“The Who” is a way for our readers to get to know the Streetsense team. This month, we’re meeting Colin Greene, Team Lead, Planning.
What is your role at Streetsense?
My role is to be a bit of a jack of all trades for planning – part designer, engagement specialist, neighborhood advocate, and, hopefully, part mentor to the rest of the team.
How long have you worked at Streetsense?
About a year and a half. I joined the team in August 2015.
What’s your favorite part about working at Streetsense?
I 100% believe in our description of ourselves as a collective. I love that we have people from so many different disciplines working together to tackle complex opportunities for a broad client base. I also really enjoy the collaborative, open dialogue between different practice groups.
What inspires you to do your best work at Streetsense?
I’ve always felt that the next project we do has to be better than the last. What’s pushed me towards achieving that goal is that, on each project, a new combination of team members with different viewpoints works together. We’ve proven that our placemaking projects get better with input from the branding and marketing practice group. Our interiors projects get better with an understanding of the public realm. Lastly, all of our projects benefit from thoughtful research and analysis before we even begin to design it.
What made you choose your profession?
I graduated with a degree in architecture and immediately started working in the world of neighborhood design with Duany Plater-Zyberk at Kentlands and Rosemary Beach. It was a real job, but I also felt like working there was like my graduate school because I learned so many things. I worked there for seven years and then left to form a studio with HOK in DC. I feel like my profession chose me once I saw the connection between public space and buildings, and how people use them together. I feel like urban design and planning create a profession where a designer can have the most impact on people’s lives.
What has been your favorite project to work on and why?
From my early work, it’s definitely Rosemary Beach. From my international work, KAPSARC (Saudi Arabia). Currently, I’m really enjoying working on the Takoma Junction project — it truly leverages Streetsense’s collective knowledge and experience.
What’s your favorite place to pull inspiration from?
Travel.
What’s a hobby you have outside of Streetsense?
I love to travel, play music, and my wife Marilyn (an interior designer) and I always have a project going on at home.
If you could have a second career, what would it be?
A children’s book author.
Currently…
Reading?
David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell
Watching?
Luther
Listening to?
I’m currently enjoying listening to my daughters “discovering” vinyl. Bowie, George Harrison, and Joni Mitchell are some of their favorites.
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