OFFICE OF DESIGN

We are urban planners, urban designers, historians, architects, arts enthusiasts, and community builders that love Atlanta and want to make it known for exceptional urban planning and design.

Doug Young, Director of the Office of Design

As Director of the Office of Design, Doug uses his long-time experience and understanding of the City of Atlanta to bring to life Atlanta City Design in all the Office’s work from city-wide plans to small, neighborhood projects. Doug’s interest in history and historic places began in Virginia, where he grew up and attended Virginia Tech.  He moved to Atlanta in 1992 to attend Georgia Tech and received his Master’s degree in city planning from the then College of Architecture. After helping the City get ready for the Centennial Olympic Games, Doug came to the City of Atlanta’s Department of City Planning to focus on historic preservation work and to make it an integral part of the City’s planning and community development work. Contact at DYoung@atlantaga.gov.

Liza Mueller, Assistant Director of the Public Space Studio

Liza is a designer, inspired urbanist, and A/E/C professional committed to positively impacting people’s lives and the built environment. She applies experience in private sector design, planning, project administration, construction management, and implementation as assistant director of the Public Space Studio. Liza’s role is to ensure that its programs, projects, and initiatives reflect the core values of Atlanta City Design and to represent the interests and priorities of the community and the City of Atlanta Department of City Planning. Contact at Emueller@atlantaga.gov.

Monique Forte, Assistant Director of the Planning Studio

Monique Forte is a dedicated planner at the heart of Atlanta's dynamic urban landscape, where she channels her passion for collaborative design to enhance the lives of its citizens. With nearly two decades of experience in transit planning, Monique Forte has become a driving force in the effort to transform Atlanta's mobility and design. As a proud native of Atlanta, Monique brings an invaluable inside perspective to her work. Her deep-rooted connection to the City fuels her commitment to improving its mobility systems and fostering positive change. Monique earned a Master’s degree in business administration from Georgia State University, equipping her with a keen understanding of the strategic and operational aspects of government systems. Her Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University laid the foundation for her career, providing her with a strong academic background. Beyond her professional achievements, Monique cherishes her role as a loving mother to two wonderful sons and a German shepherd who completes her family. Contact at MBForte@atlantaga.gov.

Matthew Adams, Assistant Director of the Historic Preservation Studio

Matt has been a part of the Historic Preservation Studio team for over 10 years.  He is a preservation and urban design professional who focuses on using historic preservation principles as a tool for retaining the identity of places, promoting quality urban design, and building a vibrant public realm.  Matt works to ensure that the historic places, spaces, and stories that make Atlanta special are a part of the plans for the future. Contact at MDAdams@atlantaga.gov.

Public Space Studio

  • Liza Mueller, Assistant Director

  • Dorian McDuffie, Public Art Project Manager III

  • Ashley Shorter, Urban Designer II

  • Tia Williams, Urban Designer II

  • Karyn L Reddick, Urban Planner III

  • Alexis Calvin-Epps, Urban Planner III

Planning Studio

  • Monique Forte, Assistant Director

  • Nate Hoelzel, Project Manager II

  • Katherine Hernandez, Urban Planner III

  • Carlos Garcia, Urban Planner II

  • Steven Aceto, Urban Planner II

Historic Preservation Studio

  • Matt Adams, Assistant Director

  • Anthony Knight, African-American Heritage Coordinator

  • Susan Coleman, Urban Planner III

  • Elizabeth Clappin, Urban Planner II

  • Melissa Hamblett, Urban Planner II

  • Mark Battle, Permit Technician

Office/ Financial Management

  • Leslie Battle-Williams, Project Manager I