National Community Planning Month celebrates the role planning plays in creating great communities each October. Rhea Hunter, Director of Planning, shares what inspired her to become a planner, how planning can help overcome community challenges, and her most memorable project.
What inspired you to pursue a career in planning?
My architecture school, KRVIA in Mumbai, India, inspired me. Growing up, I was always interested in design and the built form. When I started at architecture school, my teachers there focused on context-specific design. With every studio, we undertook extensive exercises of mapping the community we were designing within, understanding the economic and social patterns, the politics, and their culture. I was intrigued with understanding communities, and a few years into architecture school, I realized there was a career path focused on just that — planning. After getting a couple of years of experience as an architect, I moved to the US and pursued my master’s degree in planning at Cornell University. It was a big move for multiple reasons, but one of the best decisions I’ve made.
What do you enjoy the most about your role/work?
I enjoy the diversity of projects we work on at RVi. We work in multiple jurisdictions, on different programs for a variety of clients. No two projects have ever felt the same. My work has always felt mentally stimulating and energizing!
What has been a challenging aspect of your role or the industry?
A lot of planning happens on a very public stage. It can be intimidating to lay out a year’s worth of work in a 15-minute presentation and be ready to answer any question that may come up at a public hearing, all whilst being recorded and likely televised live. I will say, getting through a public hearing successfully is also the best adrenaline rus
Rhea (far right) with team Alexis Crespo, Patty Kulak, and Marie D’Addario hosting a community workshop for the City of LaBelle’s Comprehensive Plan Update.
What was your favorite or most memorable planning project?
Skye Ranch, a master-planned community in Sarasota County, Florida, that I worked on at RVi. The project itself is a testament to environmentally sensitive planning. That project was a pivoting point for my career at RVi. With the scale of the project, so many team members have played a part in it. I was brought in many years after the project was started, and it felt like I was carrying forward the legacy of my company. I was made responsible for the success of a project that mattered deeply to my team. High stakes, but even higher reward.
What is something about planning and its impact that many people may not know?
The impact of planning is felt in every aspect of our lives. Seemingly small decisions create impact at scale. As planners, our toolbox includes policies, code, and of course, plans. In the routine of everyday work, it may seem benign, but a single sentence in policy and a few lines on a plan are what create a safe space for pedestrians in a car-centric community, and people will experience that change in their everyday life.
In your opinion, what are the top 3 community challenges that careful and insightful planning can solve, and how?
Balancing growth and preservation – Planning can help us collectively plan for where we direct growth and change, and where we prioritize preserving what exists – be it rural lifestyle, natural habitat, or a cultural resource.
Traffic – Especially for most of west Florida, we live in car-centric communities. Planning can help strategically add options for transit, and the changes it can bring to its immediate vicinity.
Housing affordability and diversity – Planning can help bring equity to the housing market through strategic incentives and bonus programs.
What sets RVi apart from others in regard to its planning capabilities?
At RVi, we prioritize working with communities and consensus building. Development can be contentious because not everyone is going to get exactly what they want. We create common ground through quality time spent in public engagement, genuine conversations, and transparency.
What made you choose RVi?
I was aware of RVi (former Waldrop Engineering) at my former role at the City of North Port. So, when I decided to make a move, it was a private company that I held in high regard for quality work and friendly staff. At the time, I wanted to check out the private side. Why I choose RVi today and every day is because of the company culture. At RVi, you are part of the family. The company is very consciously invested in your professional and personal growth, and the teams work seamlessly together. I’m very grateful for the mentorship, opportunities, and stimulating work I experience every day.
What are some of your professional goals?
In the next five years, I’m focused on expanding my role as a manager and leader for RVi. I enjoy building and growing the team as much as I enjoy the craft of planning.
Rhea with her Standard Poodles — always ready to lend a paw in every decision.
What is a fun fact your colleagues may not know about you?
On the professional front – I’m a licensed architect in India. On a personal note – I have standards. Which is my fun way of telling everyone I have two standard poodles, Odie and Ronaldo. They like to participate in my meetings and often have opinions on planning projects too!
