#32 Citymakers Collective: Empowering the Next Generation of Architects, Developers and Builders

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Jan 9, 2025

Guest

Will McCollum

Guest

Matthew Marshall

Join Will McCollum and Matthew Marshall, co-founders of the Citymakers Collective, as they discuss their innovative summer program aimed at training aspiring architects and urban planners. They address the shortcomings of traditional education and emphasize the importance of hands-on, experiential learning. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration across disciplines to create people-centric, sustainable cities. The duo shines a light on their mission to empower future builders while discussing the impact of thoughtful design on community well-being.

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ADVICE

Learning from Tradition

Study tradition first in architecture, then add personal expression.
This approach mirrors learning music: master the basics before composing.

INSIGHT

Gap in Architectural Education

Architecture schools prioritize historical movements over practical application.
This gap in education prevents students from understanding the "why" behind traditional design.

INSIGHT

Broad Knowledge Base

A broad knowledge base is crucial for professionals in the built environment.
Understanding other disciplines fosters collaboration and holistic problem-solving.

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I’m excited to share this conversation with Will McCollum and Matthew Marshall, the passionate minds behind Citymakers Collective.

This summer, they’re hosting a transformative two-week program in Charleston, featuring some of the top practitioners in the New Urbanism and human-centered design movements.

Their approach is holistic, hands-on, and experiential, with a mission to equip the next generation of city makers to design and build places that are resilient, beautiful, and centered on people.

In this episode, we delve into the challenges of traditional education, what’s missing, and why they felt compelled to create this innovative summer program.

If you’re a young professional or student working in the built environment—whether you’re an architect, planner, builder, developer, engineer or something else—I highly encourage you to check it out and consider applying.

Learn more at: citymakerscollective.org

TAKEAWAYS

The City Makers Collective program teaches principles that make cities more livable, sustainable, and people-focused.

Participants engage with Charleston’s urban fabric through walking tours, real-world case studies, and collaborative studio projects.

The program blends timeless design principles with modern needs to create places that work for today’s challenges.

Architects, planners, developers, and more come together to foster holistic learning and solutions.

Students learn how to navigate market realities, collaborate effectively, and implement sustainable practices in urban design.

Instructors include top practitioners like Lou Oliver and Maria Sanchez (Estudio Urbano), offering a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives.

The program addresses the lack of foundational training in urbanism and traditional design in most architecture schools.

Participants gain access to a powerful network of professionals, creating lasting connections for their careers.

The program offers scholarships and affordable housing options to ensure a wide range of students can participate.

The City Makers Collective aims to grow beyond this summer, offering ongoing programs to shape the future of urbanism and architecture.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Designing Cities for People

08:10 Bridging the Education Gap in Urbanism

14:00 The Importance of Tradition in Architecture

20:42 Integrating Disciplines for Holistic City Building

27:59 Understanding Market Realities in Education

29:50 Creating a Shared Vision for Communities

30:47 Building the Human Habitat

32:11 The Dual Nature of Humanity: Creation and Destruction

33:38 The Responsibility of Architects

34:41 Learning from Past Mistakes in Architecture

36:35 Integrating Tradition with Modernity

37:34 Hands-On Learning in Architecture Education

40:26 The Importance of Networking in Architecture

41:5 Introducing the Fellowship Program

43:24 Funding and Support for Citymakers Collective

45:06 Future Programs and Workshops

46:30 Cognitive Architecture and Human Experience

49:22 Backgrounds and Inspirations of the Founders

52:20 The Journey of Citymakers Collective

53:16 Application Process and Accessibility

CONTACT MATT, WILL & CITYMAKERS COLLECTIVE

Summer Studio Website: https://citymakerscollective.org/summer-2025

Will's email: will@citymakerscollective.org

Matthew's email: matthew@citymakerscollective.org

Citymakers Collective Website: https://citymakerscollective.org/

Newstory Website: https://www.newstoryhomes.org/

Matthew’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Matth3wMarshall/

Matthew’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmatthewmarshall/

Will’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-mccollum-6965a066

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