Chelsea is an urban planner, project manager and facilitator whose work addresses all aspects of urbanism today. Her portfolio spans traditional policy development, broad-scale master planning, urban design, sustainable urban integration, and public engagement. With a design ethos based on supporting the dynamic relationships between process, people and place, Chelsea believes that exploring the context of a problem is the first step to creating thoughtful, responsive, and resilient design solutions. Among notable projects she has worked on recently are Kinistinâw Park—a gathering place in the heart of The Quarters in downtown Edmonton—and the MacEwan University Campus Master Plan—a 25-year road map for the future development of the University’s buildings and grounds.
Chelsea is a member of the Alberta Professional Planners Institute (APPI) and Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP). In her dedication to strengthening the planning profession in Alberta and giving back to the industry, Chelsea has served as an APPI council member and is a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta.
What’s your favourite DIALOG initiative?
Design Residency in Honour of Tom Sutherland. I was honoured to lead the inaugural residency which invited a group of university students from across Canada to Edmonton. The students participated in a four day intensive workshop. From the diverse perspectives of architecture, engineering, planning, landscape architecture, visual arts and public health, the students worked together to explore the potential of redeveloping an under-utilized public space in Edmonton’s downtown core. The residency is now hosted in a different DIALOG studio each year.
What’s one thing about you that would surprise people?
I practice meditation.
What’s your favourite mode of transportation?
Travelling by train is my favourite mode of transportation. I lived in Japan for one year and explored using the country’s extensive rail network. It’s the most romantic way to watch the world pass you by.
Our best future can only be found by hearing all voices, discovering all histories, and exploring all solutions.
Master of Planning
University of Calgary
Bachelor of Education
University of Alberta
