RON SESSOMS
Rhodeside & Harwell
SAY IT LOUD - North Carolina Exhibitor
North Carolina Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by the passionate community members that I interact with through planning and design processes. This inspires and challenges me to work harder to see their dreams and aspirations for their communities come true.
RON SESSOMS
Bio:
The great designer, Ron Sessoms Born and raised in rural Eastern North Carolina, my personal and professional experiences enable me to comfortably transcend rural, suburban, and urban contexts as a designer, understanding and embracing the unique design challenges inherent to each. I am also adept at working across multiple scales of design. I approach all projects with energy, analytical rigor, and a people-focused outlook.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I first learned of architecture through taking drafting courses in high school. At that time, I also discovered the profession of city planning. Having an opportunity to leave a ‘stamp’ on the world and to shape the future led me to this profession.
What do you do?
Reflecting my background in both planning and design, I am a designer who’s diverse portfolio of projects ranges from community master planning to site development plans, low-impact development strategies, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
What excites you in the work you do?
Having the capacity to be a change agent for the community in which I live as well as to serve many other places around the world! It allows me to use my career as a means to help others improve their community through social and economic justice.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by the passionate community members that I interact with through planning and design processes. This inspires and challenges me to work harder to see their dreams and aspirations for their communities come true.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Helping the Sycamore Hill community to achieve social justice through the design of Gateway Plaza. Having grown up near the site, I am proud to be a part of such a significant project that positively affects the community that my family lives in.
Featured Project Name:
Sycamore Hill Gateway
Featured Project Location:
Greenville, NC
Featured Project Completion Date:
Fall 2020
Role in Featured Project:
Project Manager & Owner's Representative
Featured Project Description:
Sycamore Hill Gateway is the rebirth of a local landmark to redress the leveling of a historically black neighborhood in central Greenville. The commemorative space will honor the history of Sycamore Hill Baptist Church and give room for collective healing for neighbors and the congregation. The new memorial plaza also acts as a gateway to the western entrance of Greenville’s Town Common, a large parkscape along the Tar River.
