- cesswein@uwm.edu
- 414-977-7744
- Arch & Urban Planning 389
- She/Her
Carolyn Esswein
- Associate Professor & Co-Chair, Urban Planning
Education
Master of Architecture, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Master of Urban Planning, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Bachelor of Science: Interior Design, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Biography
Carolyn fosters campus and community collaboration to enhance education and practice. Combining teaching with 30 years of consulting, she integrates design and planning across diverse project types, from parks and plazas to economic initiatives and homeownership policies. Her teaching incorporates real-world client projects and best practices.
As Director of Community Design Solutions (2012 to 2023), Carolyn led over 350 community projects, driving $300+ million in local investment. Partnering with Reflo and Milwaukee Public Schools, her student teams helped transform 40+ schoolyards into outdoor learning and play spaces with stormwater management – recognized by the Brookings Institution for its environmental and educational impact.
Carolyn is Accredited with Congress for New Urbanism and recognized as a Fellow by the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP), the highest national achievement for planners, and the only woman with this recognition in Wisconsin. Carolyn continues to practice community planning as the owner of Ce Planning Studio.