Fernando Costa, a professor of practice in the Regional + City Planning program, recently chaired a seven-member Urban Land Institute (ULI) advisory services panel in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
ULI is a global, multidisciplinary research and education organization that promotes best practices in real estate development. Professor Costa, who has taught courses in public finance and planning management within Gibbs College for the past fifteen years, currently serves ULI as a Global Governing Trustee, Americas Executive Committee member, and member of the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) Committee.
Invited by Ancora Partners and the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, Costa joined a team of panelists to study the Electric Works redevelopment project in the city. The panel took place from April 30 through May 5, where the team toured the historic site, interviewed dozens of local stakeholders, and explored opportunities for involving underrepresented businesses and communities in the project.
This research guided the team in creating an equitable development model that real estate developers and public officials can apply to similar projects in other American cities. The model applies DEI principles to large-scale urban development projects, and emphasizes market analysis, inclusive planning, business equity, and off-site community improvements.
During the Spring 2026 semester, students in Interior Design Studio IV and Graduate Studio IV gained hands-on experience in educational facility design through a semester-long partnership with MA+ Architecture.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture congratulates Dr. Tammy McCuen, Robert E. Busch Professor of Construction Science, on beginning her term as president of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), an international organization dedicated to advancing construction education through teaching, research and service.
Following years of contributions to the College’s research and strategic initiatives, Gibbs College shares that Associate Dean for Research and External Engagement Angela M. Person, PhD, will step down from her position at Gibbs College as she moves to Tucson with her family, effective June 30, 2026.
