Full Day Continuing Education

Urbanism Continuum CE day

9:00-9:30am Breakfast and Registration

9:30-10:45am
Building Bridges: Collaborative Placemaking in the Bayou City <Credit Pending>
Presented by Michael Robinson, PLA, ASLA, Principal, SWA Group

Michael is a landscape architect focused on the intersection of infrastructure and public space. He leads the design and implementation of complex park, trail, and civic landscape projects, connecting regional systems into cohesive, accessible environments. His work spans planning through realization, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and public agencies to deliver resilient, buildable solutions. With a background in both architecture and landscape architecture, he brings a systems-based approach that integrates environmental performance, mobility, and user experience into high-performing public landscapes.

11:00-12:00pm
Universal Design: Building Accessible and Healthy Spaces <1.00 AIA HSW>
Presented by Kyle J. Mutz, Director, University of Houston / Justin Dart Jr. Student Accessibility Center

Kyle is the Director of the Justin Dart Jr. Student Accessibility Center at the University of Houston, where he champions accessibility, inclusion, and student success. Drawing from both his professional expertise and lived experience growing up with a disability, Kyle is committed to creating equitable opportunities for all. A former U.S. wheelchair racing athlete, he brings a unique perspective on disability advocacy and is dedicated to advancing the legacy of Justin Dart Jr. through education and empowerment.

12:00-12:30pm – Break for Lunch 

12:30-1:45pm
From Paint to Policy: How Tactical Urbanism Became a Capital Project <1.25 AIA HSW & 1.25 LA/CES HSW>
Presented by Ed Pettitt, MPH – President of Columbia Tap and Urban Planner with Asakura Robinson

Ed is an urban planner and One Health specialist whose academic path spans human biology at Cornell University, global health and healthcare management at the University of Texas School of Public Health, and doctoral studies in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University. In addition, Ed is also the President of the Columbia Tap Trail.  He provides organizational leadership by guiding the board, strengthening partnerships, advancing strategic initiatives, and overseeing programs that support equitable community development along the Columbia Tap Trail.

2:00-3:15pm
Reclaiming Main Street: Designing a Lasting Legacy in the Public Realm < 1.25 AIA HSW & 1.25 LA/CES HSW>
Presented by Alex Ramirez, PLA & Sarah Smith, PLA, CDT, Design Workshop

Alex is a Principal in the Houston studio at Design Workshop, with expertise as both a landscape architect and urban designer. His diverse experience spans across the private and public sectors, involving every phase of the design process—from conceptual planning and site analysis to construction documentation and detailed observation. Alex is dedicated to delivering top-tier work by crafting innovative design solutions for plazas, streetscapes, parks, and open spaces. His approach integrates social, cultural, economic, and environmental considerations, ensuring that each project enhances the surrounding neighborhoods and communities in meaningful ways.

Sarah is a landscape architect in our Houston studio with a passion for the outdoors, thoughtful design, and creating meaningful places. From concept through construction, she brings creativity, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach to projects ranging from parks and corporate campuses to urban streetscapes. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University and is an active member of ULI, Central Houston, and ASLA.

Continuing Education Credits:

• AIA = 3.5 HSW Additional credits pending
• LA/CES = 2.5 HSW

• Individual classes are not available for the event.
• Pre-registered pricing includes breakfast and lunch.
• Parking is not included.
• A minimum of 3 business days’ notice is required to receive a full refund if you need to cancel your reservation.
• Online registration will close Thursday, August 20
• Onsite registration is available for day of (breakfast and lunch is NOT included)