Public places and spaces provide the community with a sense of focus, a place to congregate and can be a relaxing respite from the stresses of an urban lifestyle. JGM strives to create inviting spaces that are relevant, useful, accessible and in context with their surroundings. Many of the firm’s designs incorporate the site or area’s history, culture and may feature art in a variety of forms.

JGM has planned and designed many public urban landscapes and streetscapes for both public and private clients. Some of these projects have included urban waterfront parks, civic plazas and campuses, central business district improvements, pedestrian nodes, urban trails, landscaped gateways and signature streetscape. The firm understands the important roll pedestrian areas and public social gathering places play in the life of each community. In addition to numerous urban public projects, JGM has worked on a number of civic gateway projects.

JGM focuses on the basic elements that contribute to the success of each space: a place to sit, flexibility, sun, shade, food, views (internal and external), accessibility, safety, visibility, image and circulation. Natural elements, such as water and vegetation, are especially important in public spaces.