Luminate: Building Communities with Vop Osili – From Architecture to Advocacy

In this inspiring episode of Luminate, Sarah Hempstead, CEO and Principal-in-Charge at Schmidt Associates, sits down with Vop Osili, President of the Indianapolis City-County Council. Vop shares his extraordinary journey from a childhood shaped by his Nigerian heritage and Indianapolis roots to his impactful career in architecture, urban design, and public service.

Discover how his parents’ legacy of resilience and service influenced his mission to champion inclusive urban development, equity in governance, and bipartisan collaboration. Learn about Vop’s unique nickname, "Voice of the People," his path through architecture, his experiences as a missionary, and his dedication to fostering community stability and growth.

Tune in for insights on navigating the intersection of design, sustainability, and policymaking—and how creative leadership can build stronger, more inclusive cities.