Megan Spencer: Shaping the Future of Urban Design

Megan Spencer, a Land Planning designer at FOCUS Engineering & Surveying, embodies passion in every project she tackles and in the way she leads her team. Megan’s path to becoming an urban design expert has been shaped by a lifelong fascination with the organization of space and the impact it has on how we live, work, and interact with our surroundings. Her interest in spatial planning started long before she realized it could be a career. “I’ve always been drawn to the organization of space—how we inhabit and move through it, how it affects us, and how we can shape it,” she shares.

As a child, she would draw chalk cities and make plans for her family’s backyard, even tinkering in SketchUp. It wasn’t until later that Megan realized urban planning was a path she could follow professionally. This realization eventually led her to declare Urban Planning as her major.

A Passion for Urban Design

Urban design, a field dedicated to creating spaces that foster community, well-being, and connectivity, became Megan’s true calling. One of the most pivotal experiences in her career was a studio class in her graduate program. It provided a deep dive into the design process. “That coursework and my internship have shaped my career from being more of a Planning generalist to being specifically interested in urban design,” she says.

Megan finds inspiration in the work of many urban designers who have had a lasting impact on the field. “I’ve been very lucky to have amazing mentors throughout my education at the University of Utah and my career at FOCUS.” Megan says, “I learn so much from my coworkers and the team I manage. They help me grow and push me to be better every day.”

A Life Well-Balanced

When she’s not designing urban spaces or managing projects, Megan loves to immerse herself in the outdoors. From hiking and climbing to skiing, she finds nature rejuvenates her. She’s also passionate about painting, gardening, and cooking—often creating new recipes to share with friends and family. “I try to be all in on whatever I’m doing and give it my full attention,” Megan explains. This highlights her approach to life as one of mindfulness and dedication.

Additionally, Megan shows commitment to her community through volunteer work. She contributes to a local citizens’ assistance program, helping to distribute fresh produce to those in need. “I love volunteering and staying connected to my local community,” she says. Her dedication to the betterment of both her personal and professional lives reflect a deep-rooted commitment to improving the world around her.

Embracing Change for a Better Future

Looking ahead, Megan’s long-term goal is to help communities envision how they can evolve to improve quality of life. “I feel we’re just scratching the surface of what urban planning can do to better our world,” she shares. “My goal is to help as many people as possible see the vision of how our communities can evolve to improve our quality of life. The way we have always done things can transform, and change is good and needed.”

A great example of this transformative thinking can be found in Amsterdam’s shift away from car dominance in the 1970s. “One of my favorite ‘masterpieces’ of urban planning took place in Amsterdam. Residents pushed for changes that reduced motor vehicle deaths and made walking, cycling, and public transport the norm,” Megan says. “Change doesn’t happen overnight, but when we work together across disciplines and are open to transformation, incredible things can happen.”

At FOCUS, Megan is not only a talented designer but also an inspiring mentor and leader. Her ability to balance creativity, technical knowledge, and a deep sense of purpose makes her an invaluable part of our team. Despite the challenges of working remotely after relocating to California, Megan remains dedicated to FOCUS, sharing her knowledge and expertise with her colleagues and team members. “Deciding to stay at FOCUS while moving over 700 miles away from Utah has been a challenge, but a super rewarding one,” Megan reflected. “I love our team and the work that we do, and they have been so supportive in my career journey.” We are proud to have Megan as part of the FOCUS team, and we look forward to the incredible work she will continue to do in the years ahead.