Business Details
18 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architecture & Urban Design in Pittsburgh
Studio For Spatial Practice is an innovative, award-winning design firm specializing in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, and art. Founded in 2008, we prioritize a multidisciplinary approach tailored to client and community needs. Our work focuses on public realm projects, engaging stakeholders to envision environmental changes through graphic communication. We analyze complex urban scenarios, develop creative solutions, and craft narratives accessible to broad audiences.Our team includes licensed professionals with expertise in historic preservation, LEED-certified projects, and sustainable landscapes. Notable projects include the Superior Motors renovation and Lawrenceville Tree Park. We are a certified Majority Women-Owned Business in Pennsylvania, committed to community-driven design and education through teaching and volunteer work.
Services
Urban Design
Historic Renovation
Landscape Architecture
Community Planning
Public Space Design
Green Infrastructure
Transit-Oriented Development
Streetscape Projects
Adaptive Reuse
Ecological Framework Studies
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We integrate architecture, urban design, and art for holistic solutions.
- Our team includes licensed professionals with decades of local experience.
- We specialize in historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects.
- Certified Majority Women-Owned Business committed to community impact.
- Proven expertise in LEED-certified and sustainable landscape projects.
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- RLA
- LEED AP
Services
Urban Design
We create context-sensitive urban design solutions that integrate history, ecology, and community needs. Our process involves collaborative stakeholder engagement, graphic analysis of urban challenges, and development of actionable plans for mixed-use and transit-oriented projects. Services include master plans, TOD guidelines, and neighborhood revitalization strategies.
Historic Renovation
Specializing in adaptive reuse of historic buildings, we preserve architectural integrity while modernizing functionality. Our award-winning work includes the Superior Motors restaurant conversion and Electric Shop rehabilitation. We combine technical expertise with creative design to extend the lifespan of culturally significant structures through code-compliant, innovative interventions.
Landscape Architecture
We design sustainable urban landscapes that balance ecological function with community needs. Services include park master plans, green infrastructure, and site-specific designs integrating native plantings. Our work addresses climate resilience while creating accessible public spaces that reflect local character and environmental context.
Community Planning
Our community-driven planning process combines technical analysis with participatory design. We facilitate workshops and collaborative sessions to develop neighborhood plans, development strategies, and policy frameworks. Projects result in actionable documents that reflect community priorities while addressing market realities and regulatory requirements.
Green Infrastructure
We implement nature-based solutions for stormwater management and urban ecology. Services include permeable paving, bioswales, and green roofs integrated with streetscape and park projects. Our LEED-certified professionals create systems that reduce environmental impact while enhancing urban livability and climate resilience.
People
Christine Brill
Principal Architecture
Co-founder with 15+ years of experience in architecture and urban design. Led Superior Motors renovation and Lawrenceville Tree Park project. Licensed PA architect and educator at Carnegie Mellon University. Specializes in historic preservation and community-driven design.
Jonathan Kline
Principal Urban Design
Urban designer with expertise in transit-oriented development and community planning. Developed East Liberty Transit Center guidelines and affordable housing strategies. Teaches at Carnegie Mellon and serves on Oakland Planning Board. Combines artistic practice with urban research.
Jen Gallagher
Principal Landscape Architecture
Registered landscape architect and LEED AP with focus on sustainable urban spaces. Leads green infrastructure projects and Frick Park Environmental Center. Educator at Carnegie Mellon and Notre Dame. Combines design expertise with environmental stewardship through community initiatives.
Questions
What types of projects do you specialize in?
We focus on public realm projects including urban design, historic renovations, landscape architecture, and community planning. Our clients include municipalities, nonprofits, and private developers seeking community-driven solutions.
How do you involve communities in your projects?
We use collaborative workshops, stakeholder interviews, and visual communication tools to engage residents and clients throughout the design process, ensuring solutions reflect community needs and aspirations.
Are you experienced with historic buildings?
Yes, our team has extensive experience in historic preservation, including adaptive reuse projects like Superior Motors and Electric Shop rehabilitation, combining modern functionality with heritage conservation.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Pittsburgh, we work throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania and accept select regional projects requiring our specialized expertise in urban design and community planning.
