we design resilient cities, towns, and Neighborhoods

DESIGNING BY EAR since 1964

UDA is an international urban design firm that practices Master Planning, Design Guidelines, and Architecture.

From leading the way with our listening-based approach during the tumultuous 1960s, to tackling the public housing crisis at a crucial junction in our nation’s development, we have a storied history of inventing and reinventing where no playbook existed. We bring innovation to each and every design challenge we undertake – organizing strategic teams around projects to usher the right solution to the forefront.

Learn more about our:

Process
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Legacy

Follow us @UDASTUDIO

Happy New Year from your friends at UDA! #UDAstudio #UrbanDesign
May you have a happy and healthy holiday from your friends at UDA! #UDAstudio #UrbanDesign
Our lunchtime journey to Venice, Italy. #UDAsketchbook #Venice #Italy #UDAatelier #UDAstudio
The 2023 Ugly Christmas Sweater contest was once again a success! Congrats to our winners and special thanks to our team for ringing in the holiday spirit! #UglyChristmasSweater #UDAstudio #Holidays #UrbanDesign #Pittsburgh
#UrbanTheory #JaneJacobs #CitySidewalk #UrbanPlaces #UrbanDesign #UDAstudio
UDA Reflection: Funing Master Plan - Waterfront living to Jiangsu Province, China Jinsha Lake was ripe for redevelopment and new sustainable practices. UDA was invited to participate in a master planning competition to develop ideas to illustrate ho
...The genius of these places is the way in which they are embedded into the fabric of the city, weaving through the densely packed apartment buildings that the essence of Paris's unique urbanism. excerpt from "Paris Passages - Hidden Worlds, P
Communicating ideas to a wide audience... Since our founding in 1964, we have always used illustrations as a key component of the process. We are constantly innovating our techniques to best communicate what a design effort will look and feel like, a
"I like to walk around in all the in-between places wherever I am. Mumbai has lots of in-between. This sketch was a study in imaginative plumbing - a high art form here. This little passage is a stage set for everyday life." Mumbai, India,
UDA Plan-to-Place: Easton Village - A New Village based on Eastern Shore traditions Easton Village-on-the-Tred Avon is a new neighborhood designed in the tradition of the best small towns and waterfront villages throughout the Eastern Shore of Maryl
Views of Wilpen Hall We enjoyed our time painting, sketching, and photographing the historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and the dramatic countryside. #WilpenHall #SewickleyHeights #UDAsketchbook #UDAatelier #UDAstudio #Watercolor
Congratulations to Union Studio, the 2023 winner of the ICAA Gindroz Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing! For over two decades, Union has demonstrated a dedication to the practice, implementing dignified, affordable projects with a meaningful
UDA would like to thank the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation for a fabulous tour of Downtown Pittsburgh's urban fabric. Learn more about PHLF in the link in our bio. @renewingcommunities #PHLF #Pittsburgh #UrbanDesign #Architecture #UDAa
Both the courtyard of the Palazzo La Marmora in Piazzo and the Cloister of San Sebastiano below it in Piano, are more monumental interpretations of the forms we have seen throughout Biella. The Palazzo provides educational spaces for an international
UDA Plan-to-Place: Beecher Terrace/Russell Choice Neighborhood - Mixed-income transformation that is stitching together economic opportunities for families and bringing new amenities to West Louisville We were engaged by McCormack Baron Salazar and
After walking to the end of the street, we turn around to see part of the gabled temple front of the Pavillon de Marengo. Returning to the rue de Marengo, we look through the pavilion's portal to the Cour Carree and the Pont des Arts beyond -- back t
UDA Reflection: Patterning Scottish towns for future growth In collaboration with The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment, UDA conducted an Enquiry by Design process to study the expansion of Ellon, a remarkable historic town in Scot