As autumn settles in and our post-summer routines take shape, I know it’s almost time once again for the annual RUDC Symposium. I first attended in 2019, when the theme Mind the Gap brought together structured conversations at the intersection of urban design teaching and practice. I still recall the provocative and inspiring discussions led by David Gamble, Anne Tate, Terry Schwartz, and Dennis Pieprz—an experience that immediately hooked me as both practitioner and adjunct faculty.
Soon after, I joined the RUDC Leadership Group and helped relaunch the symposium in the post-Covid era. In 2023, we convened in Washington, DC for Cities in Transition: Designing for a World in Flux. Last year, Indianapolis hosted Cities are Relationships: Regionalism and Polycentricity. Both gatherings featured animated debate, dynamic presentations, and unforgettable tours of the local urban environments.
Now we turn to Dallas, Texas, this year’s host city. The symposium remains RUDC’s marquee event, an annual opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and engage directly with the fabric of cities. We’re especially excited to introduce expanded programming for a full second day: in addition to morning tours, this year includes a second-day afternoon session (at no additional cost) featuring Dallas-focused speakers. Emily Liu, FAICP, Director of Planning and Development for the City of Dallas, will welcome attendees, and our closing keynote will be delivered by Donna Kacmar, FAIA, Principal of Architect Works and author.
Core programming for Day 1 includes back-to-back panels such as:
Intervening at All Scales: Pinpoint Urbanism to Citywide Strategies
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Ambitions and Shortfalls
Dissecting Housing: Missing Middle and Affordability
Urban Design for Public Health and Inclusive Design
We are also proud to present an exhibition by AIA’s Communities By Design, along with two keynote speakers: Prof. Hans E. Butzer, FAIA (Dean, University of Oklahoma College of Architecture and Principal, BAU_Butzer Architects and Urbanism) and Shane Phillips (Randall Lewis Initiative at UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies and host of the UCLA Housing Voice Podcast).
I look forward not only to the compelling programming organized by our dedicated RUDC leaders but also to reconnecting with colleagues, sharing ideas, and learning from the diverse urban experiences each of you brings. The symposium is an unparalleled opportunity to connect, grow, and, yes, earn continuing education credits.
We invite all urbanists to join us in Dallas. Registration spots are limited—reserve yours today at rudc-symposium.com.
See you in October,
Scott Archer, AIA, AICP, LEED AP ND
2025 RUDC Chair