WithersRavenel is thrilled to be celebrating Planning Month! Each week, we’re profiling one of our amazing planning staff members. This week, meet Daniel Rauh, AICP. Daniel has worked at WithersRavenel for six years. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Planning and Policy with Environmental Science and Green Engineering Minors from Virginia Tech. He also has a Master’s degree in City and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia.
WithersRavenel: What sparked your interest in planning?
Daniel Rauh: My pre-school had one of those playmats that looks like a little town. I remember being obsessed with it and going home to draw my own towns and cities. As I got a little older, playing Sim City 2000 (on my Windows 95) helped solidify my interest in the holistic and interconnected nature of city planning.
WR: What impact did your education have on your planning career?
DR: Both my undergraduate and graduate degrees are in the planning field, which helped connect me to professors and professionals in different aspects of the trade (community engagement, real estate, transportation logistics, etc.). Since the field can be so broad, interacting with these individuals helped me understand which aspects of the field I find interesting. I have been fortunate to work with amazing individuals during my education who helped direct me toward my current career.
WR: Congratulations on the recent birth of your daughter! What is it like being a new parent?
DR: Thanks! After 6-7 weeks of trial and error, we are finally feeling like we have a handle on addressing Holly’s needs. I don’t think there is anything that can prepare you for those first few nights back home, but we have not felt overwhelmed since. We are very excited about tracking milestones and seeing her grow!
Do you want to put WithersRavenel’s Planning Team to work for you? Contact Director of Planning Brendie Vega, AICP, at (919) 535-5212 or bvega@withersravenel.com.