The board of directors of the Chattanooga Design Studio is open for business, under the leadership of executive director Christian Rushing. An independent nonprofit, Chattanooga Design Studio was established "to enhance the quality of life in Chattanooga through the promotion of excellent urban design."
“The role that urban design has played in Chattanooga’s growth and reinvigoration over the last three decades cannot be overstated,” Mr.
Rushing said. “Good urban design requires conscious, deliberate effort, and the community has reaped the benefit of that philosophy. We’ve formed Chattanooga Design Studio to serve as a resource for the community and to be a steward of the civic conversation on design and urbanism.
"Chattanooga Design Studio’s work is largely public-facing: collaborating with the individuals and entities that design and develop the city, the organization undertakes campaigns to educate the community and its representatives about sound design principles, and inform public policies relating to urban development. Independently, the studio acts as a consultant to local designers and developers whose work impacts the city’s urban areas.
"In addition to serving as resource and advisor, Chattanooga Design Studio seeks out opportunities to enhance Chattanooga’s urban landscape, and when appropriate, to be a catalyst by facilitating the community’s vision for the future.
"Every endeavor of the Chattanooga Design Studio is guided by its beliefs that good urban design can be a powerful economic driver; that the character of the public realm is an expression of community values; that an inclusive approach to design and planning is essential; and that downtown is for everyone.
“When urban design is well executed, it has the power to unite and elevate a community. We believe Chattanooga can and will become internationally recognized as a model of excellence in urban design. When that vision is realized, the lives of every Chattanoogan, and their experience in the public realm, will be changed for the better.”