Christopher Gent Email & Phone Number

5215 N. Ravenswood, Suite 306, Chicago, Il 60640

Urban Landscape Collaborative (ULC) is a full-service design studio committed to a thoughtful pursuit and practice of landscape architecture. Its mission is not just about designing spaces – it is about making a difference for the people that use them. ULC approaches each design as a process, beginning with listening and building a relationship based on respect and trust to engaging our clients in an in-depth discussion to understand their vision, challenges, and budgetary considerations. ULC has over 40 year’s experience working with Chicago and national clients including parks, developers, private residences and non-profits in developing public and private open spaces, playgrounds, community and general park framework plans as well as the development of new landscape and park standards and guidelines uniquely qualifies it to work with a wide variety of clients.

Chicago, Il

Principal of the Award winning Landscape Architectural office focusing on sustainable community-driven public spaces and residential landscape designs for developers, park districts, municipalities and homeowners.

President of one of the largest chapters in the U.S., serving as managing director and chief executive officer. Overall responsibility for running daily operations and fulfilling strategic objectives. The President, with the help of the Executive Committee, is the decision maker who formulates policy and directs the general course of action for committees and staff. Responsible for overseeing operations, implementing plans, and managing human, financial and physical resources.

Chicago Park District, Chicago, Illinois Responsible for design and execution of high quality park projects for one of the largest urban park system in the country with over 7600 acres consisting of 552 parks, 33 beaches, 250 field houses and 358 playgrounds. PARK DISTRICT LIAISON February 2010 to PresentDepartment of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Chicago, IL  Develop the scope and budget for the urban design portion of a $500,000 NEA Grant for an innovative Cermak Creative Industries District  Define the project scope for hiring the consultant for the Phase 1 Part one Urban design portion of the NEA Grant for the Cermak Creative Industries District Direct the management company and landscape contractor on the ongoing landscape maintenance and improvements to Millennium Park/Lurie Garden Manage the installation of sculpture for the City of Chicago’s Department of Public Art. Coordination between several City agencies.DEPUTY DIRECTOR March 2004 – February 2010 Managed and directed project managers and design staff includingvelopment.  Assisted in the development of Park District policies and standards Established guidelines of the minimum park standards for developer donations Revised Chicago Park District Design Guidelines and Standards Collaborated with other Governmental agencies on planning and design of projects.  Coordinated with CHA on their Plan for Transformation projects Coordinated with the City’s Department of Planning and Development and developers when new developments include proposed parks. SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER April 2000 – March 2004PROJECT MANAGER June 1997 – April 2000

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT January 1995 – June 1997 Created standards for the City of Chicago’s new median program Researched and developed the City’s first plant palette of salt tolerant and urban hardy plant material Supervised staff and consultants in development of plans, schedules and budgets Oversaw construction of projects Liaised with Mayor’s Office, Alderman and Community groupsSample Key Projects: Planting of the Historic Boulevard System ($2 million), Martin Luther King Drive Gateway Project ($10 million), Lake Shore Drive Mainline Landscape, Randolph Street Revitalization project.

Responsible for all phases of design process from conceptual planning to in-house and contract construction supervision for diverse park projectsSample Key Projects: Historic Restoration of Jens Jensen Landscape in Columbus Park($750,000), North Lake Shore Drive Landscape Median, Lincoln Park Framework Plan