Since 1964, Urban Design Associates (UDA) has been innovating, testing, and evolving the practice of urban design. Our successes are directly linked to the hard work, talent, and dedication of the entire UDA family. From design and illustration to information technology, human resources, and firm administration, a team approach is required to create beautiful places.
Our professional services are performed by design teams which are organized by core discipline with each team having a role in nearly every project at UDA. Our typical working method encourages innovation as designers combine skills and talents during “studio” time, in-house work sessions, and on site project charrettes.

URBAN DESIGN STUDIO

The largest studio at UDA is the Urban Design Studio. Arranged in teams of three or four, urban designers form the core staff of most projects at UDA. Each team is staffed with a project manager, senior designer, and urban design interns. Along with the principal in charge of the project, each team is responsible for several projects at any one time. They manage the design process, client communication and coordination, project schedule, and design production for each project. Architecturally trained, all members of our urban design teams interact with our clients and stakeholders. We strive to achieve LEED® accreditation and professional development with all of our professional staff. Our urban designers possess remarkable hand drawing skills, digital communication capabilities and a can-do attitude.

ARCHITECTURE STUDIO

The practice of architecture has been a core component of UDA services since our founding in 1964. Our studio is comprised of LEED® accredited architects with urban design, pattern book, and form-based code experience that is applied to the creation of architecture. Each project is approached from many directions including precedents, program, budget, the interior experience, and local and regional appropriateness. The goal is to create residences, buildings, and structures of cultural, economic, and climatic sustainability that have lasting value for the end user and the neighboring community. Often in concert with a local production architect, our team members combine work in a robust, collaborative design process.

ILLUSTRATION AND GRAPHIC DESIGN STUDIO

Since our formation in the early 1960s, we have always produced our own architectural illustrations. Many of our projects include a dynamic public process and the ability to quickly and clearly portray our ideas in that setting is essential. Because an illustrator works alongside our designers, the development of ideas naturally flows from plans, sections, and elevations into three-dimensional visualization. In 1998, we formed the UDA Illustration Studio and assembled a team of artists to expand the sophistication and range of media we could offer. Since then, we have led the market creating over 3,000 illustrations for a wide range of projects all over the world while continuing to innovate and evolve the craft of architectural illustration.
Our Graphic Design studio at UDA is critical to maintaining a high level of clarity and quality in our communication. In addition to managing, maintaining, and implementing the style and design of our reports and presentations, our graphic designers also develop and produce a wide range of publications, displays, promotional materials, and collateral marketing materials - not just for us, but also for our clients and their projects. The care and skill with which this is executed is evident in everything we produce.