SPD Stories

Through all of the hype, noise and debate over AI, an older and much more powerful force has all but been silenced. For those in the know, its true power, not only keep vigil over it—it is their secret competitive advantage. That force is called “Customer Service”, which is serving the customer/client, rather than merely tending the project alone.

Wayfinding is misunderstood by most people, who mistakenly believe that it is as easy as simply creating and installing signs. Yet we’ve all had that frustrating experience of being in a place and not being able to find our way to our desired destination. Although there may be many signs around us, they do more to confuse us than to intuitively guide us to where we want to be.

As we are adapting to the ever-changing nature of humanity and the economy, many of the mega malls of a bygone era are yielding to this inevitable change. Large retail anchor stores are downsizing or outright closing. An ever-increasing trend towards online shopping has further placed a strain upon retailers and mall operators.

The beauty of trains, trams, and other forms of public transportation extends well beyond getting from one place to another. The benefits extend beyond reducing traffic and doing our part in lowering greenhouse emissions. The real beauty is that they connect communities and the people within them with one another.

Situated in the once sleepy suburb of Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington Texas is being transformed into a new story.

We’ve all had that feeling. That sensation within us that occurs when we enter a new space.

Somehow that environment speaks to us on a level that is beyond our normal senses… communicating to us on a more fundamental and powerful level.

That sense of place conveys to us its story. It invokes specific feelings. It serves to either welcome, or warn… engage or repel… invoking old and creating new memories. Placemaking creates a sense of unity in an otherwise fragmented world, drawing us in and enticing us to stay.

When it came time to expand MCO, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), the organization responsible for leading one of the 10 busiest airports in the world, made the bold decision to avoid simply adding another terminal to accommodate their over 40 million annual passengers, they decided to dramatically change the passenger experience.

When the USA was chosen as the host country for the 1994 World Cup, it launched a plethora of firsts, including the creation of its first soccer league, thus Major League Soccer (MLS) was born.

Government leaders from around the country gathered in Columbus, Ohio recently to connect, learn, share, and be inspired. The 108th ICMA conference demonstrated the power that comes when like-minded people come together with the intention of learning and sharing with others. One session, in particular, was incredibly powerful. The City …

Nestled between the mountains and the sea, in downtown Los Angeles, California, lives a place where its historical story and significance were in need of telling. That place is La Plaza Village, located in the heart of what is known as el pueblo. And as the story goes, lived a …

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a world-class university. Ranked in the top 50 Masters-Level universities in the USA. Yet the exterior of the school did not reflect the excellence it provides within it.

Recognizing this, the school leadership set out to bring congruence to their learning environment by providing a professional, practical and pragmatic experiential environment to their campus.

Since its beginning in 1905, the University of Utah Health, now U Health, has continued to expand in size and scope and has grown to where it is consistently ranked #1 in quality in the nation among academic medical centers. Their 5 hospitals are staffed with over 20,000 employees including …

One of the common challenges faced by cities and other municipalities is in attracting and growing its community. A thriving experience for residents and businesses alike is the cornerstone for sustainable growth and longterm viability of a city.

Great Cities must celebrate their legacy and reinvent for the future. Driving economic success in conjunction with creating a vibrant, safer, and more enticing experience is the key to reinventing and revitalizing a city, making the city relevant to residents, businesses, and tourists alike.  The challenge cities, counties, and other municipalities face …

As communities grow, so do the various government facilities and services required to meet the growing needs of its citizens. Smaller, original buildings are expanded and supplemented with annex locations, often over decades. And while the physical space expands, so does the confusion surrounding how to get where you need …

Almost since the dawning of commercial aviation, airports have faced the challenge of getting passengers onto their flights easier, faster and safer. With the constant rise in personal and business travel, combined with the stress induced by needing to be at the gate by a certain time, navigating checkin counters, …

Selbert Perkins worked closely with the Prisa Group in their creation of an experience that draws people in; exciting, entertaining and engaging them in spending time in the amazing shops, products, services and venues. As the home of the premier entertainment center in Puerto Rico, Distrito T-Mobile is a spectacular …