Although Stephen's professional background spans several titles in the field of commercial real estate, Stephen has dedicated his academic career to urban studies. His area of expertise focuses on issues of social class structure and economic development policy and extends into a variety of urban-related topics such as retail change and place branding strategy. Stephen will tell you that cities today represent the best and worst of society, and while he enjoys discussing the complexities and challenges of an urbanizing world, he is content not
having all the answers.
Originally from Louisiana, Stephen lived in Los Angeles for eleven years where he co-authored a popular news website focused on the development and repopulation of the city center. He has been a vocal advocate for a more livable Los Angeles, being featured in major publications including LA Weekly and Los Angeles Magazine.
Aside from his fascination with cities, Stephen is a professional photographer, movie fan and avid traveler. In 2002 he became a member the Screen Actors Guild after a stint as a film actor and still maintains an active interest in the Hollywood film industry. One of his more "less respectable" accomplishments is, for whatever reason, having been to Starbucks in sixteen countries (and counting). We try not to encourage him.
Stephen holds a Master's degree in Human Geography from the University of Amsterdam and a Bachelor's degree in Urban Studies & Planning from the University of California in Northridge, both with cum laude honors.
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