With over 30 years of experience, Alicia Belton is Founding Principal and Chief Creative Officer of Urban Design Perspectives (UDP). She leads this African American women-owned firm committed to environmental stewardship, client advocacy and equitable practices. As an AIA 2030 signatory firm, UDP’s vision is to design wellness in the world. Using the framework of architecture, project management and community engagement, the firm creates equitable and sustainable spaces where people work, live and worship with a specialty focus on adaptive reuse. A University of Illinois graduate, Ms. Belton has served as President and Treasurer of the Minnesota Architectural Foundation. One of her passions is to mentor and develop the next generation about the field of architecture and hosts a STEM summer camp for girls of color. She currently serves on the Capital Area Architectural Planning Board, Hennepin County Designer Selection Committee, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and Past President for AIA Minnesota. She resides in Minneapolis with her husband and two children and loves to cook, travel and garden.