Business Details
Expert Urban Planning & Design Services in Seattle
Established with a vision to center urban development around public life, Framework has become a leader in community-driven planning and design. Our multidisciplinary team combines technical expertise with deep local engagement to craft innovative solutions for urban environments. With decades of experience across diverse regions, we specialize in translating community values into actionable plans that address housing, transportation, public spaces, and cultural assets. Our collaborative process emphasizes transparency, data-driven decision-making, and real-world testing to ensure projects meet both regulatory requirements and human needs. Recognized for our work in cities like Seattle, Columbus, and Vancouver, we maintain a commitment to raising industry standards through creative problem-solving and stakeholder partnerships.Our team of certified planners, architects, and researchers employs advanced methodologies to tackle complex challenges in zoning, mobility, and sustainable development. By integrating graphic communication, public outreach, and regulatory compliance, we help communities visualize and implement their long-term visions. Our track record of successfully adopted plans and award-winning designs demonstrates our ability to transform theoretical concepts into tangible, lasting improvements that communities can take pride in.
Services
Urban Planning
Urban Design
Community Engagement
Parking & Mobility Solutions
Environmental Review
Zoning Updates
Highlights and features
- Collaboration is at the core of our process with targeted expert teams
- We involve communities through stakeholder interviews and tailored engagement tools
- We research and test with real-world data and prototyping
- We tailor strategies to each project's unique physical and regulatory context
- We don't just check boxes; we have high standards for our work
What people say
Community-led plans
Successful adoption
Collaborative approach
Community-driven plan
Valued partners
Services
Urban Planning
Our urban planning services develop comprehensive strategies that address housing needs, zoning regulations, and infrastructure requirements. We combine technical expertise with community input to create actionable plans that guide sustainable development and manage urban growth effectively. Our approach ensures regulatory compliance while prioritizing human-centered design.
Community Engagement
We facilitate meaningful community participation through customized engagement strategies that include stakeholder interviews, public workshops, and digital tools. Our methods ensure that development plans reflect local values and priorities while building consensus among diverse community stakeholders through transparent processes.
Urban Design
Our urban design solutions create vibrant public spaces that strengthen community connections and cultural identity. We focus on designing walkable, accessible environments that integrate architectural elements with landscape features to enhance urban living experiences while maintaining functional infrastructure.
Parking & Mobility
We develop innovative parking and mobility strategies that balance urban development with transportation needs. Our solutions address downtown parking challenges, implement demand-based pricing models, and improve mobility options through data-driven analysis and strategic planning.
Environmental Review
Our environmental review services ensure projects meet regulatory requirements through comprehensive assessments and strategic mitigation planning. We help clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks while maintaining their vision for sustainable urban development and community enhancement.
People
Lesley Bain
Founding Partner
With over 30 years of experience, Lesley leads urban design initiatives that integrate architecture with public space planning. Her work on Seattle Center's Theater Commons and Mercer Island's arts center demonstrates her commitment to creating culturally significant urban environments that enhance community life.
Steve Cecil
Partner
As an experienced architect and landscape architect, Steve specializes in public realm projects that strengthen community connections. His expertise in urban design and sustainable development has shaped numerous award-winning projects that blend functional infrastructure with artistic expression.
Yuansi Cai
Principal Planner
Certified in urban planning, Yuansi focuses on housing affordability and zoning reform. Her technical expertise in development regulations has helped multiple municipalities update their comprehensive plans to better address modern urban challenges.
Jeff Arango
Principal
With deep expertise in community-driven planning processes, Jeff specializes in subarea development strategies that balance growth with preservation. His work emphasizes stakeholder collaboration and practical implementation frameworks for long-term community benefits.
Sarah Schultz
Director of Operations
Sarah oversees firm operations while contributing to urban design projects that prioritize walkability and mixed-use development. Her experience spans from conceptual planning to construction documentation for public infrastructure improvements across multiple municipalities.
Questions
What urban planning services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive urban planning services including housing studies, zoning updates, comprehensive plans, and regulatory compliance strategies tailored to each community's unique needs.
How do you involve communities in planning?
We use stakeholder interviews, public workshops, digital engagement tools, and place-based events to ensure community voices directly shape our planning processes and outcomes.
Can you help with development regulations?
Yes, our experts conduct zoning audits, develop regulatory frameworks, and assist with environmental reviews to ensure compliance while maintaining development visions.
Do you work outside Washington state?
We've successfully completed projects in Ohio, Colorado, Oklahoma, and South Carolina, applying our community-centered approach to diverse urban environments nationwide.
What makes your approach unique?
We combine technical expertise with real-world testing and prototyping, ensuring every plan balances regulatory requirements with human-centered design and community priorities.
How do you handle complex urban challenges?
Our multidisciplinary teams develop actionable strategies that address physical, social, and regulatory aspects of urban environments, creating sustainable solutions that meet current and future needs.
