Rebuilding the Fabric of a City with Purpose and Design
In this episode of EntreArchitect, citizen architect Kurt Neiswender, AIA, shares how he is rebuilding the fabric of a city with purpose and design. With over two decades of architectural experience, Kurt has dedicated his work to advancing low-to-no energy consumption projects that not only meet but often exceed net-zero standards. Through Urban CoLab Architecture, he is pioneering solutions that integrate building and landscape design in ways that reduce environmental impact while also fostering healthier communities. His efforts extend beyond traditional practice, weaving together social, political, and economic threads to create meaningful change through architecture.
Kurt reflects on the city of Flint, Michigan, a place emblematic of resilience and struggle, where his projects focus on affordable housing, sustainability, and long-term community well-being. By prioritizing engagement, he demonstrates how architecture can be a catalyst for empowerment and revitalization in underserved areas. His work stands as proof that design, when applied with empathy and purpose, has the power to heal cities and restore trust in their built environments. This episode dives deep into how architects can use their skills not just to create buildings, but to repair the social and cultural bonds that define a community.
Beyond practice, Kurt’s passion for mentorship and teaching shines through his role at Lawrence Tech University, where he shapes the next generation of architects. He shares how he instills creativity, resilience, and responsibility in students who will inherit the challenges of tomorrow. Kurt also co-hosts the globally recognized Coffee Sketch Podcast, where informal conversations inspire collaboration and spark new ideas within the profession. Through these platforms, he fosters dialogue that pushes architecture toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. Listeners will leave inspired by the ways design can address systemic issues and rebuild cities with intentionality.
This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Rebuilding the Fabric of a City with Purpose and Design with Kurt Neiswender.
Learn more about Kurt at UrbanColab.design check out the podcast at CoffeeSketchPodcast.com, email him at info@urbancolab.design, and connect with him on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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