who we are

We facilitate high-quality, pro-bono urban planning and design services to support low-income and underserved communities, nonprofit organizations, and municipal agencies through a community-engaged design process, focusing on equity-oriented initiatives.

We cultivate the future of urban planning & design through youth engagement and educational programs, formalized internships, and networking opportunities.

we design

We facilitate conceptual design services to help clients prepare for project development, support innovation, cultivate new partnerships, and engage with the design and development process.

We connect our clients with skilled urban planning, architecture, and engineering volunteers.

We manage equity-oriented projects and initiatives, from securing support and raising funds through implementation.
ent process.

we educate

Our clients through a collaborative, community-engaged design process that promotes critical thinking and decision making.

Our community through our lecture series that promotes open discussion on topics in urban planning, design, and community development.

Local youth through engagement workshops that spark interest in urban planning and designity development.

we empower

Youth to pursue careers in urban planning and design through our comprehensive academic pipeline program.

Organizations to drive physical improvements, raise and leverage funding, and guide projects to implementation through our pro-bono design services.

Communities to engage with design professionals and diverse stakeholders to solve significant problems and support equitable and just development.

WE MAKE CONCEPTUAL URBAN PLANNING & DESIGN SERVICES ACCESSIBLE

Access to conceptual design services is critical to the successful outcome of development projects envisioned by community and nonprofit organizations.

Our Services

Increase the likelihood of project completion and success.
Establish a shared project vision that fosters collaboration and informed decision-making.
Support early exploration of ideas prior to intensive design, providing a clear project vision, scope, and budget.
Empower organizations and communities to secure and leverage funding, guide projects through implementation, and drive physical improvements that lay the foundation for equitable and just development.

CORE GRANTS

Prepare clients to advance project development by providing tools and resources, such as:

Conceptual drawings to share your vision.
Feasibility studies to demonstrate that the project is achievable.
Preliminary cost estimates to guide fundraising.
Organizational and community engagement to build capacity and consensus.

When you receive a design grant:

We work with you to determine the best approach and scope of services to meet your needs.
We connect you with volunteer design professionals and consultants, including architects, urban planners, landscape architects, engineers, interior designers, and sustainability experts.
We help you engage with your community and stakeholders throughout the conceptual design process.

INITIATIVES

Support innovation, cultivate new partnerships, and reactivate the built environment of communities by providing:

Access to significant intellectual capital through the volunteer services of design professionals.
Opportunities to convene and engage diverse stakeholders – design professionals, community leaders, real estate developers, policymakers, public officials, funders, and the media.
Opportunities to communicate the capacity of the design process to solve community problems, re-envision physical assets, and support equitable development.
Tools to advocate and promote change in our community.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

We provide consultation services to support specific aspects of the design and development process and the delivery of pro bono design services.

Technical assistance can include:

Advisory services
Brief assessments
Presentations
Referral services

A suggested donation associated with technical assistance services will vary based on project scope, financial circumstances, and ability to pay.

YOUNG COMMUNITY PLANNERS

YOUNG COMMUNITY PLANNERS OF LONG BEACH

Based in local teen centers and high school classrooms, students are introduced to urban planning and design, and are encouraged to continue their education at Long Beach City College through the Urban Planning AS Degree or pursue related studies at a nearby university.

THE URBAN PLANNING & DESIGN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Our internship program enriches students’ academic journey by connecting them with industry professionals through curated activities, events, and projects. Interns build professional networks before entering the workforce, giving them a competitive edge as they prepare for successful careers.