Kaye Graybeal

Kaye obtained her master’s degree in 1995 in Housing and Interior Design with a concentration in Historic Preservation from UNC-G.  She worked in the area of architectural interiors with several private architecture and engineering firms (Charlotte, Washington, DC, & Winston-Salem) between 1983 and 1998.  During that time and in earlier years she also worked in the public sector including planning-related jobs with the Greensboro City and Guilford County Planning Departments.

Kaye's interest lie in architecture, historic preservation, site planning and environmental design led her from Guilford County’s planning staff (served as Historic Preservation Planner) to the City of Wilmington's planning staff 11 years ago (1998).  In 2001, she became Manager of the Planning Division and was instrumental in establishing long range plans for the City such as the Future Land Use Plan for which she authored the “Historic Preservation” and “Redevelopment” element.  She also managed the Downtown Vision 2020 Plan project and two neighborhood plans, all of which contain an historic preservation element.  She has most recently served as part of a City of Wilmington team to redesign and implement improvements to downtown streetscapes.

Kaye has served as Director of Development Services for the City of Wilmington for three years.  The Department is made up of 83 staffers and encompasses the Planning, Engineering, and Traffic Engineering Divisions.  The position of Director of Development Services affords the opportunity to view the big picture of development trends in the City and how various issues, such as quality design, new construction, historic preservation, and economic development are intertwined.  Kaye believes that it is a privilege and responsibility to work in this role as it affords great potential to make a positive impact on the quality of the built and as well as natural environment.  Among some of the earlier public sector (city government) projects she has participated are the following:

Projects

Workshop on Contemporary Infill Architecture in Historic Settings
Conducted for Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission in conjunction with Wilmington Chapter of American Institute of Architects  (February 2001)

Vision 2020 Design Guidelines for Downtown Development (2000)
City of Wilmington, NC

City of Wilmington Historic District Design Guidelines (1999 & 2009 update) Staff Coordinator and Editor

Elm Street Infill Design and Façade Renovation Proposal (1991) Greensboro, NC --Façade and infill design and restoration specifications for urban streetscape presented to City Planning and Development