Urban & Landscape

Urban Design Works

An Urban Design department typically offers services across various scales, from a small community to an entire city.
The urban design process is a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach shaping the physical environment of cities, towns, and neighborhoods. While the specific steps can vary depending on the scale and complexity of the project.

Master Plan Pre-Conceptual Stage

A Due Diligence Report acts as a “feasibility gate.” It identifies physical, legal, and financial “red flags” before significant capital is committed to detailed design or construction.
A robust report at this stage should contain the following key sections:

Executive Summary & Site Context, Regulatory & Legal Analysis, Physical Site Assessment (Topography & Slopes – Hydrology & Drainage – Geotechnical Overview) and Proposed design vision and program)

Feasibility / Market Study (optional based upon client request)

Conceptual Design Sketches including zoning diagrams and pre-conceptual design plans

Master Plan Concept Stage

At the Master Plan Concept Stage, the Urban Design Department transforms raw site data into a cohesive spatial vision. Their primary objective is to “stress-test” the project’s ambitions against the site’s physical and regulatory constraints.

The following capabilities define the department's role during this pivotal phase:

Landscape

Landscape Design is a licensed profession that integrates elements of art, science, engineering, and environmental stewardship to create functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor environments across all project scales, from small gardens to mega projects.

Public Realm & Placemaking

Focusing on the design of accessible, engaging, and high-quality spaces for public use and well-being.

Designing and detailing public and private parks, squares, and waterfront areas to encourage social interaction and community engagement.

Designing pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, furniture, lighting, and planting along streets and in civic spaces to enhance safety and foster social interaction.

Developing signage, public art, and distinctive design elements that strengthen community identity and facilitate navigation.

Developing networks of multi-use trails for walking and cycling that connect communities and provide recreational opportunities.

Horticultural & Material Selection

Expertise in selecting appropriate living and non-living materials for a site.

Selecting and specifying plant materials (trees, shrubs, and groundcovers) based on local climate, soil conditions, aesthetic objectives, and low-maintenance/native species requirements.

Specifying and designing all non-living outdoor elements, including paving materials (concrete, stone, or pavers), seating, retaining walls, fencing, and specialty structures (trellises and shade canopies).