Kounkuey Design Initiative is a community development and design nonprofit. We partner with under-resourced communities to advance equity and activate the unrealized potential in their neighborhoods and cities.
we are a team of landscape architects, urban planners, civil engineers, architects, community organizers, and researchers working around the world across four service areas.
we work with under-resourced communities to design and build "productive public spaces," integrating basic infrastructure, open space, and programming to meet social, economic, and environmental needs.
we help residents create plans that advance their long-term visions for equitable communities. we co-design and implement programs that generate income, energize culture, build capacity, and activate our built works.
we fill clear gaps in knowledge and create a basis for effective and equitable development by working with communities and academic partners to design and deliver rigorous action research projects.
we leverage our built work, networks, and research to shape policy alongside communities, governments, and universities while promoting community-driven design through teaching, talks, and publications.