Jessica Lawlis

Starting her career by pursuing a degree in architecture, Jessica quickly shifted her focus to urban planning after just one course on the subject, drawn to the broader scale and impact that comes with planning. Pursuing a dual master’s degree in urban planning and landscape architecture strengthened her ability to think across scales, from regional systems to the design of public spaces.

Jessica began her career as a GIS intern with Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, where she developed a foundation in spatial analysis, data management, and infrastructure systems. Before joining us at Dekker, Jessica worked in the City of Albuquerque’s Planning and Development Division. This experience in the public sector helped her establish a strong foundation in both the technical and collaborative aspects of planning.

At Dekker, Jessica builds on that foundation to focus on integrating complex systems, shaping meaningful places, and delivering lasting values for the clients and communities that we serve. Her approach includes finding opportunities to align systems while shaping the spaces between buildings, where everyday life unfolds.

In her role as Principal, she continues to align planning strategies with the range of expertise across the firm. She is focused on using advanced technology and AI to create more informed, measurable, and responsive plans that support data-informed decisions and trackable progress. She also leads her team in continually evolving engagement strategies that are tailored to the context of the project, set clear expectations for how input will be used, and ensures a direct connection between input and deliverables.

Outside of work, Jessica likes to experience the great outdoors with her children, exploring all that New Mexico has to offer, whether it be hiking, biking, or kayaking.