Gunnar Hand

Gunnar Hand, AICP, has a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of planning, urban design, and development consulting. Gunnar is currently serving as the Director of the Planning + Urban Design Department at the Unified Government of Wyandotte County in Kansas City, KS. Previously, they worked as an Associate and City Design Practice Lead at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), where they played a key role in establishing the Los Angeles office of the City Design Practice. Gunnar also served as the President of MOCK Studio, LLC, a design, planning, and development consulting firm, where they handled various tasks including business development, finance, strategic planning, design, project management, community engagement, and implementation. Before that, they worked as the Senior Project Manager at BNIM Architects, where they managed a significant project. Furthermore, they were a Contributor to the Architect's Newspaper, providing articles on urban policy. Gunnar also held positions such as Transportation Planner at the St. Joseph, Missouri Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri Kansas City, where they taught a senior level planning studio. Additionally, they founded railLA, a non-profit organization advocating for high-speed rail, transit, and sustainable communities in California. Earlier in their career, they served as a Senior Regional Planner at the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, contributing to the update of the Los Angeles County General Plan. Gunnar started their planning career as a Community Planner at the Harry S Truman Coordinating Council, where they facilitated the creation and implementation of comprehensive plans and transportation projects. Overall, Gunnar Hand has made significant contributions to planning, urban design, and community development throughout their career.

Gunnar Hand, AICP has a strong educational background in the field of planning and urban design. Gunnar completed their Bachelor of Environmental Design degree with a major in planning and a minor in political science at the University of Colorado Boulder from 1999 to 2003. In 2001, they obtained a certificate in architecture and planning from DIS. In 2003, they pursued further coursework in transportation at the University of Arkansas.

To enhance their expertise, Gunnar pursued a Master of Science degree in City and Regional Planning at Pratt Institute from 2004 to 2006, specializing in planning and urban design. Gunnar completed this program and obtained their degree successfully.

Additionally, Gunnar Hand has obtained various certifications. In 1997, they achieved the prestigious Eagle Scout certification from the Boy Scouts of America. Later, in 2007, they obtained the certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Overall, Gunnar Hand's education history showcases their dedicated pursuit of knowledge and expertise in the field of planning and urban design.