Design, Community & Environment

The staff at DC&E come from diverse backgrounds and have been recognized nationwide for their outstanding work in planning and design.

Isby Fleischmann, LEED AP, Associate, is responsible for research and report-writing for comprehensive planning, landscape architecture and environmental review projects at DC&E. Isby recently completed her Masters in Landscape Architecture, with a focus on ecological and community design. Her academic and professional work focuses on the development of healthy urban communities and conservation of natural resources. Isby’s experience in the field of landscape architecture and planning includes the development of conceptual and construction documents, campus and regional scale visioning, and participation in collaborative planning efforts. Before joining DC&E in 2007, Isby worked in the field of landscape architecture and planning with the Claremont Environmental Design Group and Amigos de los Rios, and worked as an environmental educator throughout California.

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Will Fourt, GIS Analyst/Project Planner, joined DC&E in 2006. Will specializes in designing and using geographic information systems for use in planning projects. Over the last three years, he has worked on a variety of comprehensive, environmental and open space planning projects. Before joining the DC&E team, Will conducted GIS analysis at MTC and ABAG and worked on community-based transportation planning projects with Odyssey. Will holds a Bachelors degree in Geography from Dartmouth College. In his spare time, he plays guitar and dobro with local bluegrass and country bands.

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William Fulton, AICP, Principal, joined DC&E in 2008 as part of its merger with Solimar Research Group, where he was the Founding President for eight years. Bill specializes in urban planning, metropolitan growth trends, economic development, TDR and policy projects with a focus on government agencies, land conservation organizations and developers as clients. Leading DC&E's Ventura office, he is well known as the best-selling Author of the Guide to California Planning and the L.A. Times best-seller, The Reluctant Metropolis: The Politics of Urban Growth in Los Angeles. Currently serving as Ventura's Deputy Mayor, Bill is also a Senior Scholar at the School of Policy, Planning, and Development at the University of Southern California. He is also the founding publisher of California Planning & Development Report. Bill holds a Master's Degree in Journalism/Public Affairs from The American University in Washington, D.C., and a Master's Degree in Urban Planning from UCLA.

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Cynthia Greenberg, LEED AP, Bay-Friendly QLP, Project Landscape Architect, is a licensed landscape architect working on a variety of park, streetscape, playground, trail and open space planning projects at DC&E. She has a Bachelors of Landscape Architecture from the University of Maryland with a citation in Environmental Studies, and has been working in the Bay Area for over four years. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, snowboarding, brewing beer and playing the trumpet.

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Ken Garkow, Operations Manager, joined the DC&E team in 2002. He is responsible for keeping the operational systems of the building in ship shape, as well as the daily tasks of human resources, and the overall efficiency of the office environment. He brings a diversity of experience to DC&E, from constructing and managing the first shipping department at PowerBar, Inc., to serving as a television airshift engineer for an international broadcast network, to working as a tea technician for Peet's Coffee and Tea. In his spare time, Ken paints portraits for hire, creates collages from found materials, makes short films, and illustrates his own graphic stories.

Andrew Hill, Project Planner, is responsible for research and report-writing on a range of environmental review and comprehensive planning projects. He holds a Master of Urban Planning Degree (M.U.P.) from McGill University and is co-author of a forthcoming book on green neighborhood planning and design. Fluent in French and Japanese, Andrew has also worked extensively on large-scale engineering projects in Europe and Asia. Outside the office, he can be found biking, hiking, gallery-hopping or cooking extravagant brunches with friends.

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Katie Hollenbaugh, AICP, LEED AP, Project Development and Marketing Manager, assists with research, writing and graphic preparation for urban design projects, EIRs and other planning documents. Before coming to DC&E, Katie worked as a Development Analyst for the National Affordable Housing Trust analyzing government funding sources and assisting in the creation of low-income housing developments across the United States. Katie holds a Masters degree in Urban Planning from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design.

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Seung Yen Hong, Planner, joined The Planning Center | DC&E in 2011. Seung is responsible for research and writing for a range of reports and plans, including Specific Plans, TDR programs and EIRs. Seung holds a Masters degree in City Planning from UC Berkeley. Before joining the Planning Center | DC&E team, she worked on the Downtown Area Plan and the Open Space and Street Improvement Plan at the City of Berkeley. In her spare time, Seung enjoys cooking, hiking, and traveling.

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John Hykes, ASLA, is a Senior Associate working in landscape design and urban planning. John has been with the DC&E since 2001. A licensed landscape architect, his projects have included streetscape design, urban planning, and park design. His experience in landscape design over the past seven years has a range from large scale neighborhood design projects to small scale residential plant design. John holds a Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley.

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Joanna Jansen, AICP, LEED AP, is an Associate Principal with DC&E, managing a range of comprehensive planning and environmental review projects. Joanna has been with DC&E since 1999. She previously worked as an Associate on numerous environmental review, comprehensive planning and community participation projects, coordinating with technical consultants including biologists, archaeologists, civil engineers, economists, traffic engineers and acoustical and air quality specialists. During her two years as DC&E's Marketing Manager, she was responsible for organizing and writing proposals; overseeing the design and maintenance of DC&E's statement of qualifications, web site and marketing materials; and maintaining contact with our clients and subconsultants. Outside of the office, Joanna enjoys camping, traveling and cooking with her husband.

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Brad Johnson, Associate, is responsible for research, report writing, design and graphic production for comprehensive planning, urban design and environmental review projects. He holds a Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Iowa and a Certificate in Urban Design from the University of Pennsylvania. He has a particular interest in affordable housing and growth management, and also the relationship of these issues to urban design. In his free time, Brad likes to catch live music, attend sporting events, play tennis and continually survey the many taquerias of the Bay Area.

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Yiu Kam, Project Urban Designer, assists in research, writing, and graphics for planning and urban design projects. Prior to joining DC&E, Yiu was an Assistant Planner for the Downtown Area Plan Update for the City of Berkeley, assisting in the production of various planning and urban design material. His main areas of interest are public spaces, streetscapes and transit oriented development. Yiu graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelors Degree in Urban Studies. In his free time, he watches and plays a variety of sports, is a “die-hard” Warriors fan, and enjoys photography, graphic design, film and searching for the best slice of cheese pizza in the Bay Area.

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Shannon Kimball, AICP, Associate, will provide environmental review and comprehensive planning expertise for the project team, relying on her extensive background in both public- and private-sector planning. With over seven years of experience, Shannon has worked on a wide range of planning and environmental documents, including Environmental Impact Reports, General Plan Updates, Specific Plans, Overlay Zones, Zoning Code Amendments, and numerous other planning and environmental documents. Shannon is currently serving as DC&E's Project Manager for the City of Upland's General Plan Update. Prior to joining DC&E, Shannon served as Senior Planner for PBS&J and acted as Project Manager for the City of Inglewood's General Plan Update and EIR, Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Specific Plan, and Santa Ana's Metro East Mixed-Use Overlay Zone - Land Use Planning and Design Guidelines..

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Terri McCracken, Associate, is a Project Manager for environmental review projects at DC&E. With over six years of experience, Terri has overseen the preparation of numerous CEQA/NEPA analyses for high-profile and environmentally sensitive projects in urban, rural and coastal settings including Environmental Impact Reports, Initial Studies, Negative Declarations and Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Assessments, Addenda, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs, and other focused environmental analyses. Her diverse project experience includes commercial/retail, mixed-use, single- and multi-family residential, sports, entertainment, institutional, and master planned developments throughout Northern and Southern California. As a Project Manager, Terri acts as a day-to-day contact for agency staff, subconsultants, and applicants, providing valuable insight to identify environmental constraints and feasible mitigation measures. Terri has a BA in Environmental Planning from Sonoma State University and is a Certified Green Building Professional. Terri currently serves as the President for the AEP San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. She spends her free time backpacking, cycling, skiing, surfing and other outdoor activities.

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Melissa McDonough, Planner, researches and writes for a variety of reports and plans, including EIRs, comprehensive planning, and public involvement projects. Melissa holds a Masters degree in Public Policy from Mills College. She has experience shepherding planning code amendments through the approval process, conducting EIR-related research, facilitating community meetings, and working on zoning update projects related to food policy and parking regulations. Outside of planning, Melissa has been nationally recognized for her radio journalism and is currently researching the impact of the recession on recent college graduates. In her ever dwindling spare time, Melissa enjoys cooking, reading, and (sub)urban homesteading.

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Isabelle Minn, ASLA, LEED AP, Senior Associate, is a landscape architect working in landscape design and natural resource and open space planning. At DC&E, Isabelle's projects include trail and park design, natural resource and open space master planning, creek restoration and enhancement, watershed planning and urban design. Much of Isabelle's work focuses on creating a balance between natural resource protection and public access while promoting environmental stewardship. She has also managed and assisted with neighborhood and streetscape plans, transportation plans and community participation projects. Prior to coming to DC&E, she completed site plans and planting designs at a landscape architecture firm in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Isabelle is also fluent in Spanish and has extensive experienced in translation and workshop facilitation in both English and Spanish as part of DC&E's planning and design work. Isabelle holds Masters degrees in both Landscape Architecture and Resource Ecology and Management from the University of Michigan.

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Sadie Mitchell, LEED AP, Project Landscape Designer/Planner, is responsible for research, report writing, design and graphic production for urban design and landscape architecture projects. She has a Masters degree in both Landscape Architecture and City Planning from the University of California, Berkeley as well as an undergraduate degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from Bowdoin College. She is particularly interested in streetscape design, walkability, and the application of planning and design principles. Outside of the office, Sadie likes to travel, walk with her dog and pretty much anything that has to do with food.

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Steve Noack, AICP, Principal at DC&E, has over 27 years of experience in environmental and land use planning, primarily in the Bay Area. Steve specializes in preparing environmental documents on a wide range of projects including general plans, campus planning documents, master development plans and transportation projects. His expertise includes day-to-day application of the California Environmental Quality Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and other state and federal environmental regulations and guidelines. In addition, Steve provides planning analysis expertise in land use and socioeconomic studies. He is also a trained facilitator.

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Ben Noble, is a Senior Associate working on comprehensive planning and envionmental review projects. His professional interests include integrated land use/transportation planning, plan implementation, and transportation policy. Before joining DC&E Ben worked on advance and current planning projects for the City of Sausalito. He also has experience with Zoning Ordinance updates, CEQA documents, transportation planning, and General Plan updates. Before receiving his Masters degree in City and Regional Planning from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Ben worked on neighborhood revitilization projects with a community development corporation in north Philadelphia. In his spare time he enjoys playing the piano, reading, and frequenting the many restaurants on Solano Avenue near his Albany home.

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Eric Panzer, Planner, joined The Planning Center | DC&E in 2011. Eric is responsible for research and writing for a range of reports and plans, including EIRs, SCS Plans, and Specific Plans. Eric also performs Geographic Information Systems work and contributes to other project needs. Originally from Austin, Texas, Eric came to study Environmental Science as well as City Planning at UC Berkeley, and has now called the Bay Area home for eight years. Prior to joining the Planning Center | DC&E team, Eric worked as a GIS analyst at Stillwater Sciences, a Berkeley-based ecosystem sciences firm. In his spare time, Eric volunteers for local livability organizations and enjoys long, aimless urban hikes. He can also be caught playing a variety of fun and sometimes nerdy board games.

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Brooke Peterson, AICP, is a Senior Associate and currently leads the San Diego office of DC&E. She brings over nine years of experience in community planning and redevelopment to her work. Her projects have included neighborhood revitalization, mixed-use redevelopment, long-range policy and planning, environmental planning, and energy policy. She serves as the Director for the San Diego Section of the APA, President of the California Urban Forest Council, and Chair of her community planning committee. Brooke holds a Bachelors degree from Occidental College in Los Angeles where the focus of her research was on community health as it relates to urban development and a Masters degree in City and Regional Planning from San Diego State University. Her other interests include running, cooking, and rock climbing.

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Grant Reddy, Graphic Design Specialist at DC&E, provides support for all graphics production. Grant’s specialties include graphic design as well as working on computers. He attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where he graduated with a degree in Environmental Design with an emphasis in Architecture. In his free time, Grant enjoys playing basketball, snowboarding, sketching and reading. He also appreciates all forms of music including rock and hip hop.

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Ana Mónica Ryan is DC&E’s Accountant. She is an alumnus of the Coro Center for Civic Leadership Community Fellows Program, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from UC Berkeley. Prior to joining DC&E, Ana Mónica worked as Business and Operations Manager for Hatchuel Tabernik and Associates, a Berkeley-based consulting firm. When she isn't working, she can be found volunteering her time at the Berkeley Animal Shelter or at the Coro office in San Francisco. She enjoys community and exercise at the Downtown Y and kundalini yoga at Studio 12.

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Annie Ryan, Urban Designer, assists in research, writing, and graphics for planning and urban design projects. Annie holds a B.S. degree in City and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She interned for the City of Palo Alto's Planning and Community Environment Department, helping to develop documents and graphics for the City's new green building ordinance. She also worked with Smart Growth America in Washington, DC, specifically on federal policy outreach. In her spare time she enjoys running, traveling, and going to concerts.

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Kyle Simpson, Project Planner, conducts research and writing for a wide range of reports and plans including General Plans, Specific Plans, and EIRs. He holds a B.S. degree in Political Science from Santa Clara University. Kyle has worked as staff for elected officials including a member of the San Jose City Council where his work focused on public policy. He has also provided staff services for Greenbelt Alliance, advocating for livable communities, and promoting sustainable development. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, surfing, and being outdoors.

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Sue Smith, Production Manager for DC&E, works primarily in Microsoft Word desktop publishing text and graphics from a variety of authors to conform to DC&E’s report style. She trains staff in word processing basics and provides direction to staff and outside subconsultants. With over 20 years of experience in producing documents for planning and engineering firms, she has an excellent understanding of technical subjects. A New Zealander, Sue’s outside interests include singing, gardening, interior design and collecting Pacific Rim art. Other activities include walking her dog Sakari at Point Isabel and raising her daughter who attends Berkeley High School.

Carey Stone, Project Planner, is responsible for research, report writing, and GIS mapping for comprehensive planning and environmental review projects. She has a masters degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Oregon and an undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Carey’s prior experience includes reviewing residential, mixed-use and commercial projects to determine if they were eligible for endorsement from Greenbelt Alliance’s Compact Development Team and writing and tracking grants for a non-profit housing group in Visalia, California. Outside of the office, she enjoys gathering her omnivorous friends to dine on her vegetarian cooking, discovering new music, weekends in the mountains and traveling to Spanish-speaking countries.

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Tanya Sundberg, Associate, assists with research and report writing for comprehensive planning and environmental review projects. She holds a Masters degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley with an emphasis in environmental planning. Prior to joining DC&E, she was a planner for the City of Sunnyvale, California where she focused on current planning and bicycle/pedestrian projects. In her spare time, Tanya enjoys running in the East Bay hills with her dog, hiking with friends and family, and cooking.

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Sarah Sutton, ASLA, LEED AP, is a Principal with DC&E. She joined the firm in 1998 and is a licensed Landscape Architect, bringing over 25 years of experience in public and private sector design including streetscapes, trails, parks, housing, green roofs, plazas and creek enhancements. Her key strength is a strong background in public works design and construction as well as management of large and complicated public sector construction projects. As a LEED accredited professional, her focus is on sustainable design and construction, strengthening the firm's continuing commitment to environmental stewardship in planning, design and project implementation. Sarah has managed several award winning park, plaza and urban trail projects and has worked closely with local and nationally recognized artists on many of her projects, with a collaborative approach that integrates the finished artwork with a responsive landform and spatial design. Sarah's interest in sustainability and public art extends into her spare time where she practices organic gardening and produces original artwork in a variety of media..

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Nicola Swinburne, Ph. D., Associate at DC&E, is a project manager for environmental review. As an independent consultant, she has worked on CEQA documentation for projects including water pipeline retrofits, BART train line extensions and the Bay Water Trail for small non-motorized boats. She has over 15 years of experience in environmental work having experience in journalism, law, consultancy and scientific research, mostly in the Bay Area. She is originally English, having moved to the Bay Area in 1990.

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