One Los Angeles-based architecture firm is helping cities and organizations communicate their brand identity through buildings.
"Two architects and a strategic marketing professional walk into a building. This time, however, it's no joke. Architect Todd Erlandson, AIA, and marketing guru Sherry Hoffman, principals of Los Angeles-based architecture and branding firm (M)Arch., and (M)Arch. project architect Lara Hoad, have structured their firm into what could be a significant niche in the business of architecture. While some architects might scoff at a firm that puts its own star power aside to focus solely on a company or community's identity, these three are happy to concentrate on creating a holistic brand experience for clients that includes good design as part of the strategy, and keeps their egos out of the picture."
FULL STORY: Brands and the Built Environment

Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

San Francisco Muni Raises Fares a Second Time
A 10–cent fare hike for adults is part of the agency’s plan to chip away at a growing budget deficit.

Electric Grid Capacity Could Hamstring EV Growth
Industry leaders say the U.S. electric grid is unprepared for the increased demand for power created by electric cars, data centers, and electric homes.

Texas Bill Supports Adaptive Reuse in Commercial Areas
Senate Bill 840, which was preliminarily approved by the state House, would allow residential construction in areas previously zoned for offices and commercial uses.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions