From Concept to Clarity
All big ideas need planning and design to become reality. DTC partners with communities to bring their ideas to life through an inclusive, collaborative, and intentional design process. We accomplish this by providing the below services.
IDEATION & VISIONING PROCESSES
The creative process of generating ideas in response to a problem aiming to be solved through design.
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
Assessment of the practicality of a proposed project or plan.
PROGRAMMING & SPACE PLANNING
Research and decision-making process used to identify the scope of work to be performed.
SITE ANALYSIS
A report that analyzes site location, size, topography, zoning, traffic conditions, and climate.
SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGIES
Assistance with developing and implementing design strategies that reduce the negative environmental impact from the built environment.
COMMUNITY PLANNING & ENGAGEMENT
Strategic and authentic efforts to engage with the community to create a more equitable decision making process and deepen relationships with residents through the design process.
ASSISTANCE WITH REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFPS)
Technical writing and review services to facilitate requests for professional services related to your project.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
Scalable drawings developed in the preliminary stages of a project that define its basic parameters, typically void of detail, dimensions, and technical notes so they can easily be modified.
CUSTOM SCOPE
Projects may not fit neatly into just one example category and may contain more than one scope for completion.
Do you have an idea for a project that fits into these services? Not sure if your project fits into our capabilities? No problem!
Reach out to hello@designtrustchicago.org.
There are numerous ways get involved with our efforts to collectively envision an equitable built environment across Chicago.
Participate in or host a MAPPED-a-thon.
Each year, we select community projects to support that are aligned with our values of spatial equity and justice.
Learn more about the Design Services Program.