To rebuild communities, Cathy Morrison ‘04 believes that designers should not only reflect the people in the communities they’re building for, but “move at the speed of trust.”
Giving residents the time to believe in a designer’s intentions—when historically they haven’t been given a seat at the table—is the approach Morrison uses working with diverse communities as the chief executive officer of Charlotte-based design firm, Neighboring Concepts. The firm–which specializes in community-focused architecture–along with clients like the City of Charlotte, are putting these efforts into practice as part of a transformative study of the City’s West End by tapping into the community’s history and lived experiences through charrettes and public engagement.
“What we do as a profession is transform people's lives,” said Morrison, who believes community input plays an integral part in the design process. “Whether it's just a house or an office building or public space–anything that we design, we're transforming and influencing how people live.”
Neighboring Concepts, based in the West End, secured the contract to lead the study for reconnecting the West End Corridor–a historically African American community–with the city’s Uptown district. The communities were separated by the construction of I-77 in the 1970s, with the highway project erasing many Black residences and businesses in the area. Reconnecting the West End project foundation was the Five Points Forward Plan, a community vision plan Neighboring Concepts created to help shape the future growth of the area. The plan is being updated through funding by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant Program whose primary goal is to “reconnect communities harmed by past transportation infrastructure decisions.”
Morrison said she has been excited to work on this project because it allows her to combine her unique background in community planning and architecture into the design process, which she hopes can help shape policies and guide decision-making.
“I think that it’s been very helpful to feel like you're making an impact on levels that even though we might not design every building,” Morrison said. “At the end of the day we can decide how it gets built and fully create a place and infrastructure to give the people a space that they're going to be proud of.”
Her recent elevation to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows–which she says still feels unreal–recognizes not just her commitment to serving diverse communities, but her efforts to transform the makeup of the profession. According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB), nearly two-thirds of U.S. architects are white men. As a woman and Filipino industry leader, she recognizes the need for systemic change, she says. Her leadership and volunteer work with NCARB has helped shape policies and the organization’s governance structure to offer more leadership opportunities for candidates who come from diverse backgrounds. Closer to home, her company‘s commitment to cultivating a diverse office from a racial, gender and perspectives standpoint, she says, all contribute to creating better projects.
“We can only design based on our experiences and the perspectives that we bring,” Morrison said. “The more inclusive we can be in addressing people's needs, the better outcome we're going to have overall long-term.”
Below, Morrison talks about the lesson she learned from Charlotte’s first Black mayor, where she sees herself in 20 years and what makes her feel unstoppable:
The quotes have been condensed and edited for clarity.
You worked for architect and urban planner Harvey B. Gantt, the first Black mayor of Charlotte and the first student who integrated Clemson University. What is one lesson you learned from him that you carry on in your career?
Since Harvey was so politically active, I saw the connection between policy and design.
At the end of the day, you can't divorce yourself from the politics and the policies because it shapes what we do.
What is the biggest obstacle you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
I think probably myself. You know when people say, “Hey, here's a door I'm opening for you.” And, just really realizing, well, “Do I say yes?” I know they’re saying I can, but getting over that imposter syndrome is so very real. When you are my age and look like me and are thrown into rooms you think, “Oh, why am I here?” [But, I realize] I really do have a voice and a perspective that matters.
How do you envision your life 20 years from now?
I'll still be practicing, I think. I would be in my early 60s, and my kids would be grown by then. But, in 20 years I hope to see some of the young folks that are in our practice right now start to take over. I think we'd be in the middle of a leadership transition, and seeing the next generation rise at the firm. That'd be really exciting to see.
If you could transform a vacant building or lot into anything for your community, what would it be?
I think it would be a fun childcare center that would also have a community space for moms to connect, especially single moms. We definitely have a dearth of childcare options out there, and it's hard to be a working mom. I would love a space where those that are raising the next generation can find community and support.
What is something that makes you feel unstoppable?
All the people I know that have my back. I am nothing without the mentors that have helped me and coached me and told me that I can. And, that means the world to me, and I hope I do that for others also.
I would be remiss if I did not include my incredible husband and village of supporters that make me feel unstoppable. I don't do anything on my own, and without their support, I couldn't do any of the things I do. We don't do anything in isolation, and we need the community to be able to thrive.