Why I Keep Hitting Record on Design Minded
An Invitation to Listen Differently When people ask me what Design Minded is about, I usually pause before answering. Not because it is complicated, but because it is layered. On the surface, it is a podcast about design in Indianapolis and Indiana. At a deeper level, it is about how our surroundings shape our daily […]
Designing Streets for Life: How Walkable Neighborhoods Transform Communities
Streets are more than just a way to get from one place to another. They are the veins of a city, carrying people, ideas, and community life. In my career as an architect and urban developer in Indianapolis, I have witnessed the transformative power of walkable neighborhoods. Streets designed with people in mind do more […]
Midwest Modern: Why Smaller Cities are Leading the Charge in Innovative Urban Design
When most people think about innovative urban design, their minds go to New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles. These cities have long been the testing grounds for skyscrapers, transit systems, and bold architecture. But today, something remarkable is happening: smaller Midwestern cities are stepping into the spotlight, pioneering new ways of thinking about design, sustainability, […]
Indianapolis Through Design: A Look at the City’s Evolution from Streetscape to Skyline
By Cornelius (Lee) Alig When I think about Indianapolis, I see more than just a city—I see a living, evolving canvas shaped by decades of design, civic effort, and community vision. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to be part of its transformation, working on projects that reach from the sidewalk to the skyline. […]
Designing for Impact: How Architects Shape Public Life Beyond the Drawing Board By Cornelius (Lee) Alig As someone who has worked at the intersection of architecture, urban development, and community engagement for decades, I’ve long believed that good design is about far more than aesthetics. Yes, architecture shapes skylines—but more importantly, it shapes lives. The […]
Green Infrastructure in Cities: Why Urban Forestry is More Than Just Planting Trees By Cornelius (Lee) Alig
Trees Are Just the Beginning When most people think about urban forestry, they picture trees lining city streets or parks filled with shady canopies. And while trees are certainly a vital piece of the puzzle, urban forestry is so much more than just planting trees. It’s a key element of what we call green infrastructure—a […]
From Vacant to Vibrant: Transforming Historic Buildings into Modern Community Assets By Cornelius (Lee) Alig
More Than Empty Spaces All across the Midwest—and certainly here in Indianapolis—our city blocks are dotted with buildings that have seen better days. Former schools, churches, storefronts, factories. Their doors are locked, their windows boarded, and the life that once filled them has long moved on. For some, these buildings are eyesores. But for those […]
Greening the City: The Power of Urban Forestry and Beautification Projects By Cornelius (Lee) Alig
A City’s Character Is More Than Its Buildings As an architect and urban developer, I’ve spent my life thinking about how cities are built—how buildings rise, streets are planned, and neighborhoods evolve. But after decades of working in Indianapolis, I’ve come to realize that a city’s true character isn’t just defined by its buildings. It’s […]
Concept of Better Living: The Architect’s Role in Community Impact By Cornelius (Lee) Alig
A Career Built on More Than Buildings Over the course of my career as an architect and real estate developer, I’ve come to see design as far more than a profession—it’s a form of service. Architecture, at its best, is about people. It’s about creating spaces that not only look good but feel good, function […]