Public Participation
Managing change
By being involved from the conceptual stage of a project, we raise awareness and understanding of the project’s impact, define and manage expectations, and build trusting relationships between those impacted by the project and those building it. We use traditional and non-traditional methods from public meetings, focus groups, and open houses to web surveys and social media to share information and ensure all affected groups have a say in a forum that works for them.The world has changed. People want their voices heard. We’re here to make that happen.
Change often comes with stress and uncertainty. Our public participation specialists work with our clients to develop and implement communication and consultation plans that allow people affected by change to understand, influence, and accept it. When a new development is planned or new building built, the community wants to know how it will affect traffic, the environment, and their daily lives. When a new park is planned, users want to be involved to create a space that meets their needs. During the public participation process, views and concerns can be expressed to inform decision-making and build consensus. The result is a project that is viable and more likely to be accepted by a community that feels like it had a voice.
Community passion and engagement. That’s what brought two new skate parks to life in Haldimand County, Ontario, where now skaters of all ages have a place to call their own.
We bring an inclusive approach to public and private participation that builds consensus and informs a shared vision forward
300+
Awards
#4
Top Pure Design Firms
1000s
Of Communities Transformed
Our team has received over 300 awards for projects ranging from public engagement to urban design, landscape architecture, and neighborhood planning.
Engineering News-Record placed us fourth in their Top Pure Design Firm ranking in 2023.
We’re working with clients around the globe to improve the quality of life in every community we touch.
Our People
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Michele Perret
Principal, Community Engagement Lead
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Simon O'Byrne
Senior Vice President, Business Leader, Community Development
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David Dixon
Vice President, Urban Places Fellow
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Beth Elliott
Principal
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Steve Kearney
Principal
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Wei Jin
Urban Designer
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Gary Sorge
Vice President, Community Development, Discipline Leader (Landscape Architecture)
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Maggie Connor
Principal, Senior Urban Designer
Related Services
Urban Planning & Design
Our plans help harness the forces reshaping North American communities. We create places that are authentic, green, walkable, connected and diverse.
Landscape Architecture
Whether it's an urban park, a restored wetland, an athletic complex, or a waterfront destination--through analysis, planning, and design, we create inspired landscapes that reflect context and user needs.
Land Development Engineering
We transform land by taking into account physical site conditions, public expectations, fiscal requirements, and environmental constraints.
Architecture & Interior Design
We create spaces that are engaging and uplifting, that contribute to our collective sense of health and well-being, and encourage the sustainable stewardship of our communities.
Transportation Planning
As a community grows in size and population, so do its mobility needs. We help you address those needs and find a comprehensive solution that can safely get you to your destination.
Design Visualization
Through design visualization, we help clients and stakeholders picture the building they’ll work in, the bridge they’ll drive over, and the neighborhood their kids will play in.
Environmental Services
With 3,100 environmental staff in 20 specialties, we know what to do. When we’re gathering data to permit a new project or collaborating on a plan to remediate an old one, our passion for science drives us.
We’re better together
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Become a client
Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.
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Design your career
Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.