Cristina is a practicing urban designer, planner and placemaking researcher, specializing in large-scale master planning, public realm design frameworks, and streetscape activation strategies. Her passion is to work with communities to shape policies and programs as much as physical form – through iterative, systems-based problem solving and fluid collaboration across disciplines. She has been a dedicated APA member for the last decade, delivering successful programs for the Los Angeles and New York City sections. She currently works for HOK in Los Angeles, a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm with 25 studios spanning three continents. As their Regional Leader of Planning, her goal is to cross-pollinate research, leadership, talent and great ideas across the two organizations while she serves on the Board.