Community Design
Our Services
At Io we specialize in designing and planning for vibrant, sustainable, and equitable communities! Our biophilic design philosophy and culturally-centered process combines the disciplines of Planning, Urban Design, and Landscape Architecture with community advocacy, sustainable agriculture, and deep ecology resulting in holistically vibrant places. Our signature grassroots design process centers around five catalytic strategies that foster strong communities: Historic preservation, creative placemaking, development planning, recreation & trails, and ecological landscapes.
Historic Preservation
In addition to a myriad of economic benefits, the preservation and adaptive re-use of historic buildings, landscapes, and districts creates communities that have a strong sense of unique identity and pride. Historic neighborhoods are inherently more walkable, and historic districts tend to be more culturally diverse and economically resilient.
Creative Placemaking
Creative placemaking is the process of engaging the local community, government entities, and private developers as part of a broader urban design strategy. This collaborative process involves small-scale, community-engaged interventions that build on the unique local culture, increases pride of place and incentivizes reinvestment in a place.
Recreation and Trails
Ecological places, trails, and activities create and sustain vibrant communities. With more outdoor recreation, neighborhoods can support their local economy, encourage healthy lifestyles, and foster more community gathering. We believe the ability to enjoy nature is a right for all, and aim to make these opportunities more accessible.
Development Planning
Development planning leverages private sector investment to create vibrant places. We work with cities and developers to plan projects that not only meet market needs, but also preserve the quality of life, maintain the character of existing neighborhoods and landscapes, and provide returns on investment for property owners and community members alike.
Ecological Landsapes
We seek to expand the earth's ecological capacity to provide ecosystem services through preservation, smart development, urban agriculture, and green infrastructure. This includes taking development pressure off of prime agricultural farmland and wild places by designing vibrant, walkable, and green urban communities where people want to live.
Start My Project
Before we get started, please tell us more about your project! If we determine that your project is a good fit for our expertise, someone from our team will be in touch with you about the next steps within 1-2 business days.
Our Projects
Aug 2022
Dec 2021
Dec 2020
Apr 2020
Feb 2020
Feb 2020
Jun 2019
Apr 2019
On the River’s Edge Competition
Feb 2019
Dec 2018
Dec 2018
Apr 2018
Feb 2018
Mar 2017
Apr 2016
Apr 2016
Feb 2015
Ogden Business Exchange Master Plan
Jun 2014
Apr 2014
Feb 2014
Apr 2013
Jun 2011
Apr 2011
Apr 2011
Apr 2011
Apr 2006
Over 20 years dedicated to vibrant, ecological design.
We’ve dedicated over 20-years toward honing our approach to helping local governments, non-profits, developers, and community members create economically viable, socially equitable, and ecologically sustainable places. Our list of clients includes cities, such as Ogden, Salt Lake, and South Salt Lake, and rural communities, such as Beaver and Washington Counties. Io intends to continue supporting municipalities in realizing growth opportunities while preserving their inherent sense of unique character and identity.