Design

We use a set of “D” words to describe the stages of our design process. The first of these, Discuss, is not actually a stage, but rather a continuous feedback loop of listening sessions which span the duration of the project. The ongoing discussion aids in building partnerships and ensures accountability to the project’s goals and objectives.

Define

We assemble stakeholders and collaborators to jointly identify goals, challenges, and desired outcomes. Working as a team, this group establishes the project scope, budget, schedule and protocols.

Discover

We gather information about the project area, its history, systems, and surroundings. During this stage we are careful to listen to residents, stakeholders and experts, and to learn from case studies and precedents. 

Deduce

We analyze and synthesize the information learned in order to highlight relationships and illustrate patterns, taking care to represent data in a manner that is understandable and relatable. We love to create beautiful diagrams in this stage.

Devise

To find potential solutions, we experiment with new techniques and explore alternative strategies.  We work with partners and stakeholders to craft purpose, meaning, and place. We draw and discuss ideas, concepts, and iterations.

Distill

Based on feedback and advice from clients and stakeholders, we select the best aspects of various concepts and form them into one cohesive design. We test potential outcomes, and revise, refine, and improve our solutions.

Deliver

We document the full story of the design for those who will build it. Thorough, clear plans and specifications, along with rigorous quality assurance and quality control, result in fewer change orders and delays for clients. In the field, we collaborate with builders to address challenges as they arise, preserving design intent while remaining mindful of budget and schedule.

Expertise

Art Integration

Civic Spaces 

Cemeteries and Memorials

Commercial and Corporate 

Community Engagement 

Design Guidelines

Education Campuses

Green Infrastructure

Green Roofs

Greenways and Trails

Healthcare Environments

Historic Preservation 

Master Planning

Parks and Playgrounds 

Planting Design 

Rain Gardens

Residential Site Design

Sports and Recreation

Streetscapes and Plazas

Sustainable Sites

Urban Design