Say hello to Liam Arbeiter, the newest addition to the Graham Projects team as our Urban Designer and Placemaker! Originally from Maple Grove, Minnesota, Liam relocated to the DMV area to combine his industrial design expertise with his passion for enhancing urban infrastructure and creating spaces that prioritize the human experience.
We asked Liam a few questions about their personal mission, proudest achievements, their work at Graham Projects, and what placemaking/public art projects they’d love to work on.
What’s your guiding principle for everything you work on?
Keep an open mind and stay curious. As a designer with strong values in improving the way people interact with each other and the world, I find that curiosity and openness lead to positive outcomes in my work more often than not.
What’s one of your proudest achievements?
I’m really proud of the chair I designed while studying abroad in Copenhagen, where I focused on furniture design. For my semester project, I created a modern interpretation of an Adirondack chair, featuring simpler geometry, hidden joinery, and unique wood cuts in the seat and backrest that flex to your body. The best part is that I could pack it up and bring it home, and now it sits in my bedroom! As my first ‘serious’ piece of furniture, this project allowed me to experiment with new techniques, making it incredibly rewarding to sit in and reflect on the countless hours I put into crafting it.
What are you excited to do with Graham Projects?
I am extremely excited to make a difference in communities and help people feel safer and more connected to each other. Getting the chance to meet the people that I am designing for and hearing their stories is an incredible opportunity, and I feel that it will make my work feel that much more meaningful.
What are some of your dream projects? Is there a concept that you’d love to execute in collaboration with Graham Projects?
I would love to design bicycle infrastructure. After living in Copenhagen, I was inspired by their innovative biking solutions and approach to public spaces. I have a bike rack concept aimed at increasing ridership and reducing bike thefts in urban areas, and I believe Graham Projects would be the perfect place to bring it to life!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A good mix of adventuring and finding relaxing things to do. I love doing activities like exploring a new neighborhood, going to trivia, catching a baseball game, or finding new food spots around the city. My ways of relaxing include going for a walk/run/hike/bike ride, listening to music or finding a nice park to enjoy.
Outside of placemaking, I like to find a balance of adventure and relaxation — whether it’s exploring new cities, catching a baseball game, or searching for the best food spots. To unwind, I love a board game night, a casual bike ride, or a good bonfire under the stars.
Is there a website or platform that we can find any potential creative ventures of your own or artwork?
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