93 - Understanding Plural Localities at the Territories of Global Urbanization ft. Dennis Pieprz & Mary Anne Ocampo from Sasaki Associates

MARY ANNE OCAMPO & DENNIS PIEPRZ, PRINCIPAL URBAN DESIGNERS AT SASAKI ASSOCIATES

‍Today on the podcast, Mary Anne Ocampo and Dennis Pieprz from Sasaki.

‍Sasaki is an interdisciplinary architecture, planning, landscape, and design firm with offices in Boston, Denver, New York, and Shanghai and a leader in the design industry for 70 years. The firm is known for blending disciplines, engaging with clients and communities, drawing on history and context, and using data and emerging technologies to shape the built environment.

‍Joining us are Principals Mary Anne Ocampo and Dennis Pieprz.

‍Mary Anne Ocampo is a Principal at Sasaki, and an Associate Professor of the Practice of Urban Design and Planning in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She practices as an urban designer, working on international and domestic institutional and urban projects and cultural identity, leading teams with strategic planning and a commitment to design excellence. Mary Anne’s design work has been recognized with many awards, among which by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for her contributions to urban design thinking as a recipient of the 2016 National Associates Award, the highest honor given to individual associate AIA members.

‍Dennis Pieprz plays a leading role in the planning and urban design practice of Sasaki. Dennis leads remarkable teams that have been honored with more than 80 design awards,including national and international recognition. His 35 years of experience encompass diverse project types including urban districts, new communities, campus environments, waterfronts, and urban regeneration. Through his design practice, Dennis focuses on strategic thinking and creating value for clients, stakeholders, and communities. He approaches his urban design work collaboratively, integrating landscape, planning, and architecture with a critical understanding of the forces that shape contemporary cities.

Dennis has been inducted as an honorary member of ASLA—a title bestowed upon only a handful of professionals nationwide. ‍At the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Dennis has taught in the Professional Development program and co-led a studio focused on the Boston Innovation District.

‍Check out their website.