Professional Certification

Build Better Communities Through Urban Design and Real Estate Development

An online certification program led by Michael von Hausen for professionals seeking practical, interdisciplinary skills in community design, development, and climate resilience.

Download our curriculum package

Next Cohort Begins

September 8, 2026

Applications are now open for the inaugural September 2026 cohort. Secure your place in this unique one-year online certification program before enrollment closes.

Online

8 Required courses, September - June

Led by Michael von Hausen

Apply Now

Limited Capacity

Get Certified in Urban Design and Real Estate Development

Gain essential community building skills in urban design, and real estate development from industry leaders.

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Urban Design and Real Estate Development (UDRED™) Master Certification Overview

Concepts

✓ Urban Design Principles
✓ City Building & Place Making
✓ Community Planning
✓ Land Use Planning
✓ Development Economics
✓ Real Estate Fundamentals
✓ Development Approvals
✓ Public Realm Design
✓ Transit-Oriented Development
✓ Housing & Density Strategies

✓ Sustainable Urbanism
✓ Urban Infrastructure Systems
✓ Development Finance
✓ Market Feasibility Analysis
✓ Public Engagement
✓ Urban Policy & Governance
✓ Design Review Processes
✓ Project Implementation
✓ Climate Resilience
✓ Emerging Urban Trends

Frameworks

✓ The Urban Design Process
✓ Integrated Development Framework
✓ Place Making Methodology
✓ Development Pro Forma Analysis
✓ Transit-Oriented Development Framework
✓ Community Engagement Models
✓ Urban Design Evaluation Framework
✓ Development Approval Process Mapping

✓ Sustainable Community Frameworks
✓ Land Use Planning Frameworks
✓ Real Estate Market Analysis Models
✓ Strategic Growth Management
✓ Public-Private Partnership Approaches
✓ Urban Revitalization Strategies
✓ Master Planning Methodologies

Skills

Urban Design Analysis, Site Planning, Development Feasibility Assessment, Place Making, Public Realm Design, Community Engagement, Development Pro Forma Review, Land Use Planning, Urban Policy Analysis, Development Approvals Navigation, Design Review, Transit-Oriented Development Planning, Housing Strategy Development, Project Evaluation, Urban Visualization, Strategic City Building, Real Estate Development Decision-Making, Sustainable Development Planning, Urban Leadership, Professional Practice.

The Professional Certification in Urban Design & Real Estate Development is offered as a continuing professional education program and is not intended as vocational training.

"Michael's mentorship taught us to think more critically, design more creatively, and see cities through an entirely new lens."

Advance your career

Stand out in a competitive industry with a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in both urban design and real estate development.

Why Get Certified in Urban Design and Real Estate Development

Bridge Design and Development

Stand out in a competitive industry with a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in both urban design and real estate development.

Shape Better Communities

Develop the knowledge and leadership skills needed to create vibrant, sustainable, and economically successful places that make a lasting impact.

What Learners Have to Say

  • “Passion, rigor and perspective - it's the combination one looks for in good instructors. Fortunately, we have Michael von Hausen for urban design."

    —Gordon Price, former Director of the SFU City Program ; Former Vancouver City Councillor

  • “Michael von Hausen has been facilitating UDI’s School of Development courses for several years now, and he always receives rave reviews from the students and faculty members. His wide range of knowledge and his ability to communicate complex information in an understandable, down-to-earth manner are keys to his success. But it is Michael’s sheer passion and enthusiasm for urban planning that we love the most!”

    — Maureen Enser, Executive Director, Urban Development Institute-Pacific Region, Vancouver, BC

  • “As a graduate of the SFU Executive MBA Program, I relish the interactive aspect of this program. Michael is an excellent facilitator.”

    —Alternative Development Standards Course Participant, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC

  • “Michael is the architect of quality education.”

    —Former Course Participant

  • “Thank you for all the support and inspiration.”

    —Former Course Participant

  • “Michael’s energy is contagious.”

    —Former Course Participant

  • “Michael is both a great instructor and mentor for program participants.”

    —Former Course Participant

Master Certification in Urban Design and Real Estate Development (UDRED™)

This comprehensive program gives you the complete skill set to shape thriving, resilient, timeless communities and successfully deliver development projects.

8 REQUIRED COURSES + 3 BONUS ELECTIVES

$6,000

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Three ways to upskill

Choose Your Learning Path

Choose the path that aligns with your career goals and interests. All certifications include expert coaching, peer collaboration, and bonus electives.

Certification in Urban Design

Ideal for planners, landscape architects, architects. project managers, and development professionals who want to deepen their urban design knowledge and impact.

4 URBAN DESIGN COURSES + 3 BONUS ELECTIVES

$3,500

Apply Now

Certification in Real Estate Development

Perfect for planners, landscape architects, architects, and municipal development services staff who want to lead successful projects.

4 REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT COURSES + 3 BONUS ELECTIVES

$3,500

Apply Now

Urban Design and Real Estate Development Curriculum

UD 1 – Theory and Practice of Urban Design

Build a strong foundation in urban design by exploring its history, evolution, and role in creating vibrant, people-centered communities. Learn the principles of placemaking and develop the ability to evaluate real-world environments through proven urban design frameworks.

Skills you’ll develop

Urban Design Fundamentals • Placemaking • Place Evaluation • Community Design • Urban History • Design Thinking

RE 1 – Real Estate Development Process

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the real estate development process from concept to completion. Explore site selection, project feasibility, development strategy, approvals, and the key decisions that shape successful development projects.

Skills you’ll develop

Development Process • Site Selection • Project Feasibility • Development Strategy • Risk Assessment • Development Planning

UD 2 – 100 Principles of Urban Design

Discover the timeless principles that guide successful communities, from regional planning to site-level design. Learn how social, environmental, and economic considerations work together to create places that are functional, resilient, and memorable.

Skills you’ll develop

Urban Design Principles • Neighbourhood Design • Streetscape Design • Sustainable Planning • Economic Urbanism • Place Quality

RE 2 – Real Estate Market Analysis and Marketing

Learn how to evaluate market demand, identify development opportunities, and create effective marketing strategies that attract buyers and tenants. Develop practical skills for aligning successful projects with evolving market conditions.

Skills you’ll develop

Market Analysis • Highest & Best Use • Market Research • Development Marketing • Buyer Analysis • Market Positioning

UD 3 – Site Evaluation

Master the process of analyzing development sites through social, environmental, and economic lenses. Learn how to assess opportunities and constraints while applying urban design guidelines to create stronger, more sustainable projects.

Skills you’ll develop

Site Analysis • Design Evaluation • Urban Design Guidelines • Land Assessment • Development Potential • Site Planning

RE 3 – Real Estate Numbers

Develop the financial skills required to evaluate development projects with confidence. Learn how to prepare development pro formas, analyze investment returns, assess project risk, and compare multiple development scenarios to support informed decision-making.

Skills you’ll develop

Development Pro Forma • ROI Analysis • Financial Modelling • Cash Flow Analysis • Investment Analysis • Project Economics

UD 4 – Climate Resilient Design

Explore next-generation approaches to sustainable community design that respond to climate change. Learn strategies for ecological planning, green infrastructure, resilient mobility, and environmentally responsible development that creates healthier communities for future generations.

Skills you’ll develop

Climate Resilience • Green Infrastructure • Sustainable Design • Ecological Planning • Active Transportation • Environmental Stewardship

RE 4 – Real Estate Approvals

Understand how to successfully navigate the development approvals process while balancing public interests, political realities, and project objectives. Learn strategies to improve collaboration, reduce delays, and move projects efficiently from vision to construction.

Skills you’ll develop

Development Approvals • Municipal Processes • Stakeholder Engagement • Project Delivery • Regulatory Navigation • Approval Strategy

Bonus Elective – Public Realm

Build a strong foundation in urban design by exploring its history, evolution, and role in creating vibrant, people-centered communities. Learn the principles of placemaking and develop the ability to evaluate real-world environments through proven urban design frameworks.

Skills you’ll develop

Urban Design Fundamentals • Placemaking • Place Evaluation • Community Design • Urban History • Design Thinking

Bonus Elective – Downtown Vitalization

Examine proven strategies for revitalizing downtowns and neighbourhood centres in today's changing economy. Discover how planning, design, policy, and partnerships can breathe new life into urban centres and strengthen community identity.

Skills you’ll develop

Downtown Revitalization • Main Street Planning • Economic Development • Urban Regeneration • Community Partnerships • Strategic Planning

Bonus Elective – Visual Communications

Strengthen your ability to communicate design ideas through compelling sketches, diagrams, plans, and presentations. Learn practical visualization techniques that help transform concepts into persuasive and engaging development proposals.

Skills you’ll develop

Visual Communication • Urban Sketching • Design Graphics • Presentation Skills • Concept Visualization • Professional Illustration

Certification in Real Estate Development

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the real estate development process—from evaluating opportunities and market demand to financial analysis and navigating approvals. This pathway equips you with practical tools to deliver successful development projects in today's evolving marketplace.

Ideal for: Perfect for planners, landscape architects, architects, and municipal development services staff who want to lead successful projects.

Includes:

  • 4 Real Estate Development core courses

  • 3 bonus elective courses

  • VHTA Certification in Real Estate Development

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Alternatively, you can enroll in courses individually and complete your certification later. However, you save 10% by enrolling in the full Master Certification (UDRED™) upfront by August 21, 2026.

Apply Now

Don’t feel ready for the full Master Certification?

Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise in a specific discipline or take the first step toward the Master Certification (UDRED™), the Von Hausen Training Academy offers two focused certification pathways designed to meet you where you are in your professional journey.

Certification in Urban Design

Develop the knowledge and practical skills to create vibrant, resilient, and people-centered communities. Through four core Urban Design courses and three bonus electives, you'll strengthen your expertise in placemaking, site evaluation, climate-responsive design, and the principles that shape exceptional cities and neighbourhoods.

Ideal for: Ideal for planners, landscape architects, architects. project managers, and development professionals who want to deepen their urban design knowledge and impact.

Includes:

  • 4 Urban Design core courses

  • 3 bonus elective courses

  • VHTA Certification in Urban Design

Apply Now

Earn your Master Certificate in Urban Design and Real Estate Development (UDRED™)

Graduates of the Master Certification in Urban Design and Real Estate Development earn the prestigious VHTA Master Certification in Urban Design and Real Estate Development, recognizing their successful completion of North America's first comprehensive curriculum integrating urban design and real estate development. Display your credential on your LinkedIn profile, resume, CV, email signature, and professional biography to showcase your expertise and commitment to shaping better communities.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Description teThe Von Hausen Training Academy (VHTA) is an online professional education academy offering North America's first comprehensive curriculum integrating Urban Design and Real Estate Development. The academy combines expert instruction, live coaching, practical assignments, and collaborative learning to help professionals build immediately applicable skills.

  • Students may choose from four learning pathways:

    • Master Certification in Urban Design and Real Estate Development

    • Certification in Urban Design

    • Certification in Real Estate Development

    • Individual Course Enrollment

    Each pathway is designed to support different professional goals while providing access to the VHTA learning experience.

  • The academy is delivered entirely online through live instruction, group coaching, and collaborative assignments. Students complete one course each month within a structured cohort while benefiting from direct interaction with Michael von Hausen and fellow participants.

  • The annual cohort begins each September. Courses are delivered monthly through August, with a scheduled holiday break in December.

  • The Master Certification follows a 12-month curriculum consisting of eight required core courses and three bonus elective courses. Students progress through one course each month as part of the cohort experience.

  • The Master Certification includes:

    • 8 required core courses

    • 3 bonus elective courses

    • 11 courses in total

    Students pursuing the Urban Design or Real Estate Development certifications complete the four required courses in their chosen discipline, along with the three bonus elective courses.

  • Yes. Every course includes practical assignments designed to reinforce the concepts taught during instruction. Assignments encourage participants to apply what they learn to real-world projects and professional practice.

  • Yes. Every course includes two group coaching sessions, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions, discuss projects, and receive guidance directly from Michael von Hausen.

  • The academy is designed for professionals and emerging leaders interested in creating better communities. Participants often come from backgrounds such as urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, real estate development, municipal government, and related disciplines. Applicants with equivalent professional experience are also encouraged to apply.

  • Applicants are assessed individually. While an academic degree or diploma is preferred, equivalent professional experience is also considered. Competency in English is required.

  • Yes. Individual courses are available for those who wish to explore a specific topic before committing to a certification pathway.

  • The curriculum follows a structured monthly sequence designed around the cohort model. While learning takes place online, participants progress through the courses together to maximize collaboration, peer learning, and coaching opportunities.

  • Graduates of the Master Certification earn the VHTA Master Certification in Urban Design and Real Estate Development. Students completing one of the focused pathways receive either the Certification in Urban Design or the Certification in Real Estate Development.

  • Yes. Students may pay in full and receive a 10% tuition discount or choose one of the available monthly payment plans for the Master Certification or either focused certification.