- lieu means place The firm is driven by the desire to create unique places that respond directly to and resonate with their specific contexts – the people, aspirations, program, culture, economics, and environment. - lieu optimistically believes in the ability of thoughtful design to have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities. All people deserve good design, and good design can be achieved regardless of budget. Thoughtful design is rooted in empathy and compassion. We have a knack for connecting with people and getting to the root of their wants and needs. Using our background in design research we are able to collect, analyze and synthesize the information into a clear vision and design intent. If we can access what is really important, it leads to a more authentic, considered design generating a deep emotional buy-in and sense of ownership. We will guide you through the process and work with you as our collaborator to create a design that truly reflects you. Design is something that is not only seen but felt. It should consider how someone might feel when they enter a building, a space, a corner of the room. How could it effect their energy, their mood, their day, their future? What tone should it set? We believe good design is an adventure requiring curiosity and an open mind. We are constantly learning and testing compositions, ideas and materials to see what feels right for the project. We design relationships and find clarity through contrast – playing with dialogs of old & new, light & dark, smooth & textured, serious & cheerful, and so on. At the end of the day, it is about defining and creating a unique place – one that feels different from others – because this place is born from your unique circumstances. This is your place.