Speakers

Dawveed is a Cities + Urban Design Strategy Leader recognized for advancing equitable neighborhood revitalization and shaping resilient urban environments through design, planning, and public sector leadership. Prior to joining Gensler, Dawveed served as Managing Deputy Commissioner of Planning and Development for the City of Chicago, where he led major planning initiatives spanning all 77 neighborhoods. Before his public sector leadership, he spent nearly 14 years with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s City Design Practice. There, he led award-winning projects focused on housing, neighborhood planning, transit-oriented development, corridor planning, campus planning, inclusive placemaking, and design equity. His portfolio spans a broad range of urban scales and typologies. His work blends residential, institutional, commercial, open space, and mixed-use development into cohesive long-term visions and implementation strategies. Notable projects include the Detroit East Riverfront, Barangaroo Central, Atlanta University Center, and Robbins Park. These projects center on equitable development outcomes, economic mobility, and resilient placemaking.