ULI Philadelphia’s Women’s Leadership Initiative Council hosted “Off the Record with Marilyn Jordan Taylor” on Thursday, May 16^th, 2019 at The Lighting Practice. The event featured Marilyn Jordan Taylor, Professor of Architecture & Urbanism, University of Pennsylvania School of Design, being interviewed by Danielle DiLeo Kim, an architect and urban designer currently serving as Executive Director for USA250.

Marilyn is recognized worldwide as a thought leader in urban design, as well as a pioneer in the fields of architecture, planning, and construction. Her global stature is complemented by her down-to-earth demeanor and great sense of humor, which she shared with the audience during her candid conversation with Danielle. Marilyn told the crowd that early on she was destined by her family to become a lawyer, but she soon realized that she wanted to save cities and instead pursued a career that positioned her to work on projects that were “for people” and would improve cities across the globe.

When asked about the future of urban design, Marilyn commented that there has never been a more important time for us to understand the social responsibility of what we do every day; something that she has embodied in both her work as an architect and a professor, as well as on the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation Board of Directors. Although DRWC has accomplished so much in the years that she has served on their board, she is always thinking ahead to what’s next and what can we do better to serve the people in the city.

While highly regarded around the world as a trailblazer in her field, Marilyn never wanted to become famous for her work. Being one of the only woman in the room as she advanced in her career, Marilyn noted that she had to be a lot tougher than she ever intended or wanted to be, which ultimately helped her to excel in the field. Her advice for future generations looking to make their own way, is to be proud enough of every project you work on that you’re willing to claim it to the world as your own. Because if you don’t take the credit, someone else will!

ULI Philadelphia would like to thank our sponsors, The Lighting Practice and MJ Settelen, speakers and all of the members and volunteers who made this event possible. For more information on how to get involved with ULI, including joining the Women’s Leadership Initiative Council, click here.