New Urbanism Approach
A couple sitting on the stone bench alongside the stream.

Vista Field is very different from typical developments seen in many cities. As envisioned, Vista Field will be developed using a New Urbanism model: A neighborhood-scale planning approach focused on mixed-uses, active public spaces, multi-modal access, pedestrian-scale streets and a density of development not typically found within the Tri-Cities region.

Once complete, Vista Field will have many distinctive features and look more like city blocks found within historic downtown areas with diverse local businesses, cozy neighborhoods and public plazas.

These types of town center developments that meld cultures and bring vibrancy to communities are sought after. During the master planning process, the Port of Kennewick heard clearly from citizens that this type of development is what they want.

Read more about the New Urbanism approach.

Learn about Missing Middle Housing.

Meet the Town Architects

Vista Field Town Architect Matthew Lamber headshot.

Matthew Lambert

Partner | DPZ CoDESIGN

Matthew heads DPZ’s office in Portland, Oregon, leading projects within the region and across the country and serves as Board Chair of the Congress for the New Urbanism.

Vista Field Town Architect Heather Wassell headshot.

Heather Wassell, CNU-A

Senior Project Manager | DPZ CoDESIGN

Heather Wassell is a project manager, urban designer, and architectural designer with a professional architecture degree.

Vista Field Town Architect Michael CH Dale headshot.

Michael CH Dale, RA

Principal  | STUDIO CH

Michael is an accomplished Architect with over 18 years of experience in the Pacific Northwest and holds a Master of Architecture degree from Washington State University.

Artist’s renderings

Matthew Lambert

Matthew Lambert is passionate about urban design, architecture, the regulations that shape the built environment, and the role that the built environment plays in social systems and climate change. In over 20 years with DPZ, he has led the design of and managed projects for municipalities, private developers, and institutions that include form-based codes and other regulatory reforms, urban infill and redevelopment, regional planning and greenfield development, campus redevelopment, and architectural design. Among his project experience, Matthew has focused heavily on regulations and form-based codes, leading code projects and providing code-related education. As co-author of the Lean Code Tool, Lean Comprehensive Plan Tool, and many of the Congress for the New Urbanism’s (CNU) reports within the Project for Code Reform, his experience covers broad applications writing, analyzing, adapting, and communicating zoning and land use policy.

Matthew heads DPZ’s office in Portland, Oregon, leading projects within the region and across the country. Matthew is Board Chair of the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) where he has been active for two decades. In 2020, he co-founded PLACE Initiative, a non-profit focused on the intersection of urbanism, climate, and equity. Matthew serves as director of the organization’s flagship Climate Receiver Places Program, which addresses the need to prepare places presently depopulated or underdeveloped for future climate migration, avoiding future climate catastrophes that could result from unplanned growth. Climate and equity are central to Matthew’s work both professionally and in his volunteerism.

Selected Experience

  • Bentonville Zoning Code and Future Land Use Plan, Bentonville, AR
  • Rogers Zoning Code and Future Land Use Plan, Rogers, AR
  • Milwaukee Zoning Updates for Housing Affordability, Milwaukee, WI
  • CNU Code Reform Initiative, MI, WI, and NH – Zoning Code Reform
  • Orange County, FL – Zoning Code Rewrite
  • Royal Oak Master Plan, Royal Oak, MI
  • Birmingham Master Plan, Birmingham MI
  • Vista Field Redevelopment, Urban Infill/Brownfield Redevelopment, Kennewick, WA
  • Montava Master Plan and Code, Fort Collins, CO
  • ARC Lifelong Communities, Regional Plan and Zoning Code, Atlanta, GA
  • Comprehensive Plan and Code, Hot Springs Village AR
  • Infill and Zoning Analysis and Zoning Recommendations, Albuquerque, NM
  • Form-based Code and Master Plans for Transit-Oriented Development, Reinvent Phoenix, AZ
  • Master Plan and Form-based Code, Downtown Mobile, AL
  • Regional Scenario Planning and Comprehensive Plan, Doña Ana County, NM
  • AARP California Strategy Study, CA – Development Pattern Analysis
  • Atlanta Regional Commission Aging Forum and Lifelong Communities
  • Bawabat Makkah Lands Scenario Planning, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
  • Hertfordshire Regional Growth Plan, England
  • Scottish Sustainable Communities Initiative, Scotland

Education

2005 Bachelor of Architecture and Computer Science, magna cum laude, University of Miami

Professional Experience

2007-Present Partner

2000-2007 Designer

DPZ CoDesign, Miami FL, Portland, OR

Affiliations

Board Chair, Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU)

Treasurer and Co-founder, PLACE Initiative

Treasurer, Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association

Heather Wassell

Heather Wassell is a project manager, urban designer, and architectural designer with a professional architecture degree. She has worked on a variety of project types, including municipal master plans ranging in scales from townships to regions, new community and transit-oriented development master plans, main street revitalization and urban infill, and residential design. Heather served as Project Manager for the Hot Springs Village, AR Comprehensive Master Plan and Zoning Code. She has also contributed to several publications, including The Lexicon of the New Urbanism and The Public Works Manual.

Selected Experience

  • Rogers Future Land Use and Zoning Code, Rogers, AR
  • Bentonville Future Land Use and Zoning Code, Bentonville, AR
  • Pine Bluff Comprehensive Plan, Pine Bluff, AR
  • Hot Springs Village, AR Comprehensive Master Plan and Zoning Code
  • Little Rock Towers Retrofit, Little Rock, AR
  • Royal Oak New Master Plan, Royal Oak, MI
  • Birmingham Comprehensive Plan, Birmingham, MI
  • Downtown Pontiac CNU Legacy Downtown Revitalization Plan, Pontiac, MI
  • ABQ Central Corridor TOD Planning Study, TOD/Urban Infill Planning and Coding Analysis, Albuquerque, NM
  • Reinvent Phoenix, AZ (Form-based Code and Master Plans for Transit-oriented Development)
  • City Center and North River Master Plans, Sandy Springs, GA
  • Montava Master Plan and Code, Fort Collins, CO
  • Doña Ana County, NM Regional Scenario Planning and Comprehensive Plan
  • Orange County Comprehensive Plan and Code, Orange County, FL
  • Hertfordshire, UK – Stanboroughbury and Symondshyde Master Plans
  • Buckeye Lake, OH Regional Plan
  • AARP California Strategy Study, CA Development Pattern Analysis
  • Bay Point Master Plan, Bay Point, OH
  • Green Tree Master Plan, Vacaville, CA
  • Syosset Park Master Plan, Oyster Bay, NY
  • Vista Field Redevelopment, Urban Infill/Brownfield Redevelopment, Kennewick, WA
  • Foressa Mountain Town Master Plan and Code, Cebu, Philippines
  • Seafront Residences Master Plan, San Juan Batangas, Philippines

Education

2013 Bachelor of Architecture, summa cum laude, University of Miami

Previous Experience

2018-2021 Director of Planning Beinfield Architects Norwalk, CT

2013-2018 Designer, DPZ CoDesign, Miami, FL

Affiliations

Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU)

Publications

The Lexicon of the New Urbanism (contributor)

The Public Works Manual (contributor)

Michael CH Dale

Michael is an accomplished Architect with over 18 years of experience in the Pacific Northwest and holds a Master of Architecture degree from Washington State University. His expertise lies in leading building project delivery and construction across various commercial sectors, including healthcare, education, office, industrial, and government facilities. In past and current roles, he is a key player in the design process, overseeing pre-design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration.

During a project’s critical design phase, he is known for skillfully managing and coordinating multidisciplinary drawings, ensuring team collaboration and eliminating conflicts. Michael’s experience includes facilitating communication between owners, contractors, and stakeholders, an essential part of successful project outcomes from conception to completion.

Additionally, his proficiency in technology and Management Information Systems allows him to coordinate projects using Building Information Modeling (BIM). Michael’s eye for detail further extends to exterior and interior design. His artistic vision for curating materials and colors enhances the building’s design and functionality, generating architecture that belongs in its landscape by creating sense of place and identity.

Updated Amber Contact