Finding Balance in Urban Design with Kathleen Fogler
Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast
Episode 92
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What makes a city memorable? According to Kathleen Fogler, Founder of Ideal Wilderness Studio and former Principal at Tryba Architects, it’s not just the buildings themselves — it’s the spaces in between. In this episode, Kathleen reflects on her journey from aspiring architect to leading Tryba’s Urban Design Studio, where she helps shape long-term visions for projects like the Denver International Airport 50-Year Framework Plan, Fitzsimons Innovation Community, and Fox Park.
She and host Martha McGee explore how flexible planning, cultural context, and early integration of art and public space can transform even the most complex developments into authentic, livable places. From walking through Denver’s Cheesman Park to learning from historic cities like Charleston, Kathleen underscores that great urban design is about finding balance: between vision and reality, nature and infrastructure, preservation and progress.
Discussed in the Episode:
Denver International Airport 50-Year Vision and Framework Plan
Fox Park
Fitzsimons Innovation Community
Cheesman Park
Charles River
Map of Rome by Giambattista Nolli
Suburban Intensification
Bisnow Denver Women Leading Real Estate
Denver Union Station
Moshe Safdie Architects
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Tryba Architects
Tryba Architects on Instagram
Kathleen Fogler on LinkedIn
About Kathleen Fogler:
Kathleen is an urban designer and architect with 17 years of national and international practice experience. Her urban design and development efforts focus on balancing transportation, natural resources, and sustainable urban growth with the economic demands of the marketplace. Kathleen has led planning, urban design, and entitlement efforts for the DEN 50-Year Vision and Framework Plan, Fox Park, the Fitzsimons Innovation Community at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and University Research Park in Madison, Wisconsin. Kathleen excels at the resolution of difficult urban issues and her collaborative management skills ensure effective and efficient delivery for a range of large scale and visionary projects. Kathleen’s focus on a strong vision, principle led design, and clear communication enables her to effectively build consensus and momentum for complex urban projects involving multiple stakeholder groups. Kathleen earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California and Master of Science in Architecture Studies and Master of City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
About Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast:
Dot Dot Dot is the continuing conversation around art in the built environment. Episodes explore art, culture, placemaking, and more with a range of reputable art and business leaders. Tune in biweekly to learn how an original art experience can boost your business and make a positive social impact. Episodes are available wherever you get your podcasts!