Urban Dictionary defines “urbanophile” as: 

“a person who loves cities, especially their architecture, design, planning and transportation systems.”

Given that definition, I would be willing to submit my photo for reference because that is me 100%! In fact, while I was in the process of completing my Master’s degree in Music Performance, I was seriously considering applying for Master’s programs in Urban Planning (UP) and gathering career advice from UP professionals around the country. 

It actually wasn’t until college that I uncovered this passion. To fulfill an elective requirement, I enrolled in a Social Geography course focusing on urban demographics and their influence on a city’s physical form. And I loved it!!! Actually, you can see the course syllabus by clicking here

Also around this time I took trips to Atlanta and New York City, and spent a summer abroad in Europe. Atlanta was notable because I was infatuated by Virginia-Highland, at the time just a budding and somewhat under-the-radar historic neighborhood. I have since experienced the same infatuation for dozens upon dozens of similar neighborhoods throughout the country, closely monitoring their rise to prominence as well as the many issues that follow such a rapid transformation: gentrification, displacement, preservation, etc. Spending a week to really immerse myself in NYC for the first time and a couple months in major European centers accelerated my love affair with cities. 

Currently I am writing, developing and recording a podcast with my fellow urbanophile, Chuck Hilston. The show is titled “The Urban Files” and we expect to release our first season by the fall of 2019. If this sort of thing interests you, please check it out and let us know what you think!