Aug 26

WTS Charlotte Metro Lunch and Learn - Wake BRT: Community Engagement & Outreach

The WTS Charlotte Metro Chapter is pleased to host Cathy Morrison, FAIA, Luke Volkmar, AIA, and Julia Entz, who will be presenting on community engagement and outreach for the City of Raleigh’s first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project on August 26, 2025. In the development of station typologies, local context informed station materials, massing, and types. These were formulated through a variety of community engagement activities. The Wake BRT System Standards were shared with the community using a digital graphics package that included animations educating the public on the new mode of transit.

Northeastern University–Charlotte
2151 Hawkins St, Suite 800, Charlotte, NC 28203
View on map

Aug 26, 2025 11:30am - Aug 26, 2025 01:00pm

Cathy Morrison, FAIA

As CEO of Neighboring Concepts, Cathy leads with a passion for collaborative design that elevates communities and fosters inclusivity. With a background in urban planning and architecture, she blends technical excellence with cultural sensitivity to create meaningful, sustainable environments. Cathy is a recipient of the NCARB President’s Medal and the AIA NC Detrick Service Medal, recognized for advancing diversity in architectural leadership and championing equitable practices. She holds dual master’s degrees in Architecture and Geography – Community Planning from UNC Charlotte, shaping her holistic approach. Under her leadership, Neighboring Concepts has earned the AIA NC/NOMA Award for Equitable and Inclusive Firm Practices. Cathy’s commitment to sustainability, diversity, and empowering underrepresented communities continues to redefine the role of design in building thriving, equitable places.

Luke Volkmar, AIA

Luke is a Partner at Neighboring Concepts with over 20 years of experience in architecture, planning, and transit-focused design. As the firm’s transit portfolio lead, he has guided projects across Light Rail, BRT, Streetcar, and Trolley systems—always prioritizing community connection and high-quality design, regardless of scale or budget. Luke’s academic focus on urban development, planning, and sustainability laid the foundation for his belief in transit’s power to elevate communities. His keen perception and client-centered approach help transform vision into thoughtful, impactful design. Known for his attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and joy-driven work ethic, Luke is committed to creating vibrant, connected places through meaningful design.

Julia Entz

Julia is an Urban Designer at Neighboring Concepts with a passion for placemaking and equitable public spaces. With an academic foundation in fine arts and professional experience in team management, she brings a distinct interdisciplinary lens to transit planning and public engagement. Julia plays a key role in shaping transit-oriented projects and leading inclusive community outreach. She is particularly focused on applying cooperative frameworks and inclusive practices to ensure all voices are reflected in the built environment. Her work is grounded in the belief that people-centered design can foster stronger, more connected communities.

This event will be hosted on the Northeastern University-Charlotte campus located directly on the train line (Blue Line) in South End. More details on how to get to the event are provided below. Registration and networking will begin at 11:30am with the lunch program running from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. Lunch will be provided with registration. Please RSVP by Friday, August 22nd.

Engineers attending this program could earn 1.0 Professional Development Hours. WTS Charlotte Metro is working with APA to qualify this activity for Certification Maintenance (CM) credit. More information about ACIP's CM program can be found at www.planning.org/cm.

Traveling to Northeastern University-Charlotte Campus

By Train (Blue Line):

From Uptown Charlotte

Take train South towards 485 (Not towards UNC Charlotte)

Get off at the East/West Station

Walk south down Camden Rd towards 2151 Hawkins St. That address will take you to the front of the building on Hawkins St.

Take the lobby elevators to the 8th floor.

Campus entrance is directly past the security desk.

By Car:

Campus Address is 2151 Hawkins St, Charlotte, NC, 28203

Take the garage elevators or 1st floor lobby elevators to the 8th floor.

Campus entrance is directly past the security desk.

There is a public parking deck for the building, located at 2151 Hawkins Street.

-Building garage parking Monday - Friday is $5 each ½ hour with a daily max of $28.

--If you enter after 4pm Monday - Friday or anytime on weekends, the flat-rate price is $10 for the day

---We validate building parking up to 4 hours at a discounted rate.

----Bring the ticket you receive when entering the garage to scan when entering campus.

-----Parking rates with validation are highlighted below.

The flat lot across the street from 2151 Hawkins Street is $12 for 4 hours and $15 or 8 hours.

Please see the map below that highlights the free street parking areas in red.

If you are taking an Uber/Taxi:

Campus Address is 2151 Hawkins St, Charlotte, NC, 28203. That address will take you to the front of the building on Hawkins St.

Take the lobby elevators to the 8th floor.

Campus entrance is directly past the security desk.