Austin Hoofnagle Urban Planner

I was born in Kirkland, Washington, and have lived in Redmond, Kirkland, and Bellingham. In 2015, I graduated from high school and moved to Sydney, Australia, where I worked as a dockmaster for five months before returning to Washington State. I then attended Whatcom Community College, graduating in 2019 with an Associate of Arts degree in Arts and Sciences. Subsequently, I transferred to Western Washington University, where I spent three years pursuing a degree in Urban Planning and Sustainable Development.

Outside of my academic pursuits, I have several hobbies that I deeply enjoy. As an avid outdoorsman, I love hiking, camping, kayaking, boating, and scuba diving. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest has provided me with countless opportunities to connect with nature. I am also a passionate reader and film enthusiast, dedicating many hours to exploring historical literature and classic films. Additionally, I am an adventurous traveler. In 2014, I traveled to Tanzania to teach English in a small village called Arusha, and in 2015, I lived and worked in Sydney. Beyond these major journeys, I have taken numerous trips to places like Costa Rica, Portugal, Chicago, New York, England, Italy, Morocco, and embarked on cross-country road trips from Seattle to Savannah, Georgia. My explorations have included visits to various national parks and wildlife preserves. These experiences have broadened my worldview and significantly shaped who I am.

Coming from a family of industrial and interior designers and artists, I have always shared similar interests, particularly in urban design and architecture. I believe that whatever career I pursue should contribute positively to society. Urban Planning emerged as a natural choice for me, as it combines creativity in designing cities and towns with a focus on making a beneficial impact on the lives of residents. I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I have gained in a professional role as an urban planner and designer.