The Philosophy of Our Work
We practice human-centered and ethical design protocols, which emphasizes the needs and experiences of societies most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As a design team we integrate functionality, empathy, psychology and science into the built environment to improve the experience of those who use it.
What We Do
At Theory of Place, we are a collective of architects, interior designers, consultants, scientists and strategists. We leverage three core design disciplines around the environments that we design and build.
Sustainability Design & Biophilia
At the core of what we do, we leverage sustainability and biophilic design within all of our design build projects. We use this process to increase occupant connectivity to the natural world by designing spaces according to the principles of nature, which contributes to improved health, wellness and productivity.
Evidence-Based Design
Evidence-Based Design is the process of basing decisions about the built environment on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes. EBD influence can be traced back to the design of healthcare environments, and it has planted seeds in the design of educational environments as well. The use of EBD presents a holistic approach to designing healing environments, which informs our design strategies and solutions.
Trauma-Informed Design
We integrate the principles of Trauma-Informed Care into our interior architecture and design practice to create physical spaces that promote emotional wellbeing. Trauma-Informed Care is a comprehensive and systematic approach that we employ to help our clients create a sustainable, pragmatic and trauma-responsive environment. We pay close attention to all aspects of programming, environment, language, and values by involving all stakeholders in order to better serve those who have experienced trauma.
Our Methodologies
Cultural Competence
Cultural Competence touches everything we do. We meet our clients where they are with the understanding in how diverse communication styles, behaviors and beliefs can impact the design and decision making process. We seek to engage, inspire, challenge and provoke serious conversations with an open heart and mind with the goal of creating a true sense of belonging, and fostering a feeling of respectful co-existence of shared spaces in a judgement free zone.
Design Thinking
Design Thinking brings social issues to the forefront. It forces us to focus on the current social issues and conditions. We use design thinking as a logical and organizational tool for creative problem solving. With its roots in human-centered design at the core, it encourages organizations to focus, with intent, on the communities in which they serve.
Design Management
Design Management encompasses the ongoing processes, business decisions, and strategies that enable innovation and create effectively-designed products, services, communications, environments, and brands that enhance our clients experience of the space.
