Business Details
23 Years
experience
World-Class Architects for Pedestrian-Oriented Urban Design
Founded in 2003, JRDV Urban International is a globally recognized architecture and urban planning firm dedicated to creating sociable, culturally meaningful, and pedestrian-oriented outdoor public spaces. Our expertise spans large-scale projects in North America, Asia, and Europe, with a focus on ground-floor retail environments that serve as community hubs. We prioritize sustainability through compact urban designs that encourage walkability and vibrant living. With two decades of experience, we collaborate closely with public and private clients to deliver innovative solutions that respect local history and urban context.Our iterative 3D design process fosters consensus and accountability, ensuring projects transition seamlessly from vision to execution. We specialize in mixed-use developments, creative office spaces, high-density residential buildings, and cultural facilities, combining deep architectural knowledge with a nonhierarchical, team-oriented approach. Our global presence in California, Shanghai, and Copenhagen enables us to address the unique challenges of diverse urban landscapes while maintaining a commitment to detail and client-centric service.
Services
Urban Design
Retail Architecture
Master Planning
Mixed-Use Development
Creative Office Spaces
High-Density Residential
Cultural Facilities
Education Facilities
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We have 20 years of international experience in urban design and architecture.
- Our client-centric approach ensures tailored solutions for complex projects.
- We specialize in public-private partnerships with a track record of repeat clients.
- Our iterative 3D design process achieves consensus and accountability.
- We integrate local history and cultural context into every project.
Services
Urban Design
We create pedestrian-oriented urban spaces that foster community engagement and sustainability. Our approach integrates local history and cultural context to develop vibrant public environments. Projects include master plans for mixed-use districts and revitalization of urban cores.
Retail Architecture
Our retail architecture focuses on ground-floor spaces that become social hubs. We design experiential environments combining commercial functionality with urban aesthetics. Projects include shopping villages and transit-oriented retail developments.
Master Planning
We develop comprehensive plans for large-scale projects balancing public and private interests. Services include site analysis, zoning strategy, and phased implementation plans for mixed-use developments across global markets.
Mixed-Use Development
We design integrated spaces combining residential, commercial, and recreational elements. Our solutions optimize land use while creating walkable environments. Projects range from urban villages to transit-oriented complexes.
Creative Office Spaces
We craft dynamic office environments that promote collaboration and creativity. Designs incorporate flexible layouts, sustainable materials, and connections to surrounding urban fabric. Projects include tech hubs and co-working spaces.
People
Aaron Benefiel
Architect, Principal
Architect and Principal Aaron Benefiel leads design teams with 15+ years of collaborative experience. Specializes in urban retail environments and mixed-use developments that prioritize pedestrian experiences.
Morten Jensen
Architect, President
President Morten Jensen directs international projects from our Oakland office. With 20+ years in urban design, he specializes in public-private partnerships and sustainable city planning across three continents.
Zhiyong Cheng
Senior Architect
Senior Architect Zhiyong Cheng brings technical expertise to complex developments. Focuses on integrating traditional architectural elements with modern functionality in projects across Asia and Europe.
Ray Gao
Project Manager
Project Manager Ray Gao coordinates cross-disciplinary teams in Shanghai. Manages large-scale urban developments with emphasis on cultural context and sustainable implementation strategies.
Flavia Ometto Moreno
Architect, Senior Designer
Senior Designer Flavia Ometto Moreno develops conceptual designs informed by local history. Specializes in creating visually striking spaces that maintain functional urban connectivity and social vibrancy.
Questions
What geographic regions do you specialize in?
We work across North America, Asia, and Europe with offices in California, Shanghai, and Copenhagen to support international projects.
What building types do you handle?
Our expertise includes retail, mixed-use developments, creative offices, high-density residential, cultural facilities, and educational institutions.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
We promote compact urban designs that reduce car dependency and integrate green spaces into all our projects.
What is your design process?
We use an iterative 3D design approach to build consensus and ensure accountability throughout project development phases.
How do you handle public-private projects?
We specialize in navigating complex partnerships with a track record of delivering large-scale developments through collaborative strategies.
