Business Details
36 Years
experience
Urban Design & Architecture Experts in Detroit
Archive DS is a globally recognized urban design, architectural, and development consulting practice dedicated to revitalizing post-industrial cities. Founded by Mark Nickita and Dorian Moore, our team combines decades of experience in architecture, urban planning, and civic leadership to create sustainable, pedestrian-oriented environments. We specialize in adaptive reuse, historic rehabilitation, and mixed-use developments, with a focus on the Lake Belt Region of North America.Our work is informed by extensive global research, having studied over 450 cities across 30 countries to refine our city-building methodologies. As educators, lecturers, and developers, we bring a multi-disciplinary approach to every project, ensuring solutions that enhance livability, economic vitality, and cultural identity. Our accolades include AIA awards, urban design honors, and recognition as thought leaders in city-building strategies.
Services
Urban Design
Architectural Planning
Historic Rehabilitation
Mixed-Use Development
Pedestrian Corridor Planning
City Branding
Global Urban Research
Civic Leadership Consulting
Transit-Oriented Development
Placemaking Strategies
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of global urban research across 450+ cities.
- Our team includes AIA College of Fellows members and award-winning architects.
- We specialize in multi-disciplinary solutions for post-industrial urban revitalization.
- Our principals serve as civic leaders with municipal governance experience.
- We combine architectural practice with retail development and economic strategy.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows
- AIA Detroit Gold Medal
Services
Urban Design
Our urban design services focus on creating walkable, sustainable environments through masterplanning, streetscape improvements, and transit-oriented development. We specialize in revitalizing post-industrial areas by integrating mixed-use spaces and enhancing public realms. Our approach combines global best practices with localized solutions to foster economic growth and community engagement.
Historic Rehabilitation
We preserve architectural heritage while adapting structures for modern use through historic rehabilitation. Our projects blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to extend building lifespans and maintain cultural identity. This service supports urban continuity and tax-incentivized revitalization efforts in designated heritage districts.
Mixed-Use Development
Our mixed-use development expertise creates vibrant, self-sustaining communities by combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. We optimize land use through innovative zoning strategies and design that prioritizes pedestrian connectivity, fostering dynamic urban ecosystems that reduce car dependency.
Global Urban Research
Through extensive global travel and documentation, we analyze urban patterns across 450+ cities to inform evidence-based design solutions. Our research identifies transferable strategies for post-industrial revitalization, focusing on mobility systems, economic drivers, and placemaking techniques that enhance urban resilience.
Civic Leadership Consulting
Leveraging our principals' experience as elected officials and urban policymakers, we provide governance strategies for sustainable city management. Our consulting covers ordinance development, fiscal planning, and public-private partnership frameworks to support long-term municipal success.
People
Mark Nickita
President
FAIA urbanist and architect with 30+ years of experience revitalizing post-industrial cities. Served as Birmingham Mayor, AIA Detroit President, and urban design educator. Recognized for integrating global research into practical city-building solutions.
Dorian Moore
Vice President
AIA urban designer and civic leader with expertise in sustainable revitalization strategies. Served on Windsor Planning Board and contributed to Gulf Coast recovery post-Katrina. Combines academic research with hands-on development experience.
Kevin Borsay
Vice President
Entrepreneur specializing in brand-driven urban revitalization. Co-founded Workshop furniture manufacturer and spearheaded retail concepts that catalyze neighborhood regeneration through small-scale manufacturing and local culture promotion.
Shawn Santo
Partner
Retail innovator and cultural strategist who founded Pure Detroit brand. Recognized for merging local culture with economic development through retail concepts that highlight regional identity and artisanal production.
Questions
What geographic areas do you specialize in?
We focus primarily on post-industrial cities in the Lake Belt Region and North America, with global research informing our methodologies.
What makes your urban design approach unique?
Our methodology combines 30+ years of global city studies with hands-on experience in Detroit's revitalization, creating transferable yet context-specific solutions.
Do you work with municipal governments?
Yes, our principals have direct municipal leadership experience and provide advisory services on urban policy, zoning, and development strategies.
What project types do you handle?
We specialize in adaptive reuse, mixed-use developments, transit planning, and comprehensive urban masterplans for post-industrial contexts.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
Our designs prioritize walkability, transit access, and adaptive reuse while implementing smart growth principles to reduce environmental impact.
