Donald Taylor-Patterson

With over a decade of experience managing complex, high-impact projects and initiatives, he is known as a strategist, problem solver, and community builder. He draws on a unique blend of skills and life experiences to find common ground among diverse stakeholders and help bring bold, transformational visions to life.

At U3, Donald works with leaders across North America—including universities, cities, philanthropies, and nonprofits—to design and implement strategies that advance equity and inclusion in communities. Since first joining the firm in 2018, he has played a key role in projects including real estate and anchor strategy work with the University of Pittsburgh, a multi-phase RFP and engagement process to reimagine two historic sites in Memphis’ Overton Park, and the creation of an evidence-based action guide on equitable public space investment through the Reimagining the Civic Commons initiative.

Donald’s work is informed by his earlier experience as a Project Manager and Designer at a design-build firm, where he guided clients through visioning, permitting, and construction of residential and commercial projects. He also served as the inaugural Project Planning Officer in the City of Long Beach Planning Bureau, where he led a talented team of urban planners charged with reviewing and advancing the city’s most significant development projects. In this newly created management role, he brought a fresh perspective to the bureau, drawing on his multi-faceted background to develop innovative solutions that improved operational efficiency, enhanced communication and transparency, and strengthened employee engagement.

Donald’s passion for equitable growth is deeply rooted in his upbringing in North Philadelphia, where he developed a fascination with the complexities and challenges present in cities and other large systems. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring new cities, discovering local coffee shops, and learning new board games with friends.

Donald holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Princeton University, where he won the School of Architecture Urbanism Thesis Prize, and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Harvard University.