Danielle Kauffman

CREATIVE DESIGN MANAGER, TPD, POTTSTOWN PA

Founded in 1989, TPD is an ENR 500 Top Design Firm, that delivers transportation engineering projects throughout the eastern United States. I joined TPD back in 2014 as their first graphic designer on staff fresh out of college and no idea where this position would lead me. Over the past decade, I have worked to evolve and expand the brand, while also helping provide top-notch client work.

TPD exists to improve the quality of life for the public, and we are dedicated to Moving Forward Together® with clients and community partners; we continue to realize this mission and our goals by providing tailored, sustainable project solutions, leveraging our diverse backgrounds and experiences.

I have always felt a strong connection to TPD’s mission, and I believe the work we are doing is very important to communities. We aren’t just designing roads, bridges, sidewalks, etc. We are helping connect communities and people. Knowing that I have had a small hand in helping implement those changes is why I stay in this field. Seeing the real-life changes that were suggested in the plans I designed within these communities, is just the icing on the cake!

TELL US HOW AND WHY YOU BECAME INVOLVED IN SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNICATIONS, AND SHARE THOUGHTS ON WHY DESIGN CAN BE AN ESPECIALLY EFFECTIVE TOOL?

As TPD grew, the opportunities to pursue community transportation plans became available and as confidence in my abilities grew, so did the opportunities to become more involved in these projects. TPD now offers a broad range of services to clients so we can gather input on where there is a need for transportation improvements, and a final plan can be designed.

I never imagined 10 years ago I would be involved in this kind of design work. In fact, I had no idea this was even an option, but it has become my favorite part of my job. Taking technical content and designing it in a way that is easily digestible to the public and brings them on board with the changes being suggested isn’t easy, but it is always rewarding when the community votes to adopt a final plan.

There isn’t one project that sticks out to me, because I look at all these communities as special and I try to bring that uniqueness to my deliverables. At the end of the day, I know that these projects really have made a difference in these communities and voices that may not always be heard, were heard.

GIVEN THE CONFLUENCE OF EVENTS AND CHALLENGES OUR SOCIETY NOW FACES, DOES THIS MOMENT IN TIME PRESENT ANY SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES, URGENCIES, OBSTACLES TO DESIGNING FOR GOOD?

Communities today are evolving and changing. People are refocusing on how ALL members of their communities can get around safely and efficiently. I think there is no better time than now to figure out solutions so that everyone, regardless of race, poverty level, disability, etc. have full access all parts of their communities.

Firms are coming up with great solutions to these obstacles, but if the public cannot get on board, nothing will come of it. Designing content that is easily digestible and simplifies the process for the public is the only way we can achieve these goals.


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