Mindy Watts

We believe the process of urban planning is evolving, becoming increasingly graphic, grassroots-driven, and interactive. With the growing presence of technology in our world comes near-constant visual stimulation, unprecedented access to information, and an empowered generation of do-it-yourself activists. Planning is a form of advocacy – for a better future and for engaged, equitable communities. Our practice and approach celebrates these shifts. Our mission is to help communities, large and small, think about where they are now, what they would like to become, and which steps are needed to get there. We strive to make planning and design accessible to all audiences with a style that is approachable, artistic, playful, and intended to welcome the public into the planning process. We listen to people from all walks of life, we research, we draw, and we make many, many maps. Our mutual exchange with residents and stakeholders is one of trust and respect, honest and real. We actively listen and develop relationships with the people and places where we work. We believe every place has a story to tell. Planning and design, for us, is a means of storytelling. Our role is to mine for data and help uncover the trends that shape our cities. We translate data into compelling graphics that enable residents and stakeholders to see their communities with fresh eyes. We help communities prioritize and take action to improve their cities and neighborhoods. Our designs seek to maximize the possibilities of incremental change where strategic early actions, designed to build confidence and momentum, can help to accomplish larger, transformational ideas. As an office, our aim is to innovate in every project. We work hard, but we laugh along the way. We care a lot about what we do – for our clients and their communities, for ourselves, and for the greater good.