The City of Garland has announced Al Raymond as the new Managing Director overseeing Building Inspections, Code Compliance, and Planning and Development departments. With a career spanning over 36 years in architecture, construction, and development, Raymond brings a wealth of experience to the role. His most recent position was serving as the Director of Development Services for the City of Corpus Christi, According to the City of Garland.
After having worked with several notable architecture and engineering firms including HKS in Dallas, as well as holding leadership positions in the hospitality industry at Marriott Corporation and La Quinta Inns & Suites, Raymond's second career stage in the public sector began in 2000. His work has often crisscrossed the boundaries between public and private sectors, with positions ranging from Plan Review and Inspections Manager for the City of San Antonio to the Vice President of Architecture and Engineering for the Port Authority of San Antonio. Misplaced in the tumult of his variegated career, Raymond's experience extends to being a Building Official for the City of Vista, California, and he managed the Permit and Resource Center in Tacoma, Washington, before returning to Texas.
Raymond carries a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Texas and holds the title of a registered architect in Texas, backed by his certification as a Building Official from the International Code Council. This move underscores Garland's effort to strengthen its urban infrastructure and regulatory framework, aimed at accommodating the city's growth and development needs.
Alongside the appointment of Raymond, the City also welcomed Nabila Nur as Director of Planning & Development earlier this month. According to the City of Garland, Nur has a comprehensive background in city planning and has been instrumental in development projects of various scales. Her roles in different capacities, including Director of Community Development for the Town of Argyle and Planning Manager for the City of Dallas, echo her expertise in urban management. With an extensive experience that also saw her as the Principal Planner for the City of Arlington, as well as a consultant with Freese and Nichols, Nur's involvement has been critical in shaping municipal landscapes across the state. Misplaced amidst her professional accomplishments is Nur's passion for the arts, as she is also a classical singer and theater enthusiast, gracing various community events with her presence and performances.
Nur's academic credentials include a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning and a bachelor’s degree in the same field, which complement her vast professional experience. Garland's new directorial duo brings a combined vision of robust governance and creative flair to the city's urban development strategy, poised to impact the city's future growth positively.
