Pashek Associates at National Charrette Institute Training

Jim Pashek just completed the second of two certificate trainings managed by the National Charrette Institute (NCI).  This second training, held in beautiful Vancouver, BC, focused on the logistics of planning and running the NCI charrette process.  Bill Lennertz, Executive Director of NCI indicated that this was the “masters” class for those who really want to get into the nuts and bolts of how to set up a room, manage challenging public meeting participants and build in successful elements of a great charrette.

Bill Lennertz, Executive Director of NCI, in Vancouver BC leading a 

charrette management training on September 30, 2011

Marcy McInelly, founder of Urbsworks and charrette consultant shared her experiences in a very useful debrief of a major charrette held in Colorado recently.  It was really helpful to learn what worked and what did not.  They realized that the charrette activities were better suited for five days or more to ensure quality feedback loops and room to shift gears mid-course if needed.

The challenge for many of our clients and colleagues is the attempt to use parts of the NCI charrette process without understanding the implications of shortening or eliminating portions of the process.  Typical charrette processes involve about 50% of the work leading up to the charrette week and an important amount devoted to post-charrette work.

If you are interested or would like to know more about building a charrette process, the common pitfalls and the elements of successful charrettes, send Jim an email at jpashek@pashekla.com.