Approach

Utile is an architecture and strategic planning firm that specializes in the unique regulatory, political, and design challenges of complex urban projects. The firm is experienced in strategic planning, urban design, and urban building types.

Utile is equipped with the experience, design talent, and leadership skills to take on both conventional architectural commissions and open-ended planning assignments.
For both kinds of projects, Utile strongly believes that innovation requires applying design-thinking to the definition of the project itself. Our process begins by asking a series of questions:

“Who are the audiences for the plan, report and/or building?”
“What are the key drivers required to finance the project?”
“Who are the priority stakeholders who will have financial and aesthetic influence on the plan or project?”
“What are the underlying assumptions that have shaped the building program?”

Questions like these help to reveal the underlying DNA of a problem and frame a more proactive and engaging strategy.

A full understanding of the cultural, social and economic underpinnings of an assignment can lead to unexpected design solutions and better engaged stakeholders. We want to collaborate with you on financial pro formas, learn about the structure of your organization, take field trips to relevant projects you admire, socialize with your board members, and share on-going research via e-mail. We’re hobbyists in terms of enthusiasm and wonkish professionals when it comes to project delivery.

Learn more about Utile’s team.