Alumni Spotlight: Aren Murcar, AICP, MURP ’19

From intern to office leader in just five years – that’s the remarkable trajectory of Aren Murcar’s career since graduating from EWU’s Urban and Regional Planning program in 2019. Today, he serves as Office Principal at SCJ Alliance’s Spokane office, overseeing a 20-person office comprised of planners, engineers, and landscape architects, and managing planning projects across Washington, Montana, and Idaho.

A Connection That Changed Everything

Aren’s path to success began in an urban design class taught by adjunct professor Bill Grimes, who owned Studio Cascade at the time. When a classmate’s summer internship opportunity became available, Aren stepped in – a decision that would shape his entire career. By the time he started his internship in Fall 2018, Studio Cascade had been acquired by SCJ Alliance, setting the stage for his rapid advancement within the firm.

“I definitely owe it to Eastern for setting me on this path and getting me connected to Bill in the first place,” Aren reflects. “Bringing in adjuncts from the field is a cool way to connect students with job opportunities.”

Building a Planning Powerhouse

The impact of EWU’s program extends far beyond Aren’s individual success. SCJ Alliance’s Spokane office now employs twelve other EWU graduates – five others from Aren’s own cohort, four recent graduates, and three from earlier classes. The firm continues to maintain strong ties with the program through ongoing internship opportunities and guest lectures where current students learn about real-world planning projects.

Finding Purpose in Small Town Planning

Originally drawn to the complex urban challenges of cities like Seattle, Aren discovered his passion lies closer to home. Working with smaller Eastern Washington communities has opened his eyes to the unique planning needs of rural areas, particularly as state funding increasingly prioritizes planning initiatives for smaller towns.

“I did not know I would like planning for small towns,” he admits. “But there is so much that is interesting about small town planning, too. You don’t have to go to a big city to have a really exciting planning job.”

Spokane’s Growing Opportunities

As Spokane experiences significant growth and housing challenges, Aren appreciates the city’s thoughtful approach to expanding from its urban core. The region’s position as Washington’s second-largest city creates unique opportunities for planners, especially in the consulting world, where smaller communities rely on private sector expertise for their planning needs.

“The Spokane region specifically is experiencing a lot of growth and challenges in terms of the need for housing,” Aren explains. “There’s a need to think about these things as we grow and make sure we’re doing it in a way that makes sense and is efficient.”

Staying Connected

Aren maintains close ties with the EWU program, meeting regularly with faculty to stay informed about current initiatives and contributing as a guest lecturer. This ongoing relationship reflects the strong sense of stewardship that program alumni feel toward their alma mater.

“That stewardship of the program is something that means a lot to the people that have gone through it,” he says.

Looking Forward

From a student in 2018 to an office principal in 2024, Aren’s journey demonstrates the power of strong academic preparation combined with real-world connections. His story continues to inspire current students while showcasing the diverse career paths available to EWU Urban and Regional Planning graduates.

Aren earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from EWU before completing his Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning. He is a certified member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).