Annual AICP CM Course in Italy
Annual trip to Italy with Mark Hinshaw, the session covers different planning and urban design topics. Great opportunity to learn, travel, and earn AICP CM Credits.
Details for 2027 Trip
The Third Annual AICP CM Course in Italy offers a week-long immersion program where attendees earn credits and cover planning and urban design topics. Great opportunity to learn, travel, and earn AICP CM Credits. Full details & schedule here.
The Washington State Chapter is the official provider, co-sponsored by the APA Urban Design and Preservation Division.
Curriculum
Course & Topics
Seminars are led by English-fluent local and visiting professionals covering topics including the social role of public spaces, transportation, and the housing market. The program also includes tours of local landmarks, an active archaeological dig, historic opera houses, a social farm, and town centers built in different eras.
New for 2027, a parallel Storefront Studio workshop will run concurrently with the course, led by city planner William Grimes, AICP. Participants will work in a highly visible storefront space to develop ideas for retrofitting an underused public piazza, culminating in a public presentation of proposed solutions. Participation is optional and earns additional CM credits.
CM CREDITS
Attendees can earn up to 29 of the 32 credits required biannually for AICP certification (23.5 credits from the core curriculum, plus up to 5.5 additional credits available through optional participation).
Lodging & Setting: Attendees will be lodged in local apartments within a short walk of the course venue, as well as to restaurants, shops, and services. This is a chance to experience authentic Italian daily life, without the concentrations of tourists that have diluted local customs and behavior in many Italian cities.
What's Included: The course fee will include choices in lodging, most midday and evening meals, local transport, and the curriculum. We have not finalized the costs and fees as of this date but they will likely be in the range of $1800 to $2000, with a modest surcharge for accompanying family members.
Flexibility: Many past participants have extended their trip with additional travel in Italy or elsewhere. Spouses and adult family members can be accommodated.
Sign-Up: The number of available places is limited. To reserve a place or to make further inquiries, contact Mark at hinshaw.mark@yahoo.com
Mark Hinshaw
Mark had a career of over 40 years as an architect, planner, and urban designer. He is also a writer, having published articles in many professional journals, authored PAS reports on design review, and wrote the book True Urbanism. He was active in APA and held offices such as chapter president, UDP Division Chair, and AICP Commissioner. He was also inducted into the College of Fellows for both the AICP and the AIA. Now, he publishes short stories about places and people he and his wife have encountered in Italy.
