FIRM PHILOSOPHY

D+U was founded in 1996 to creatively address the complexities of place. The firm brings broad knowledge, international expertise and individual attention to each selected project. The diverse design and research experience is unified by a commitment to design thinking as a key element in the quality of private and community life. However, the firm is less concerned with personal visions of design than with a commitment to give form to the specific needs of each client and to the possibilities offered by every problem. At an architectural scale, our work is based on design excellence, budget/program/project management and environmental stewardship. At the urban scale, we work alongside the many public and private agencies, community groups and consultants whose participation in land use and urban development ensure the viability and sustainability of our design proposals. Out of a collaborative process, D+U has shown that unique design solutions to the often-competing interests of architectural and urban development can be sensitively and thoughtfully executed.

D+U was organized to address the intricate planning, design and building environment of today’s global cities. Integrating the needs of client and users, program and site, the firm creates new and innovative solutions through architecture, urban design and consulting. The physical and social infrastructures cannot be addressed with historical or preconceived formulae. Solutions are elusive in nature and challenging in implementation. Our strategies combine what is unique to place and program with what is local and traditional.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Michael Conard, RA, NCARB, has over 30 years of professional experience in architecture and urban design in the United States and abroad. As Founder and Director, Mr. Conard personally oversees the design and management of each architectural project. Mr. Conard has directed applied and academic urban design research in five continents in both the private and public sectors. His work has bridged urban and architectural design and sustainability with public health, local economic develop and equal access. Mr. Conard is the past Assistant Director of the Urban Design Lab at The Earth Institute at Columbia University and a prior Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University. His design and research has also been published and exhibited internationally. Additionally, Mr. Conard is a past Fellow of the Institute for Urban Design and the Design Trust for Public Space.

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