FHI Studio

Candid moments and great conversations at our quarterly luncheon! Cheers to the team that makes it all happen. 

Nice to see that Old Saybrook CT is implementing the FHI Studio Parks Master Plan completed in 2021

As we celebrate the birth of our nation today, we reflect on the values that unite us and the progress we've made together. At FHI Studio, we are proud to contribute to the growth and development of our communities through our work in our industry. Let's take a moment to appreciate the opportunities and liberties we enjoy, and recommit ourselves to building a brighter future for all. Wishing everyone a safe and joyous 4th of July!

Busy week last week! Started off with System's Engineering Training at Connecticut Department of Transportation provided by Federal Highway Administration. Quick snap shot below and an important reminder- ITS is just the "stuff", we need dedicated people who plan for, implement and maintain it! Went from class attendee to class instructor reviewing the latest MUTCD and PROWAG requirements for pedestrian signals. A huge thank you to the UCONN T2 Center for having me and for following our lesson with a demonstration of how those with disabilities feel navigating an intersection. This type of work really puts into perspective why what we put on our plans matters! Finally, headed over to Bridgeport for a final public presentation for the Fairfield Avenue Corridor Safety Study where we presented our final renderings and plans in conjunction with FHI Studio on behalf of Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments. It was wonderful to see so many from the community who had attended since the very beginning enjoying the final product of a reimagining of the corridor. I'm so thankful for the opportunities to share knowledge and improve communities throughout Connecticut- all in one week no less!

Over 25 years ago we designed this parking lot at Hartford's Elizabeth Park and made saving the existing trees a priority. Today they thrive and continue to contribute to the magic of the park

FHI Studio is thrilled to announce that our work with Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) has resulted in a $500,000 EPA Brownfield Community-Wide Assessment grant. Thanks to years of collaboration with the Borough of Red Bank, New Jersey, MCF, and VHB, this grant marks a significant milestone in transforming the former Red Bank Landfill into a park. The project, a focus of FHI Studio’s work on the Borough’s Master Plan, aims to benefit low-income seniors, local schools, and the community at large. With this funding, the Borough can bridge the gap between state funds and the cost of planning for the remediation, ensuring the success of this vital environmental initiative. Thank you to everyone involved for making this possible! Read more at: https://lnkd.in/ezkC_Eh2 #EnvironmentalImpact #CommunityDevelopment #FHIStudio

This past Sunday was the City’s Complete Streets Demonstration Day in Norwalk, and it was a huge success! Demonstration Day was the culmination of the City’s 15-month process in anticipation of formally adopting Complete Streets later this year, a transportation policy and design approach that promotes safe, convenient and comfortable streets for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. The community showed up in force to help paint the intersection of North Main Street and Ann Street in South Norwalk. The project right sizes the travel lanes, added additional on street parking spaces, created pedestrian space on each side of North Main St, created an additional crosswalk on the north side of the intersection, refreshed all the crosswalks, provided a median refuge island, a parklet, and brightened up the intersection. Our Department of Transportation, Mobility and Parking (TMP) led the charge and got to spend a lot of time talking to the community and giving real life examples on the benefits of Complete Streets. The adoption of a Complete Streets ordinance is currently under review by the Common Council's Ordinance Committee and will go through a public hearing before being presented to the full Council. A special thank you to all the volunteers who showed up and helped transform our streets! And a special thank you to our Director and Assistant Director of TMP, Jim Travers and Garrett Bolella, whose vision and strategic guidance have been the driving force behind this effort’s success. Garrett’s meticulous planning and organizational skills were evident in every aspect of Demonstration Day, helping to make the event a huge success! #TransportationTuesday #DemonstrationDay #CompleteStreets #ThankyouVolunteers

As Pride Month comes to a close, our commitment to inclusivity continues every day.   We at FHI Studio believe in a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves. That's why our Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (BEDI) Action Team, known at FHI Studio as BeAT, works tirelessly year-round to create a culture of inclusivity.   Diversity is not just about race—it encompasses every aspect of who we are, including gender identity and sexual orientation. From updating our parental leave policies to embrace all modern family dynamics to adopting gender-inclusive language in our everyday communications, our BeAT team leads the charge in ensuring our policies and practices reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion.   This Pride Month, we celebrate the incredible work of our BeAT team and reaffirm our dedication to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive, no matter who they love. Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future for all. 🏳️🌈 #Pride2024 #DiversityAtWork

We are thrilled to share that the long-awaited redevelopment of the Martin Luther King Apartments in Hartford is officially underway! Partnering with Crosskey Architects, FHI Studio designed a vibrant site plan featuring a central green with a gazebo and playscape, plus a pedestrian boulevard with raised crosswalks for safety. Our focus on community includes ample site lighting, multiple refuse areas, and lush tree plantings. This $64M project will bring 155 affordable units to Hartford, addressing critical housing needs. We're proud to contribute to this transformative initiative, enhancing both living spaces and community spirit. Read more about the project on our News + Blog: https://lnkd.in/ePZaHf_a Images: Site plan by FHI Studio; streetscape renderings courtesy of Crosskey Architects #CommunityRevitalization #AffordableHousing #UrbanRenewal

On this Juneteenth, we honor the resilience and strength of the Black community and reflect on the importance of freedom and equality for all. As planners and designers, we recognize our role in shaping inclusive, vibrant, and just cities.   Today, we celebrate progress and commit to actively addressing systemic inequities in urban development. Let's work together to create spaces where everyone can thrive and feel a true sense of belonging.   Happy Juneteenth!