Question 1

What is community design?

Accepted Answer

As architects practicing community design, we provide a lot of the same services as a traditional architecture firm.  The difference is the WAY in which we do it. We place a lot of emphasis on the early part of the design process and establishing the WAY, so that we know we’re all on the same page.   We package our services up front and give you a fixed fee,so that you know in advance how much it will cost and can plan for it--no hourly rates that leave you in the dark.  We are used to working with clients who have multiple funding sources that may come in at different times. We can also help you find and apply for grants to pay for our services.   Many architecture firms will help you hold a charrette our stakeholder meeting.  We can help you plan and run a charrette, or let your facilitators handle it and take a back seat.   Ultimately, we are committed to addressing the most important issues of our day through the built environment. At this time in our history, that means racial justice is at the forefront.  We also do some things that are outside of what a typical firm would do -- creative placemaking.

Question 2

I am looking to transition my pop-up/online/mobile business to a brick and mortar.  Can you help me design the interior?

Accepted Answer

We can, but there are a lot of other things we can do, too.  We can help you figure out how much space you'll need. We can run a zoning and building code analysis on a space you are looking at, to make sure you can do what you're envisioning without expensive surprises.  And, of course, we can help you design the interior, and produce the drawings you'll need to get a building permit.

Question 3

Someone should do something about that empty lot/dangerous park/abandoned house in my neighborhood. Can you help with that?

Accepted Answer

Maybe.  We’re all about finding creative solutions to the things that keep our neighborhoods from being less than they can be.  Let's chat about the problem and see if we're a fit.