Karen Gulley

Biography: Karen is a talented strategist and innovative problem solver with 30 years of experience in urban planning and design with public- and private-sector clients. She has extensive experience in conceptual design studies, specific plans, infill development and corridor revitalization strategies, and transit-oriented planning and design. Her work ranges from vision plans to implementation strategies, each developed collaboratively with local jurisdictions, developers, the public, and regional agencies. Her understanding of the real estate and development fields underlies all facets of her work. She has extensive experience in developing community participation programs and facilitating public meetings and workshops. She is adept at establishing a rapport with her audience and communicating complex and often controversial issues clearly and accurately. As PlaceWorks’ Managing Principal of Design, Karen leads an immensely talented team of urban designers, site planners/designers, landscape architects, and planners to imagine and produce highly creative plans and designs that are as workable and implementable as they are unique. She has been a full member of ULI since 2006 and is currently serving on the Urban Revitalization Council. She’s also very involved in ULI Orange County/Inland Empire and was a founding member of the local Women’s Leadership Initiative. She has also served on numerous Technical Advisory Panels.