Meet our collaborators

SITELAB urban studio

Urban Design

SITELAB urban studio is a multi-disciplinary urban design and strategy firm. They are a woman-owned San Francisco-based practice using research and visualization to create great places, through big plans and small interventions. They are known for leading collaborations with developers, public agencies, and communities to create urban narratives, solve problems, design for shared vision, and gain entitlement for complex projects. In every community in which they work, they strive to connect directly with people and place. They draw on our broad experience in designing and implementing intricate urban projects in downtowns, historic districts, and innovation hubs, with a focus on placemaking and placekeeping.

Select project experience:

• Napa Pipe Design Guidelines (Napa, California)
• Hilltop Horizon (Richmond, California)
• Downtown West Mixed-Use Plan (San Jose, California)
• Pier 70 Waterfront Plan (San Francisco, California)
• Waterfront Resilience Program (San Francisco, California)

CAW Architects

School architecture

HPA

Industrial planning

HPA is an industrial design corporation that offers services in both architecture and planning to institutions, corporations, and developers throughout the United States. Partners Yong Nam, Bob Jacob, and Susan Littlefield have diverse backgrounds and expertise. Working together at HPA for over thirty years, they continue to enhance HPA’s reputation for creating value for its clients. The philosophy at HPA is that service is a keystone of working as an architect. We are committed to our client’s objectives and strive to provide services that save them time, save them money, provide them flexibility, functionality and provide them with facilities that are a valuable asset. As market requirements grow and change over time, HPA continues to be at the forefront, designing for increased clear heights and innovative EV Truck and auto charging.

Select project experience:

• Pacific Commons (Fremont, CA)
• Exchange 92 (Hayward, CA)
• Oaks Business Park (Livermore, CA)
• International Park of Commerce (Tracy, CA)

CMG

Landscape Architecture

CMG Landscape Architecture is a design studio that integrates landscape architecture, urban design, and planning to increase social and ecological wellbeing. They create places that bring communities together, invite connections, and restore environmental health. At the heart of the practice is attention to public space, how the built environment shapes human interaction and communities, and the way innovation can foster a thriving natural world. Their practice is focused on the health and vibrancy of the Bay Area. Sustainability through climate change mitigation, urban resiliency and ecology, strategies for sea level rise, drought-tolerant landscapes, habitat creation, and carbon sequestration initiatives shape their approach. Each project is distinct and designed to include, support, and sustain a specific place and community.

Select project experience:

• Treasure Island (San Francisco, California)
• Concord Naval Weapons Station (Concord, California)
• Bay Meadows (San Mateo, California)
• Mission Rock (San Francisco, California)
• Moffett Park Specific Plan (Sunnyvale, California)

Second Nature

Ecological science and planning

Second Nature Ecology + Design brings the science of urban ecology into planning and design. We work with developers, designers, and communities to create a positive ecological vision for a project that guides all dimensions of design, construction, and operations, bringing the benefits of high-quality nature to urban residents. Second Nature staff are leaders in both the science and practice of urban nature, having originated key publications in the field and excelling at working collaboratively with project teams to find the synergies between nature and housing, workplaces, mobility, and other elements of the built environment.

Select project experience:

• North Bayshore Master Plan (Mountain View, California)
• St. John’s Terminal (New York, New York)
• San Francisco Urban Biodiversity (San Francisco, California)
• Biodiversity Standards for Buildings (global review for the IUCN)

Fehr & Peers

Transportation

Fehr & Peers is passionate about transforming transportation consulting through innovation and creativity. The firm derives inspiration by partnering with communities to understand and shape local transportation futures objectively tailored to diverse needs. As the firm grows, a steadfast commitment to inclusive, local, and long-term community relationships remains central to the core philosophy. Many of the company’s client relationships are decades long, built on years of listening, understanding, collaboration, and successful outcomes. Clients of Fehr & Peers have appreciated the firm’s long-term commitments to local communities, trusting the team as their objective partner in transportation since 1985.

Select project experience:

• Candlestick Point and Hunter’s Point Shipyard (San Francisco, California)
• Newhall Ranch (Valencia, California)
• Point of the Mountain (Draper, Utah)
• Stapleton (Denver, Colorado)
• Hensley Field (Dallas, Texas)

Mark Thomas

Transportation

Mark Thomas provides transportation planning, civil and structures engineering, construction management, surveying, and landscape architectural services that have set the stage for transportation improvement projects. We are known as a premier interchange and highway design firm with an unequaled ability to develop creative solutions, having planned and/or delivered more than 200 projects on Caltrans facilities, totaling more than $15 billion in improvements. We strive to develop ideas and alternatives that other firms might not, and be a true partner with our clients – developing solutions that are supported by the community and decision-makers, are context-sensitive, and are technically sound.

Select project experience:

• I-80/I-680/SR 12 Interchange Complex (Solano County, California)
• SR 12 Jameson Canyon Widening (Solano County, California)
• SR 4 Widening and Interchange Improvements (Contra Costa County, California)
• SR 4 Bypass (Contra Costa County, California)
• I-80/North Texas Street Interchange (Fairfield, California)

Steinberg Hart

Parking design

For 70 years, Steinberg Hart has shaped environments and created inspiring places, remaining authentic to our values of design, relationships, and change. Since the firm’s beginnings in 1953 in Silicon Valley, Steinberg Hart has been invested in the future of the region, designing buildings and communities across Northern California and beyond. The firm’s portfolio spans education, arts, residential, urban mixed-use, hospitality, civic, and commercial sectors, maintaining a focus on honoring people, place, and environment. The firm’s team of architects, designers, planners, and sustainability experts share the belief that design can create profound and unexpected connections between people and place, and that together, we can create the world we want.

Select project exprience:

• Miro Towers (San Jose, CA)
• Tasman East Residential & Ellore Senior Living (Santa Clara, CA)
• Santa Clara Agrihood (San Jose, CA)
• Taube Koret Center for Jewish Life (Palo Alto, CA)
• San Diego International Airport T2 Parking (San Diego, CA)

CBG

Civil Engineering

Since 1989, Carlson, Barbee & Gibson, Inc. (CBG) has provided Northern California with top-tier civil engineering, surveying, and land planning services for private and public land development firms and public agencies. Our familiarity with the region, market, and agency requirements, coupled with our expansive design experience has helped to build a reputation of timely solutions that add value to the most challenging projects. CBG is known for providing cost effective designs, reducing construction costs, meeting aggressive deadlines, and navigating California’s increasingly complicated entitlement and permitting processes.

Select project experience:

• One Lake / Cannon Station (Fairfield, California)
• Alameda Point (Alameda, California)
• Concord Naval Weapons Station (Concord, California)
• Mountain House (Mountain House, California)
• Windemere / Dougherty Valley (San Ramon, California)

EKI

Water Supply Planning

EKI Environment & Water, Inc. (EKI) is an employee-owned company that provides comprehensive water resources and engineering services to public and private sector clients since our founding in 1989. Our staff includes over 100 civil engineers, environmental engineers, chemical engineers, chemists, geologists, hydrogeologists, environmental scientists, computer-aided designers, geographic information system (GIS) and database specialists, and support staff. With nine offices in California and the United States, our multidisciplinary team brings experience in a wide range of water resources services, including the assessment, development, and management of groundwater, surface water, and recycled water supplies.

Select project experience:

• Water Supply Assessments for over 50 developments throughout California
• 2020 Urban Water Management Plans for 43 entities throughout California
• Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency Long-Term Reliable Water Supply Strategy, San Mateo, California
• Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) compliance throughout California
• Water Supply Evaluation and Alternative Groundwater Sustainability Plan, Livermore, California

ENGEO

Geotechnical, Hydrology, GIS, and Hazmat

ENGEO is an award-winning, employee-owned California Corporation of more than 400 geotechnical and civil engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, water resources experts, field quality-control representatives, laboratory testing specialists, and supporting staff. With 22 locations worldwide, our professionals are dedicated to delivering practical and constructible solutions based on advanced engineering. We assist in every phase of projects, from due diligence for land acquisition and planning through entitlement, permitting, engineering design, construction, and project build-out. With our knowledge of regional funding mechanisms, public-agency funding processes, political realities, and regulatory negotiation and compliance, we will provide vital expertise and guidance.

Select project experience:

• Great Park Neighborhoods (Irvine, California)
• Tejon Mountain Village (Kern County, California)
• Brooklyn Basin Redevelopment (Oakland, California)
• Newhall Ranch (Valencia, California)
• Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island (San Francisco, California)

NEXT Infrastructure

Infrastructure Consultant

As a leader in sustainable infrastructure consulting across North America, NEXT specializes in district-scale development for smart urban growth. NEXT navigates every stage of the project lifecycle, starting from initial visioning and feasibility studies, through design and partnership formation, to final implementation, all while ensuring cohesive and effective project management at each step. Leveraging our interdisciplinary expertise in real estate, planning, engineering, technology, and economics, we transform ambitious visions into tangible realities. Our focus is on driving extraordinary sustainability and innovation in large-scale projects, using digital tools and a global network of partners to deliver holistic, commercially viable solutions.

Select project experience:

• Woodbine Communities (Toronto, Ontario)
• Michigan Central (Detroit, Michigan)
• Brodie Oaks (Austin, Texas)
• Point of the Mountain Proposal (Draper, Utah)

WSP

Solid waste

Introba

Energy

Power Systems Design

Electrical Engineering & Design

Power Systems Design (PSD) was formed in June of 1985. This year, we celebrate our 39th year providing high and medium voltage electrical power engineering and design services to public, private and municipal utilities; and many successful land developers. PSD’s range of expertise includes but is not limited to substation design, high voltage transmission line design, medium voltage distribution planning and design of residential, commercial and industrial power systems, and dry utility planning and design. Dry utility planning and design capabilities include coordination of multiple party joint utility respondents for trench and substructure installations. PSD also provides planning and design for master planned communities, and renewable resource interconnection studies and design. PSD’s portfolio includes many mixed-use developments in San Francisco, commercial campus projects in the Silicon Valley, and master planned communities in the central valley.

Select project experience:

• River Islands at Lathrop
• Mountain House
• Treasure Island
• Candlestick Point
• Hunters Point Shipyard
• Pier 70
• Mission Rock

Dudek

Fire & safety

Dudek is a leading environmental, planning, and engineering consulting firm that partners with clients to deliver impactful projects that create thriving built and natural environments. Leveraging 45 years of experience, our experts guide projects nationwide from concept to completion. We support every project phase, from initial planning and design to permitting through construction and monitoring. With a science-backed and forward-thinking approach, we deliver energy, water, and transportation projects for federal, municipal, and private clients.

Select project experience:

• Tejon Ranch Master Planned Communities Fire Protection and Evacuation Planning (Los Angeles County, California)
• Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (Mojave and Colorado Deserts, California)
• Brightline West High-Speed Rail (San Bernardino County, California to Las Vegas, Nevada)
• Napa County Wildfire Mitigation Program (Napa County, California)
• First Step to an Urban Forest Management Plan for Los Angeles (Los Angeles, California)
• Carlsbad Desalination Plant (Carlsbad, California)

JLL

Advanced manufacturing

JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company. With operations in over 80 countries and a workforce of more than 108,000 employees, JLL combines global reach with local expertise to deliver innovative solutions and shape the future of real estate for a better world. JLL’s advanced manufacturing team is a vertical integrated group who delivers an integrated approach to clients at each phase of their business. With services including supply chain analytics, labor and location intelligence, business and economic incentives, real estate advisory, and project and development services, JLL has deep experience in developing, identifying, and executing the optimal location strategy for their clients.

CBRE

Retail

DPFG

Financial planning

DPFG is a transaction oriented real estate consulting firm with a focus on a public finance and the fiscal, economic, and financial impacts of development.

The consultants of DPFG have designed, developed, and implemented innovative and cost-effective financing programs for clients throughout the country. DPFG is an industry leader with expertise in California. Project range from in-fill redevelopment to large master planned communities/new towns. Financing programs include CFDs and IFDs (EIFDs and IRFDs) for infrastructure and ongoing services. DPFG is unique in its involvement from pre-entitlement/planning to project buildout, ensuring proper implementation and execution.  Our core competencies and strong working relationships with local government and financing teams ensure successful outcomes.

Select project experience:

• Selected active California master plan projects include, but are not limited to:
• Valencia, Los Angeles County (services CFD cost analysis, fiscal impact review, public financing and reimbursements)
• Great Park, Irvine (services cost analysis, fiscal impact review, public financing and
  reimbursement)
• Ontario Ranch, Ontario (services CFD cost analysis, public financing, fee credits and reimbursements)
• Treasure Island, San Francisco (cash flows, public financing and reimbursement)
• Tracy Hills, Tracy (services cost analysis, fiscal impact analysis, school mitigation analysis, and public financing)

EPS

Economic analysis

Holland & Knight

Land Use and Environmental Law

Holland & Knight is among the nation’s largest law firms, with over 2,000 lawyers practicing in more than 30 offices in the United States, Central and Latin America, and Europe. The firm’s land use, government, environmental, and real estate practices have been ranked as top tier for both the United States and California.

Holland & Knight’s California Forever team is led by partner Jennifer Hernandez, who chairs the firm’s West Coast Land Use and Environmental group. Jennifer has decades of experience in successfully completing the environmental review, local entitlement, and federal/state agency permit process for complex projects, and in successfully defending these approvals in court.

Other key team members include the chair of the firm’s West Coast Real Estate practice group, Doug Praw, and partners Nicholas Targ, David Preiss, and Alexis Alonso.

Perkins Coie

Mapping and energy law

Best Best & Krieger

Water use law

Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) is a leading force in water law, adeptly managing the intricate and evolving landscape of water rights, quality, and infrastructure. The firm’s water practice is distinguished by its profound understanding of both regulatory frameworks and practical applications, which include federal and state regulations such as the Clean Water Act and state water laws. BBK’s strong relationships with governmental agencies streamline the permitting process and facilitate efficient resolution of complex water issues. BBK’s water practice provides a broad spectrum of services, addressing key areas such as water rights acquisition, water quality compliance, and infrastructure development. The firm’s expertise in navigating the complex terrain of water use and allocation supports clients in securing and protecting water rights. BBK also excels in managing compliance with environmental regulations affecting water quality, from federal standards to state-specific requirements. Additionally, the practice offers critical legal support for the development and maintenance of vital water infrastructure projects.

Recent growth in BBK’s water practice is notably marked by a focus on sustainability and innovation. The firm has embraced emerging trends such as water recycling and conservation, reflecting its commitment to creative problem solving and addressing contemporary environmental challenges. BBK is also at the forefront of adapting to new regulatory developments related to climate change and its impact on water resources, positioning the firm as a strategic advisor in these dynamic areas. BBK’s leadership in water law is underscored by its role in high-profile cases and projects, including its work with public agencies serving significant portions of California’s population. The firm’s proactive and strategic approach ensures effective management of water resources and successful navigation of regulatory landscapes.

Select project experience:

• Las Posas, Indian Wells Valley, Oxnard/Pleasant Valley, Cuyama, and Ventura River Comprehensive Groundwater Adjudications (California)
• Pure Water Soquel Project (Santa Cruz, California)
• Los Angeles River Master Plan (Los Angeles, California)
• Cadiz Valley Water Conservation, Recovery, and Storage Project (San Bernardino County, California)