In the heart of Atlanta, a vision is taking shape—a vision of a city transformed by good design. This vision was at the center of the Atlanta Design Roundtable, hosted by Maria Saporta on August 13, 2026. The event brought together local design leaders and developers to discuss how Atlanta can become a city renowned for its world-class development.
The roundtable, part of the Atlanta Way 2.0 series, featured prominent figures such as developer Jarel Portman of JPX Works, Urban Land Institute Executive Director Daphne Bond-Godfrey, Spelman College Director of Facilities Art Frazier III, and developer Jim Irwin of New City Properties. The conversation, moderated by Saporta and Atlanta architect Melody Harclerode, delved into the challenges and opportunities of shaping Atlanta’s urban landscape.
Consistency and collaboration in urban design
One of the key themes discussed was the importance of consistency in urban design. Jim Irwin, known for his work on the redevelopment of Ponce City Market, emphasized the need for brand standards—uniform street holes, consistent sidewalk widths, and cohesive signage. “The way you get around the city is thoughtful and reassuring,” Irwin explained. He also highlighted the importance of blending world-class buildings with functional structures, ensuring that even everyday buildings like drugstores have thoughtful designs.
Achieving this consistency requires a combination of infrastructure elements education, and collaboration. Developers like Jarrel Portman and Jim Irwin suggested that negotiation on certain design elements could also play a crucial role. However, one idea stood out among the rest: the proposal to appoint a Chief Design Officer for the city.
The role of a Chief Design Officer
Elayne DeLeo, co-founder of the Atlanta Design Festival, explained that a Chief Design Officer would oversee buildings, wayfinding, mobility, and more. This role would ensure a holistic approach to design across all mayoral initiatives. While Mayor Dickens has expressed interest in the idea, he believes that several people within the city already handle these responsibilities. The key difference would be having “one person from a cohesive perspective,” dedicated to a unified vision for the city’s design.
Daphne Bond-Godfrey of the Urban Land Institute described the Chief Design Officer as a “quarterback,” someone who can address watershed issues, infrastructure challenges, and housing concerns. “It’s going to take a bit of a unicorn to do that,” Bond-Godfrey said, emphasizing the need for a versatile and visionary leader.
Transforming Atlanta’s transit system
The roundtable also touched on the potential transformation of Atlanta’s transit system. Currently, the region’s only Amtrak station, Brookwood Station, is located between Midtown and Buckhead. This station, which runs the Amtrak Crescent route, faces several challenges, including its distance from major transit options and lack of adequate parking and ADA-compliant accommodations.
There has been a push to move the Amtrak station to downtown Atlanta, near train lines and dense urban development. Mayor Dickens has expressed support for this plan, with Centennial Yards being a favored location. However, the site’s underground space for two tracks and a platform set aside could limit future expansions into a grand terminal.
Matt Rao, owner of RAO Design Studio, provided an update on the search for a new location. He suggested solutions that could allow up to six tracks, such as an arc to bypass the city, similar to the Beltline. “It would be a new home, not just for Amtrak, but for any kind of rail we want to do in the city of Atlanta and in the region,” Rao said. The proposals are still in the early stages, but the decision could have significant implications for Atlanta’s transit and design landscape.
Maria Saporta emphasized the importance of having a vision for Atlanta’s future. “The whole idea is we want to make sure we have a vision for what Atlanta can be 50 years from now,” she said, highlighting the long-term impact of these design and infrastructure decisions.
