Complete Story
07/05/2026
7/29/26 Let's Bake a Site Plan! Site Plan Design + Review Workshop
CM | 3.0
Since 2021, the “Let’s Bake a Master Plan” workshops have provided hands-on drawing and design training for planning professionals and students. Hosted by Ginkgo Planning + Design and the APA-IL in both in-person and virtual formats, these well-attended sessions have emphasized the design skills needed to translate community vision into buildable plans.
"Excellent presentation. Before the presentation, I assessed my drawing skills as minimal. They may still be, but I have confidence I can continue to improve those skills."
"I really loved this session especially that we did the drawing right along with the team. So fun and helpful and inspiring. I want to use this in all the plans I do!"
Learn how to Draw + Design + Review Site Plans of every scale
Making a great Site Plan can be just like baking a cake!
You need a great framework (recipe), great plan elements (ingredients), and the right drawing/design tools (utensils). You need to practice (and practice more) until you find your own ways to draw and design.
With real case studies and hands-on drawing exercises, you will learn how to:
- Develop sites plans for various uses and sites
- Understand the impacts of zoning on site plans
- Improve site plans during the review process
Free drawing kits will be available for the first 20 attendees! When registering, you will have the option to claim one of the free supply bags generously donated by Ginkgo.
If you do not receive a free drawing kit, please bring the following drawing supplies to the workshop:
- 9 X 12 TRACING PAPER PAD
- BLACK SHARPIE PENS: ULTRA FINE POINT, FINE POINT, PERMANENT MARKER
- COLOR PENCILS: LIGHT GREEN, DARK GREEN, RED, ORANGE, YELLOW, BLUE
Details:
- When: 2-5 pm, July 29, 2026
- Where: CMAP, 433 W. Van Buren St., Suite 450, Chicago, IL (DuPage Conference Room)
- Hosted by Ginkgo Planning & Design, Inc. + APA-IL Chicago Metro Section
- Arrive: By 1:45 PM so we can begin at 2:00 PM.
Deadline to register: Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST (attendee names must be submitted to security before the event).
This workshop is being offered with Ginkgo’s professional time and supplies donated in full. Your registration fee helps the APA-CMS cover event logistics and support future educational programs. None of the fees collected are paid to Ginkgo or its employees.
Speakers:
- Zoe Heidorn, Director of Community & Economic Development, Village of Morton Grove
- Daniel Nakahara, AICP, Planner II, Village of Deerfield
- Emily Thrun, City Planner V, Department of Planning and Development, City of Chicago
- Caron C. Bricks, AICP, Community Development Manager, Village of Roselle
- Special guest: Mayor David Pileski, Village of Roselle
Questions? Please reach out to cms@ilapa.org.
