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

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I’ve had the privilege of speaking with countless inspiring professionals on the Building Culture Podcast, but my conversation with Will and Matthew about their City Makers Collective summer studio struck a particularly powerful chord with me. This program is exactly what the design and development professions need: a fresh, hands-on approach to equipping the next generation of city-makers with the tools to create beautiful, resilient, and thriving places.

A Vision for Better Cities

Will and Matthew have poured their hearts into creating a two-week summer studio in Charleston, South Carolina, that’s designed to fill a glaring gap in urban design education. Their goal is simple but ambitious: to teach aspiring architects, planners, and developers the principles that make spaces work—principles that prioritize people, beauty, and community.

Hearing them talk about the program reminded me of my own journey. Over the last decade, I’ve pieced together my understanding of these ideas through experience, mentorship, and trial and error. What could I have achieved if I’d started with this kind of foundational knowledge early on? That’s exactly what this program offers—a chance to jumpstart a career or passion with insights it took me years to uncover.

Learning from Tradition and Innovating for the Future

One of the things I love about this program is its emphasis on tradition—not as something outdated, but as a source of proven innovation. Will and Matthew are bringing together some of the brightest minds in architecture and urbanism to teach participants how to blend the best lessons from the past with modern challenges.

As I’ve said on the podcast, tradition isn’t about adhering to a specific style—it’s about understanding values that have stood the test of time and applying them in new and creative ways. Whether it’s building walkable cities or designing spaces that truly foster connection, these principles matter more than ever.

A Hands-On Experience Like No Other

What excites me most about the City Makers Collective is how practical and immersive it is. Participants won’t just be sitting through lectures; they’ll be out in Charleston, walking its streets, experiencing its spaces, and understanding what works and why. The program also brings together a truly interdisciplinary group of instructors—architects, developers, urban planners, and even philosophers—who will help students see the bigger picture.

This kind of collaboration is so important. Cities aren’t just a collection of buildings; they’re living, breathing ecosystems. When designers, engineers, and planners understand how their work fits into the whole, we end up with places that actually serve the people who live, work, and play in them.

Join Us

If this resonates with you, I can’t recommend applying for the summer studio enough. It’s happening from July 6–21, 2025, in Charleston, and applications are open until March 15. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or just someone who cares deeply about building better places, this is your chance to learn from some of the best minds in the field and make a real impact.

And if attending isn’t for you, there are other ways to support this incredible work. Will and Matthew are also looking for donors to help sponsor scholarships, lectures, and even fellows who will do their own research during the program. It’s not just about this summer—it’s about creating a movement that reshapes the way we think about and build our cities.

Head over to CityMakersCollective.org to learn more, apply, or get involved. Let’s keep the conversation going and keep pushing for a future where our cities truly reflect the best of what we can create together.

You can stream the full episode on Desktop, Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

Until next time!

Austin