Background
Architecture is about more than good design. It’s a means to building a sense of place. Connection and community. A healthy environment. It’s about smart design – using every dollar to fulfill your goals and needs.
It’s about listening, understanding, and creatively bringing your vision to reality. We are creative problem solvers. We are passionate about our clients. We use design to define and demonstrate your new reality.
It’s the UrbanWorks way.
A Passion for Design
Our passion is driven by your passion. Whether it be creating bold, dynamic urban infill, supportive housing for homeless youth, or an office space that supports your brand, we work to understand your passion, your priorities, and your goals. We design to support your mission, the market, and the community. Our passion is to work with you to create a design to help you grow, transform, and make the change you want to make in your community. We design for you.
Services We Provide
Great design, like great people, creates a competitive advantage. UrbanWorks works with you to design thoughtful,
well-designed buildings that build brand identity, drive growth, foster positive change, and build community.
Our Clients Say
“They have many of the same organizational goals as we do: loyalty, integrity, honesty. They are good at cultivating talent. Newer or less experienced staff get support from more senior people. We still have the connection with senior people, but we get to work with the up and coming architects too.”
—Maureen Michalski, Director of Development, Schafer Richardson, firm relationship since 2008
“We have always appreciated the team at UrbanWorks for their collaborative approach. We love the way they seek input from us as the developer so that we can participate in the creative process. They listen and build off of their past experience with us to come up with a design that everyone can get excited about.”
—Michael Pagh, President/CEO, Great Lakes Management Company, client since 2003
“There are so many great design firms in Minneapolis, but if we had to choose our favorites, UrbanWorks is in the top tier. We have a great working relationship, and they work well with our preferred builders, too.”
—Elizabeth Flannery, CEO, Community Housing Development Corp., firm relationship since 2009
“All three buildings I’ve done with UrbanWorks are beautiful, and the team worked within our budget and respected the neighborhood context. The projects all look different from each other and have great internal logic.”
—Abbie Loosen, Senior Project Manager, Project for Pride in Living, firm relationship since 2009
“I would never expect that an architect would help guide me through so many phases, including arriving at a design scheme that reflected my strongest pro forma options; as well as value engineering with contractors with a respectful, collaborative attitude and problem-solving approach.”
—Abe Demmajia, Owner, G&L Furniture, est. 2005, firm relationship since 2017
“We have the kind of relationship I love, as it allows us to check in regularly and have input on the design as it evolves. Their receptivity is their strength.”
—Becky Carlson St. Clair, Director, Property Development, Artspace, firm relationship since 2014
“They are outstanding, professional and responsive. UrbanWorks is one of the select firms we continue to utilize….“In the early stages, if you have an architect who understands the objectives of a financial model as well as balancing the model with quality design, that’s exactly what you need. UrbanWorks understands this.”
—Matt Alexander, Senior Vice President, Kraus-Anderson Development Company, firm relationship since 2010
“UrbanWorks leadership is heavily involved in projects – they attend meetings, grand opening events…they’re very present and engaged with their clients.”
—Jeff Koch, Partner, Roers Companies, firm relationship since 2014
“UrbanWorks is very collaborative in design approach. They have been engaging and integrated our feedback in ways that strengthen the project.”
—Martha Lantz, Former Executive Director, Touchstone Mental Health
“Drawings produced by UrbanWorks reflect an expert understanding of the building process and are extremely well coordinated.”
—Dave Rollins, Vice President, Kraus Anderson
“The Henderson is an exceptional building and fits so beautifully into the neighborhood. Hats off to the design team and all those who obviously put a great deal of “heart”
into making the facility a wonderful success and a fitting tribute to Marge.
I’m sure she is thrilled to tears with the result.”
–Jeff Henderson, Former Mayor of Shakopee
“UrbanWorks’ attention to detail, and openness to support the modeling process
was far superior to any other architect I have worked with.
I would recommend them to anyone looking to start a new project.”
—Nathan House, Integrated Construction Coordinator, Mortenson Construction
“UrbanWorks does a great job with the budget. They aren’t overly attached
to trendy magazine cover solutions, but rather find the
right balance that creates a solution that works best for us.”
—Chris Wilson, Director of Real Estate Development, Project for Pride in Living
“When we build off plans designed by UrbanWorks, we have fewer change orders,
and a lower cost per square foot. At every step of the process, they work with us
to manage the budget. And, they finish their drawings!”
—Mike Benedict, Executive Vice President, Frana Companies