Top 10 Urban Planning & Design Solution Providers 2026
We are Really in Need of Sustainable Building Designs
Urban spaces are being reshaped not only by new developments but also by how thoughtfully they are planned and designed to support everyday life. Urban planning, once focused mainly on infrastructure and expansion, is now playing a central role in creating cities that are more livable, connected, and sustainable.
As cities grow, planners and developers continue to face challenges in balancing rapid development with quality of life. Issues such as congestion, limited green spaces, and uneven access to essential services highlight the need for smarter and more inclusive planning approaches. Traditional models are no longer enough to meet the expectations of modern urban living.
What is becoming increasingly clear is the need for people-focused design. Today’s urban strategies emphasize walkability, mixed-use development, efficient mobility, and environmental responsibility. These approaches aim to create spaces that are not only functional but also engaging and adaptable to changing needs.
At the same time, there is a growing emphasis on integrating technology and sustainability into urban environments. From smart infrastructure to climate responsive design, cities are evolving to become more resilient and future-ready. Real Estate Business Outlook explores how urban planning and design are shaping the future of cities, supporting more inclusive, efficient, and human-centered environments.
Company:
ALAO
Management:
James Carse
Designation:
Co-Founder
Headquarters:
Brooklyn, NY
Website:
alao.design
Act Lab Architecture Office (ALAO) is a collaborative design studio led by Aya Maceda and James Carse, with offices in New York and New Orleans. Rooted in a humanist approach, the firm creates spaces that foster joy and connection. Guided by social advocacy, ALAO views architecture as a tool to improve lives, delivering thoughtful, light filled environments inspired by the concept of maaliwalas.
Company:
Anderson+Bohlander
Management:
Joshua Anderson
Designation:
Founder
Headquarters:
Indianapolis,IN
Website:
andersonbohlander.com
Anderson + Bohlander, LLC is an urban design, landscape architecture, and planning studio based in the Historic Fountain Square District of downtown Indianapolis. Founded in 2012 by principals Joshua D. Anderson and Jon Bohlander, the firm focuses on enhancing urban environments. It has led significant projects across Indiana and the Midwest, including city initiatives and the Electric Works redevelopment in Fort Wayne.
Company:
Io LandArch
Management:
Susan Crook
Designation:
Co-Founder
Headquarters:
Ogden,UT
Website:
iolandarch.com
Io LandArch is a woman-owned landscape architecture and urban design studio headquartered in Ogden, Utah, with licensure in Utah and Idaho. The firm integrates culture and nature to create meaningful, human-centered spaces. Its projects combine functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic value, while emphasizing connection, context, and a strong sense of place.
Company:
LBA Landscape Architecture
Management:
Frederick R. Bonci
Designation:
Founder
Headquarters:
Pittsburgh, PA
Website:
lba-la.com
LBA Landscape Architecture is a Pittsburgh-based firm specializing in landscape architecture, urban design, and land planning. The studio views designed landscapes as a transformative tool to enhance ecology, support community well-being, and drive economic vitality. Grounded in historical context and site specific understanding, it creates innovative, elegant, and timeless environments that respond thoughtfully to both people and place.
Company:
PLANNING DESIGN STUDIO
Management:
Jeff Nilges
Designation:
Founder
Headquarters:
Saint Louis, MO
Website:
planningdesignstudio.com
Planning Design Studio (PDS) is an award-winning landscape architecture, planning, and urban design firm based in Saint Louis, Missouri. Since 2006, the firm has served public and private clients, creating memorable places and strengthening communities. It emphasizes collaboration, clear communication, and practical yet imaginative design, delivering sustainable, cost-effective solutions supported by strong technical expertise and leadership.
Company:
Planning Resources
Management:
Darrell Garrison
Designation:
CEO
Headquarters:
Lombard, IL
Website:
planres.com
Planning Resources Inc. is a Chicago metropolitan based Disadvantaged Business Enterprise specializing in site planning, urban design, and landscape architecture. The firm combines creativity and functionality to deliver transformative environments where people live, work, and play. Its team focuses on economically, socially, and environmentally impactful solutions, blending thoughtful planning with purposeful design to create sustainable, long lasting site developments.
Company:
Sargent Town Planning
Management:
David Sargent
Designation:
Senior Principal
Headquarters:
Pasadena, CA
Website:
sargenttownplanning.com
Sargent Town Planning is an urban planning and design firm based in Old Town Pasadena, founded by David Sargent in 1995. The firm specializes in creating human scale, pedestrian oriented, and transit focused communities. Serving public and private clients nationwide, it delivers end to end services, balancing growth, mobility, economic development, and environmental responsibility to shape sustainable, livable places.
Company:
SHUGARMAN ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN
Management:
Michael Shugarman
Designation:
Principal Architect
Headquarters:
Calgary, AB
Website:
shugarmanarchitecture.com
Shugarman Architecture + Design is a Western Canada–based architectural practice known for blending design excellence with real-world development insight. The firm specializes in architecture, interior design, and master planning across hospitality, residential, and commercial projects, delivering thoughtfully crafted spaces that balance creativity, functionality, and financial feasibility while maintaining close collaboration with clients from concept to completion.
Company:
TB Group
Management:
Kristin Turner
Designation:
Partner
Headquarters:
Berthoud, CO
Website:
tbgroup.us
TB Group is an award winning design studio specializing in landscape architecture, master planning, and urban design. Established in 2001 and based in Colorado, the firm is known for its collaborative approach and attention to detail. With a multidisciplinary team, it delivers innovative and sustainable solutions across community planning, mixed use developments, and public spaces, building long term client relationships through thoughtful and high quality design.
Company:
Young Design Studio
Management:
Brandon Young
Designation:
Founder
Headquarters:
Lakewood, OH
Website:
youngdesignstudio.com
Young Design Studio is a full service architectural practice based in Lakewood, Ohio. The firm applies strong design principles and a collaborative approach across diverse project scales, from residential renovations to urban masterplanning. With experience spanning residential, commercial, and institutional sectors, it delivers creative, context driven solutions, leveraging its multidisciplinary expertise to develop distinctive and thoughtful designs.

