Erin Christensen Ishizaki

An urban designer, planner, and architect, Erin is passionate about building physical and social community. Her collaborative, listening approach results in high performance development for neighborhoods, housing authorities, private developers, and local governments. Erin is a national leader and advocate for healthy and sustainable urbanism; having pioneered the use of health impact assessments in design. Her areas of expertise include urban revitalization, affordable housing, EcoDistrict planning, and environmental metrics. She believes in the power of a holistic, human-centric approach and evidence-based design to maximize investment and vibrant community outcomes.

Erin’s early career focused on housing and neighborhood redevelopment planning. She spent nearly a decade responsible for mixed-use, mixed-finance projects for private and public sector clients in Washington DC, Boston, and for multiple HOPE VI projects. To date, she has led projects resulting in over 3,000 units of new housing. Her work has received industry and peer awards for innovation in health, equitable design, and sustainability. In 2014, the Urban Land Institute recognized Erin as a Global 40 Under 40 Professional.