Landscape architect and designer Ken Smith talks about some things that inspire him, such as William H. Whyte's classic book The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces.
Fast Company profiles Smith and highlights some of his favorite things:
"Ken Smith is not one to blend in. The New York -- based designer moves beyond earth and stone in his work, often employing surprising elements such as bright synthetic flowers and plastic rocks. "Landscapes are made up of all sorts of synthetic things, and most people try to hide it," he says. "I don't.""
Other items on Smith's list include a photograph of him with Lawrence Halprin and a Tumi travel bag.
FULL STORY: Tools of my Trade: Ken Smith on Hotels, Lawrence Halprin, and Inspiration

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands
The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

EPA Terminates $116 Million in Grants for Reducing Emissions from Construction Materials
C-MORE grants were earmarked for industry trade groups and universities.

BART Closes $35 Million Deficit
Cost control and revenue generation measures prevented service cuts.

The New Parisian Hearse is a Bicycle
Sleek, silent, and sustainable, a green trip to the graveyard has hit the streets of the French capital.
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