chicago. “I personally felt I would be cheating myself as an urban planner if I didn’t try living in a bigger, more complex city with different politics, economics, natural resources, transportation and climate than I was used to in Virginia.” He credits the work experience he received as the senior planner and secretary for the Urban Design Committee with the City of Richmond. Son says that position provided him a strong foundation for his work ethic and gave him an understanding of how things get done, or accomplished, in the public sector. It aided him with the development of a new working committee in Chicago. The Committee on Design is a volunteer group of 24 urban design professionals that reviews projects with major implications for the urban design of the city. Son’s work is fulfilling his fascination with how geography and demographics play a role in where and when buildings are placed. He says he enrolled in the Wilder School master of urban and regional studies and Ωplanning program because it was the best fit for his learning style. “I wanted a degree from a program that would not only provide a strong foundation in planning theory and other academic exercises but also a program that encouraged field experience because I learn best through doing.” He offers some sage advice for Wilder School students interested in urban planning or historic preservation. “Any professional experience in this field is good experience; while it may not seem relevant to your ultimate goal at the moment, it may prove invaluable later,” he added. “Goals change as you evolve and grow, so be open to new experiences.”

"Goals change as you evolve and grow, so be open to new experiences."
-Joshua Son