Exciting news! We’ve rebranded Place Summits to Urban De-Code. While the name has changed, our mission remains the same. Urban De-Codes dive deep into the essence of city spaces, unraveling neighborhoods unique stories and hidden dynamics. Join us as we explore and de-code the rich layers of urban life, revealing what makes each neighborhood distinct and thriving. 

Mark your calendars for September 12-13, 2026! 

Blending a guided workshop with an on-the-ground walking tour, this program invites participants to examine the full spectrum of housing, from single-family homes to mid-rise and mixed-use development through the lens of the “missing middle.” Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how thoughtful design and planning strategies can introduce density while maintaining neighborhood character.

The experience begins with a collaborative session at Torti Gallas + Partners in Washington, DC, followed by a guided exploration into Arlington, VA via the Washington Metro. Along the way, participants will engage directly with real-world examples of housing diversity, learning to “read” the built environment and better understand how density works in practice.

Day two shifts into a hands-on urban walk audit in Washington, DC, where participants will analyze an existing neighborhood and sketch ideas for improving walkability, housing integration, and the public realm.

Whether you’re a planner, designer, developer, student, or simply curious about the future of Urban Design in the DMV area, Urban De-Code DMV offers a unique opportunity to explore, observe, and reimagine the region’s evolving urban fabric.

Registration link coming soon!

Experience Car-Free Living & Urban Innovation

Members of the Emerging New Urbanists explored Culdesac Tempe during a two-day Urban De-Code focused on the future of walkable, car-free urban living. The experience immersed attendees in the principles of New Urbanism through guided tours, conversations with project leaders, and discussions centered on sustainable community design.

Throughout the event, members toured the innovative car-free development alongside the architects and developers behind the project, gaining firsthand insight into the planning, design, and implementation of one of the nation’s most notable people-first communities. Q&A sessions allowed attendees to learn more about the challenges and successes of developing a neighborhood designed around walkability, transit access, and community connection rather than automobiles.

The Urban De-Code also created opportunities for networking and collaboration among planners, architects, developers, and urbanists passionate about creating more equitable and sustainable cities. Learning sessions explored emerging trends in New Urbanism, housing, mobility, and community-oriented development, leaving attendees inspired by the possibilities of human-centered urban design.