James Richards is co-founder of Townscape Inc., an urban design consultancy based in Dallas, and is a former Principal of JJR/inc. A national award-winning designer, his highly illustrative plans, studies, and collaborations have creatively bridged landscape planning and urban design for 29 years on projects in 16 states. As well his professional practice, Richards has developed and taught landscape architectural coursework at the graduate level and served for three years as a planning and design consultant to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In 2001, Richards was awarded the Distinguished Member Award, Texas ASLA’s highest honor. He lectures frequently for cities, conferences, and universities on community design issues.

Artist’s Statement: This studio painting was based on a sketch done during dinner at a sidewalk table on the piazza on a lively summer afternoon, with watercolor washes added in the hotel room that night. The loose lines and heightened colors capture the festive mood I felt in this iconic public space.