Our Team
Giselle Sebag, MPH, LEED AP | Founder
Giselle Sebag is the founder of Vital Cities, bringing over 17 years of experience in consulting and advising to create healthier, more sustainable, and economically vibrant communities. Trained by the pioneers of the placemaking movement, Giselle blends urban health science with time-tested placemaking strategies from visionaries like Holly Whyte, Jane Jacobs and Project for Public Spaces. Her extensive experience spans advising governments, NGOs, and private sector companies on developing cities that enhance resident health and well-being. With advanced degrees in public health, urban planning and development, Giselle is deeply committed to transforming urban spaces into dynamic, high-performing places where people can truly flourish.
Rotem Carmi | Partner
Rotem Carmi is a dedicated placemaker with a passion for transforming urban spaces into vibrant, inclusive environments. With extensive experience in urban strategy and project management, he brings a unique perspective shaped by work in both the Middle East and Western Europe.
Rotem expertly combines strategic planning with hands-on implementation, ensuring that projects reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve. His deep knowledge of system thinking allows him to understand the complex dynamics at play while staying closely connected to the people and other actors who live and operate within those systems. Whether revitalizing neighborhoods or managing large-scale urban initiatives, his work is driven by a belief in thoughtful design, collaboration, and the power of community engagement.
In addition to his urban development work, Rotem hosts the "Place to Be" podcast, where he explores placemaking and bottom-up urbanism, offering fresh insights into creating better cities for people.
Tayana Panova, PhD | Partner
Tayana Panova is a doctor of psychology and published researcher. She is a leading voice on the intersection between psychology and urban design. As a head writer at the Social Life Project, Tayana works closely with the founders of the placemaking movement, Fred Kent and Kathy Madden, to distill decades of placemaking wisdom into practical guides, compelling case studies, and thought leadership that shapes the future of urban spaces. An advocate for environments rich in social life opportunities, Tayana also runs a popular TikTok account where she educates a broad audience on the importance of creating such spaces that nurture mental health and community vitality.
Guillermo Bernal | Partner
Guillermo Bernal is a leading figure in the global placemaking movement, with over a decade of experience transforming public spaces into vibrant community hubs.
He is the Founder of the Placemaking Mexico Foundation, where he has led initiatives impacting over 500 communities across Mexico and Latin America. Guillermo also founded and served as Executive Director of The Place Institute, where he spearheaded programs to create great places.
As a Board Member of PlacemakingX, he advocates for systemic global change and has helped launch placemaking networks in Cuba, Venezuela, Patagonia, and Thailand. He also directed the documentary "The Place Man (2024)," highlighting the legacy of placemaking pioneer Fred Kent.