JP Weesner: Trees, Transit, and Thoughtful Design

We’re an interconnected nationwide team, but we each have our own reasons for being passionate about the work we do. This month, get to know JP Weesner, principal urban planner/landscape architect in our Orlando office.

What’s your background and how did you become a transportation professional?

I’m a landscape architect. I got both my undergraduate and master’s degrees in landscape architecture. During my master’s program, I realized I really loved the urban environment and got deep into urban design, specifically thinking about all the leftover spaces carved into blocks by streets. My education was focused on systems (ecological, environmental, social, cultural, etc.) thinking, so while many of my classmates were focused on large parks, golf courses, or residential landscapes, I was interested in streets, plazas, and other weird leftover spaces in our public rights-of-way, and using those remnant spaces to create great places. I quickly realized that to play in the right-of-way sandbox, I needed to understand many aspects of transportation to truly understand what “forms” I had to play with and what “functions” the streets or corridors needed to perform. I was taught by many amazing transportation professionals over the years, and I am still learning today—it’s exciting to get a project that both is functional and a great space that feels unique to its city/town/place.

Outside of work (and as evidenced by some presentations I’ve given on storytelling at work), I’m a Star Wars nerd. I love the world building components and the various stories of characters and background characters. You’ll find me watching the latest series or movie OR sitting at the movies watching something else and comparing it to Star Wars. Fun fact: When Galaxy’s Edge opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, my best friend got us early access to check it out. The cast members were still learning their “characters,” and I was going around correcting them, as well as showing them the background elements to help them get into character. At one point, I was asked to submit a job application as a Jedi Historian… I’m still thinking about it.

What projects have you found most interesting or rewarding to work on?

Any project I can propose planting trees. 😉

Do you have a favorite city or transportation system that inspires you?

So many… Paris, Boston, DC, NYC; but the one I come back to is Nuremberg, Germany. It’s a small medieval town, yet it has every mode of transit—subway, light rail, bus rapid transit, regular bus service, commuter/freight rail, protected bike lanes (with bike signals!) and is one of the most walkable places with great parks, plazas, and little spaces.

What’s your approach to mentoring and/or supporting junior staff?

I taught studio courses and a few lectures at University of Florida for a few years. I really enjoyed teaching and mentoring students and realized how much it taught me how to engage my audience and explain complex ideas. I have also learned from so many people over my career; I feel a responsibility to give back or pay it forward in helping staff navigate project/career challenges. For me, it was always so helpful when someone took the time to understand where I was at, what I wanted to do, and helped me craft a plan or gave me advice that would be specific and personal towards me and my growth. Everyone’s path is different, and I really appreciate those who recognized that. I try to emulate the same behavior.

What’s a trend or topic in transportation you’re especially excited about right now?

I’ve always been interested in transit-oriented development. While it is defined as focusing mixed-use communities around nodes of transit stops/stations, it’s really about placemaking and vibrancy.