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We are a multidisciplinary arts practice focused on research-based, community-engaged, site-specific projects at the intersection of public art, planning, and design.

public art

We leverage perspectives and approaches from landscape, art, research, planning and design to weave historical context, site analysis and data into narrative and memorable experiences.

We are public artists, public art planners and curators. We are researchers, data analysts, designers, problem solvers and environmental stewards. We look for the unique, unnoticed and forgotten stories in each opportunity. We activate moments and spaces for those that encounter them. We seek to create experiences — not just objects — and allow others to tell their own stories and live their own experiences within the context of our work. It is our hope that our work is seen and experienced in entirely new ways with each visit.

“#12” — a 20’ x 20’ lit sculpture and extensive art glass installation calls much needed attention to critical moments within Richmond, Virginia’s firefighting history (ongoing project, in collaboration w Sylvio Lynch III)

Birds-eye view of people entering a corn maze

“From Teosinte to Tomorrow” — a Josef Albers-inspired corn maze raises awareness of both North Carolina design and biotechnology history at the North Carolina Museum of Art (in collaboration w Molly Renda)

With expertise in architecture, landscape architecture, installation art, exhibit design, community engagement and user experience, our principal team and collaborating partners bring a highly diverse skill sets to projects of every type and scale.

Our projects regularly include a wide variety of media and implementation strategies — from landscape and natural systems, to sculpture, projection, architecture, design, immersive/interactive digital media and seemingly everything in between. 

art planning

Thoughtful and aware public art can play an essential role in the success of complex projects — educating and connecting audiences and stakeholders, illuminating deep histories and emotions at play; laying the groundwork for meaningful new experiences.

We leverage perspectives and approaches from landscape, art, planning and design to weave historical context, site analysis and data into narrative and memorable experiences. Each of our projects carefully considers art and design in relationship not only to place, but to the people and communities who occupy and use it, and the stories and natural systems that make it specific and unique.

Map of city with public art opportunity sites identified

Public Art Master Plan for the City of Raleigh’s greenway system identifies strategic sites for increased activation along major roadways

animated GIF showing site planning for public art along a roadway with school crossing, fire station, grocery store, and gas station in background

Programming and Planning Analysis for the City of Raleigh

Public art planning is integral to each of our projects. We partner with municipalities, other artists, designers, landscape architects, architects and urban planners on long range master plans to provide unique planning, site analysis and site selection expertise, helping set the stage for other artists and projects to be successful both in the near and long term.

design

Great design does not happen in a vacuum. We always consider the big picture alongside the nuanced details that are vital to creating compelling work that fits seamlessly within its context.

We believe successful public art is about more than simply siting or creating objects. It is about building and facilitating meaningful shared experiences. Projects often start with intuition, but require research, iteration, and craft. As public artists with extensive and varied design backgrounds, we approach every project with open minds, curatorial eyes, and a collaborative spirit. We leverage this mindset and the processes of design to uncover new paths and distinctive moments.

The environment and natural systems are key elements within our work. We believe deeply in the need for art to call attention to critical issues around resiliency and sustainability. We disturb sites only minimally and strive to always leave any place or situation better than we found it.

We embrace flexibility in processes and planning, and in our collaboration with clients and partners. Ultimately, as designers and planners, we seek to do great work that makes a difference. We believe this integrated approach and complementary perspective will add value to any project.

Exhibition branding for NC State University

Exhibition Design and Wayfinding (in collaboration with NCSU Libraries)