Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Hicks.
Jay, before we jump into specific questions about the company, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The Founders of Dig Studio have been working locally, nationally, and internationally for over 30 years. There are seven partners in total, who originated from EDAW, which later became AECOM. The partners chose to form our firm in 2012 because we are committed to the pursuit of excellence, dedicated to the communities in which we work, and believe that we can improve the health of people and the environment through the work we do. Dig Studio has trademarked the phrase “It’s Humanature” to encapsulate our commitment to designing, planning, and building environments that meet the needs of people who use them while protecting and enhancing ecological systems through stewardship. Today we are comprised of 30 staff in two offices: Denver and Phoenix, Arizona.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When we opened our Phoenix studio in 2012, we hit the ground running. Although our firm is relatively young, collectively we have over 50 years of combined experience within the local communities. We’ve experienced consistent growth over our seven year history. However, as a small firm, even with a unique name, we continuously work towards name recognition.
Please tell us about your company.
We are experienced planners, landscape architects and urban designers who are successfully delivering everything from city parks to multimodal streets; from innovative mixed use development to entire community land plans; or, as we say, everything but the building. Our services include landscape architecture, urban design, planning, 3D visualization and public engagement. We provide thoughtful design solutions – often in the most environmentally and politically challenging environments. Our teams dial into the specific local ecology, culture and materials – wherever we work. It’s not rocket science, but it is a combination of science and art as well as a deep understanding of how each of these works together. Our goal is, always, the thoroughly considered solution, one that meets the objectives of our client, enhances the well-being of people and respects the native environment.
We recognize that parks and open spaces are critical gathering places that provide much needed areas to circulate, play and relax. They also encourage education, art and cultural programs and promote a sense of community while also generating economic benefits, boosting tourism and increasing property values. Dig Studio understands that parks need to be safe, functional and welcoming as well as inclusive, sustainable and flexible, providing longevity and lower overall maintenance costs. Successful parks provide a range of multi-generational activities, complete accessibility, and social opportunities that provide physical and mental health benefits. Obesity and depression have become a concern over recent years, and studies have shown that parks play a vital role in an increase in physical activity and social interaction.
We also believe in PLAY: the exploratory, sensory, educational, social, physical and overall wonderful activity of play. Play should not only be a child’s domain, but that people of all ages should have the opportunity to connect through the communal and uplifting act of playing.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Our entire team deserves credit, along with our clients and sub-consultants with whom we have established long-term and well-founded relationships. If not for our incredibly dedicated team, we would not experience the level of success that we have enjoyed. This stems from our team’s expertise, creativity, innovation and dedication to fulfilling the requests of our client and that a project requires.
Contact Info:
- Address: 600 N. 4th Street, Suite D, Phoenix, AZ 85004
- Website: www.digstudio.com
- Phone: (602) 595-4101
- Email: sara@digstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digstudio.inc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digstudioinc/
Image Credit:
Sara Altieri
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