Mayer Architects believes that quality livable cities are inherently the most sustainable form of land development. We therefore focus our efforts on projects that either create new urbanity, or restore urbanity to those places that were overcome by automotive planning. We believe in walk-able communities, traditional neighborhood development and urban repair.

Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND)
is a comprehensive planning system that includes a variety of housing types and land uses in a defined area. The variety of uses permits educational facilities, civic buildings and commercial establishments to be located within walking distance of private homes. A TND is served by a network of paths, streets and lanes suitable for pedestrians as well as vehicles. This provides residents the option of walking, biking or driving to places within their neighborhood. Present and future modes of

 

transit are also considered during the planning stages.

Public and private spaces have equal importance, creating a balanced community that serves a wide range of home and business owners. The inclusion of civic buildings and civic space -- in the form of plazas, greens, parks and squares -- enhances community identity and value.

We believe that it is our responsibility to make sure that we fully and effectively utilize our existing urban resource infrastructure before we seek to extend new development out into our existing natural resources. As such, Mayer Architects sees ‘Urban Repair’ - the adaptive re-use of existing under-utilized urban land resources, as our primary commitment to a sustainable development practices.

We stand for the reconfiguration of sprawling suburbs into communities of real

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neighborhoods and diverse districts, the conservation of national environments, and the preservation of our built legacy. We focus on projects that re-energize and reutilize existing urban infrastructure, such as mixed use infill and transit oriented developments.

This planning approach emphasizes a reduction in automobile dependence; radiates economic, social, cultural and educational vibrancy and accommodates multi-modal transportation options. It promotes convenience and minimizes travel times. It is an orientation to growth that is sustainable over time.

Importantly, this planning approach connects mixed housing types and densities with jobs and amenities that already exist within our communities, and has the potential to create TNDs in currently existing suburbs.