These promotions reflect the firm’s dedication to fostering talent and innovation, ensuring success in delivering impactful projects.
We are delighted to announce that Isabelle Asakura, Associate Principal and Director of Research and Innovation, has now assumed a pivotal role alongside Keiji Asakura and Margaret Robinson as a partner. Isabelle’s unique expertise lies at the intersection of urban design, landscape planning, and urban ecology. Her ability to synthesize complex interactions among people, nature, and the built environment sets her apart as a leader in our transdisciplinary practice.
Her contributions to the City of Dublin Sustainability Plan, Galveston Community Resilience Planning, and the Houston Water Management Plan have propelled the firm’s expertise and recognition as a truly outstanding contributor to climate change mitigation within the design and planning fields. As a key member of the firm’s ownership circle, Isabelle will continue to build upon the firm’s commitment to transdisciplinary innovation and leadership.
“I am humbled by this position and I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship and support I’ve received from past and current firm leaders who helped shape the person I am today. This is such an exciting time to be a part of the firm and work alongside some incredible staff who support, challenge, and inspire me everyday. I see this position as an opportunity to nurture the culture and practice of AR’s One Studio approach and look forward to working with my amazing colleagues to bring research and innovation to the forefront of the firm’s strategic vision.”
Since joining the firm in late 2022, Andrew Knuppel, AICP, CFM, has demonstrated tremendous leadership, planning excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the firm’s One Studio vision through management, mentorship, and contributions to transdisciplinary collaboration. In his new title as Associate Principal, Andrew assumes the roles of Director of Community Planning and Hazard Mitigation Specialist, to continue to shape the planning studio. His contributions extend from Shreveport, LA, to Dublin, OH, demonstrating a keen ability to leverage his knowledge, mentorship, and marketing efforts. Andrew is excited about the transformative power of great design, thoughtful policy, and high-touch community engagement to address contemporary challenges.
“What drew me to Asakura Robinson was the firm’s leadership in planning and design excellence, innovation and creativity, and robust community engagement, and it is an honor to build on these past achievements and champion planning’s contributions to our communities and the firm’s One Studio vision. I am also grateful for the opportunity to mentor early career professionals and am extremely proud of the growth shown by our planning program in 2023, and I am excited to continue building on this momentum in 2024 and beyond.”
Tamara Fou, AICP, who has been with the firm for over a year, has been promoted to Associate for outstanding professional development, commitment to the One Studio Vision, and contributions to research and innovation. Since joining the firm in 2022, Tamara has received her AICP certification, attended multiple conferences and workshops and demonstrated leadership on projects. Tamara brings a passion for active design, public/alternative transportation, and sustainable community development to the planning studio.
She has played a pivotal role in our work in Corpus Christi, namely the Bayside Area Redevelopment Plan, and Harris County Toll Road Authority’s Hardy Toll Road Downtown Connector, where she helped realize HCTRA’s goals through a design philosophy that not only connects the Toll Road to Downtown, but also reconnects the marginalized communities in its path.
“I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to continue growing within Asakura Robinson and as an urban planner. I am looking forward to further engaging in and weaving in equity and health into planning the built environment for our communities and thorough our work.”
Based in the Austin office, Kyle Anderson has been promoted to Associate for unparalleled commitment to research and innovation, growth in professional development, and contributions to the One Studio Vision. Kyle’s planning approach is deeply rooted in community collaboration, having worked alongside organizations and nonprofits in West Dallas before joining AR. His commitment to sustainability is evident in his completion of a Permaculture Design Certification last winter, and his contributions to the Dublin Sustainability Plan and the firm’s climate action plan.
Kyle is enthusiastic about incorporating his passion for community and ecology into his role at Asakura Robinson. His significant contributions also include valuable work on Austin’s Urban Trails and Pedestrian Plan, as well as the Houston Parks and Recreation Department Water Management Plan.
“Working alongside such talented and capable folks with a myriad of experiences to learn from, my experience at AR so far has been truly transformative. AR’s community-centric and ecologically conscious ethos continue to foster my growth as a professional, and I am honored to be able to deepen my practice and help drive AR towards an even more vibrant future. “
These promotions mark a significant milestone for Asakura Robinson, reinforcing our commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement. We look forward to the continued success of our newly promoted leaders and the positive impact they will undoubtedly bring to our firm and the communities we serve.