Annaka believes that a unified vision creates resilient and empowered communities, and she champions this concept through her work as a planner. Bringing an adaptive approach to the team, Annaka focuses on clear communication and listening to clients, stakeholders, and the public to develop designs and outcomes that harness a deep connection to a place’s identity.
Annaka relishes her time in the outdoors and believes deeply that everyone has the right to have access to green, natural spaces. This fuels her work to provide tangible outcomes for the communities she partners with.
Experience
Annaka specializes in coordinating and managing complex community and land use planning projects, including comprehensive and master plans, economic development analyses, and strategic planning efforts. She has strong experience working with marginalized populations across the Mountain West and focuses on upholding planning standards that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
Annaka has a Master’s Degree in City & Metropolitan Planning from the University of Utah, as well as Bachelor’s degrees in Environmental & Sustainability Studies and Urban Ecology. She has also previously taught courses on the fundamentals of design, urban planning, and the conceptualization of space at the University of Utah.
Areas of Expertise
Outside the office
As a Utah native, Annaka grew up exploring the rivers and mountains of the American West. When not in the office, she has a difficult time sitting still and enjoys bushwhacking up (and skiing down) any mountain in sight. Annaka also loves cooking and trying to wear out her dog, Pfeiff.