MWA Architects, Inc.’s Post

This #BCorpMonth we thought we’d celebrate by recognising fellow B Corps within the built environment space. Over the next four weeks, we’ll be looking at some of the amazing developers, architects, planners, and surveyors we’ve come across in the past couple of years. We’re kicking off with urban research and strategy company We Made That. Founded in 2006 and a B Corp since 2021, We Made That work exclusively with the public sector and charities to create equitable places – from high street regeneration to healthy neighbourhoods. Made up of architects, landscape architects, urban designers and engagement specialists, they design spaces and buildings that bring life and value to the built environment. But We Made That’s impact goes beyond their output, they’ve also done work to expand representation within the architecture sector as a whole. In collaboration with architectural practices IF_DO and Gort Scott, they launched RE-SET-GO, a pioneering initiative to provide work experience, skills training, and mentorship for individuals from under-represented backgrounds. You can download their impact report here to find out more about the work they’ve been doing. 👇 https://lnkd.in/er_eyJ8c ___________ At Avery & Brown, we share your bold vision for a regenerative built environment and a better world. We work exclusively with ambitious, purpose-driven businesses, helping to put them on the map and achieve the growth they deserve through ethical marketing and branding. #BuiltEnvironment #UrbanPlanning

Well done to everyone involved

Thank you to Cam Good and KEY Marketing for hosting us U40 members at the Leadership Breakfast in your beautiful space! Thank you also to Urban Development Institute for organizing this event. It was wonderful to meet like minded RE professionals at this morning's intimate venue, and always great to hear and learn about Cam's career journey. My personal takeaways: - Figure out what you want to do and really evaluate if you are willing to do what it takes to get there. - Disruption and innovation has its limits, be self aware of where it crosses the line. - Believe in yourself and what you stand for and continue with conviction. People may not understand at first what it is you are trying to achieve but over time and hard work, the results will speak for themselves.

✍ Oluwaseyi Sobogun, Architect at PRP, wrote a piece on the recent NLA webinar 'Towards an age inclusive city', her thoughts and what she learned. Read it below 👇

🏙️ Integrating Third Generation CPTED into smart cities: a holistic approach to safety, inclusivity, and sustainability. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) utilizes urban and architectural design to mitigate crime and enhance quality of life. Learn how this concept aligns with the goals of modern urban planning and smart city development, emphasizing community engagement, inclusive design, and social impact assessments. Discover historical examples and contemporary initiatives shaping the future of urban living. Read more in: https://lnkd.in/eNKcZyhh Stay tuned to continue following MAAT project's mission of promoting inclusive urban design and fostering active citizenship. #MAATProject #InclusiveCities #Erasmus #SmartCities #UrbanPlanning #InclusiveDesign #CPTED #MAATProject 🌱🏙️

Learn more about creative mixed-use and community care in our new video series. Central to the concept of creative mixed-use is the delicate balance between the expectations of private partners and the objectives of socially-oriented organizations, all while striving to optimize social impact and benefit. In this discussion, Phat and Alexandra from the Infrastructure Institute chat with Chris Klugman. Chris is the founder of Paintbox Bistro, a social enterprise and the first certified B Corp caterer in Canada, that from 2012-2022 was located in the neighborhood of Regent Park in downtown Toronto. Regent Park is currently undergoing a large-scale revitalization project, aimed at transforming a historically marginalized and under resourced public housing neighborhood into a mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood whose ongoing redevelopment has been met with mixed-reactions over the years. In this conversation we explore: -The challenges and opportunities for partnerships between developers and non-profit organizations in mixed-use developments -Striking a balance between social impact and financial viability -How to maintain a community-centric focus and adapt to evolving local needs -Ensuring the longevity and sustainability of social uses in mixed-use developments School of Cities, University of Toronto #citybuilding #development #infrastructure #communitybuilding #urbanplanning #socialpurpose #affordablehousing #mixedusedevelopment #exhibition #exhibitiondesign #architecture #cityoftoronto #toronto ps://https://lnkd.in/gQBB5FTB

🌇 Cedar Heights Unbound: Crafting Unity in Our Streets 🌇 Deep in the fabric of the city lies Cedar Heights, a neighborhood that’s stood for three decades yet remained a collection of houses rather than a community. It was time for a change, time to awaken the vibrant spirit I knew lived in every corner and every heart of this neighborhood. The Spark of Transformation: The mission was clear from the get-go: to transform Cedar Heights from a mere geographic location to a living, breathing community where every voice is heard, and every hand is held. This wasn’t about changing an area; it was about unlocking the potential of its people. From Strangers to Neighbors: The first step was to bridge the gaps. We rolled up our sleeves and got down to the grassroots, initiating real conversations, sharing stories, and building trust. This was about laying down the foundation for a community where everyone feels at home. The Pulse of the Community: Through collective efforts, we saw the transformation unfold. Block parties turned isolated individuals into a united community, community gardens blossomed from barren lands, symbolizing growth and togetherness, and neighborhood meetings became the stage for voices that had long been silenced. Today’s Cedar Heights: Now, Cedar Heights is alive with the energy of its residents. It’s a place where the youth play freely, neighbors connect genuinely, and the essence of unity fills the air. This is the Cedar Heights we envisioned, a community bound by solidarity and mutual respect. The Legacy We Build: Cedar Heights’ journey is a testament to the power of collective action and shared vision. It stands as a beacon, showing that with perseverance and unity, any neighborhood can redefine itself. The Invitation: I extend a call to each of you. Let’s take this spirit beyond Cedar Heights. Engage, connect, and contribute. Together, we have the power to transform spaces into communities, houses into homes, and individuals into families. #UnityInCedarHeights #StrengthInCommunity #EmpowermentThroughEngagement #LegacyBuilding #TogetherAsOne

What a great scheme, and how good is that image of the future finished development.

Principal Jared H. Press spoke as a panelist at Project for Public Spaces’ 4th International Placemaking Week conference, highlighting how  Prince George's County, Maryland is using a vision grounded in placemaking to drive equitable economic development along the Blue Line Corridor.     The County adopted a forward-thinking approach by identifying key public investments in multimodal infrastructure, public anchor institutions, and placemaking through programming and activation to attract private investment in dense, mixed-use, transit-oriented development.     Panelists highlighted how, unlike urban settings, suburbia often lacks natural spaces for community gatherings, making it challenging for residents to envision effective placemaking. Yet, the demand for such initiatives is strong. The successful implementation of such long-term initiatives requires a clear and coherent vision that serves as a consistent reference point that can endure turnover in administrations, agency staff, and market cycles.     Engaging the community in these environments requires innovative strategies and a deep understanding of their unique needs. While the full realization of the Blue Line Corridor vision will take years, the early successes and lessons learned provide a valuable blueprint for other suburban jurisdictions aiming for equitable economic development.     #EconomicDevelopment #Placemaking #TransitOrientedDevelopment #CommunityEngagement 

Join Terner Center & Labs and National League of Cities for the 2024 Housing Supply Innovation Symposium. This event features the current cohort of housing affordability innovators at Terner Housing Lab in conversation with local and national leaders, experts, and investors. This year’s topic is Human-Centered Approaches to Building and Accessing Housing. Participants will investigate holistic approaches to housing supply that consider history, sustainability, and, most importantly, respond to the needs of the residents we aim to house. Honoring History: Acknowledge and address historical discrimination in housing as communities pave the way for a more inclusive tomorrow. Learn how lessons from the past can inform present and future housing initiatives that bridge gaps and promote equality. Sustainable Foundations: Explore innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for housing while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Human-Centered Housing: Centering the human experience, participants will delve into creative ways to increase individual access to housing. From community initiatives to personalized solutions, discover how communities can make every house a home. #housing #housingsolutions #communities #cities #humancentereddesign #housingaffordability #housingsupply #livestreamevent #