Community Design and Development at Rancho Mission Viejo in Southern California with Kris Maher
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Episode Overview
In this episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan Glick talks with Kris Maher, the Senior Vice President of Community Design at Rancho Mission Viejo. Kris discusses her path from a high school student fascinated by mechanical drafting to a key figure in land development. Kris shares her initial attraction to architecture, and how it propelled her into a career that blends art with practical application. Kris dives into her career, highlighting the early days of low pay and high aspirations, the transition from architecture to land development, and the eventual decision to start her own consulting practice.
The conversation shifts to the intricacies of planning and developing large-scale communities. Kris offers an insider’s look at the process of transforming raw land into vibrant, functional communities. From the strategic placement of amenities to the forward-thinking approach to development, she emphasizes the importance of vision and adaptability in creating spaces that resonate with residents.
Kris also shares insights into the future of land development, underscoring the importance of community feedback, the challenges posed by regulatory landscapes, and the evolving needs of residents. Her perspective is both an inspiration and a guide for aspiring developers, architects, and anyone interested in the power of thoughtful land development.