Hi Friends,

It’s been a little while since we have said a formal hello, so we wanted to take a few minutes and re-introduce ourselves. We’ve had a lot of shifts in the last few months, said goodbye to our Brookline office, hello to hybrid work and found ourselves in a much bigger space in the Leather District.

The built environment, and the structures and systems which underpin it, have been radically disrupted by the impact of coronavirus. The visible effects of the pandemic on social, economic and cultural activity are impossible to measure. Covid has accelerated the importance and value of the public realm to connect our cities culture and community.

We are plotting a course of action that will be a supportive mechanism for minority owned businesses, small business, and the creative sector as a foundation of the future of our public spaces. More on that soon, but our work is collaborative, so meet the team that is expanding the capacity of our community engagement practice that allows us to bring on more clients and do comprehensive work.

Let’s get acquainted,

Emily Isenberg

Marissa Volk

Community Impact Manager

I recently relocated to Philadelphia during the pandemic, and some of my frequent hangs are Herman’s coffee, Paine’s Skatepark. 

Some local Boston orgs I’ve been learning about, About Fresh, Future Chefs, Commonwealth Kitchen, Community Servings – organizations focused on food access and incubation. In Philly, I’ve had a chance to engage with Feminist Flea, Tiny WPA a great organizations that activates the built environment in very homegrown, creative, and thoughtful way.

Temishi Onnekikami

Urban Planning + Design Coordinator

I recently relocated from the Los Angeles area to Brookline and have been enjoying exploring Boston on foot. Currently I am frequenting, Brothers & Sisters Co and Brookline Booksmith and trying all the Chinatown spots near our office.

Anna Ferrari

Marketing Coordinator

When I am in Allston (where I live) I am a frequent  flyer at Brato, Brighton Music Hall or outdoor parks around the Charles and am excited to check out Coffee Turco. Near our office, I frequent Gracenote Coffee (of course)! I love filling my house with the work of local artists. I most recently bought a few illustration prints from Emily Lynn Perelman who we are currently doing an installation project with. 

Madeline Jacobson

Senior Design Director

I have lived in Oak Square, Brighton for ten years and it’s been so interesting to watch Washington Street change over time. Currently my favorite spot is Glasser, an amazing coffee shop that just opened during the pandemic. This past summer whenever I had friends over or my roommates were ready for an adventure beyond our front porch, we would do the Allston/Brighton brewery loop of Brato Brewhouse, Notch at the Speedway, The Nightshift Owl’s nest on the esplanade and then walk down to Aeronaut Allston at Zone 3. It’s awesome to be centrally located to so many rising stars in the beer industry who are putting tons of effort into cool programming in their outdoor spaces with local music, art and food pop-ups and more!

One local organization that I love supporting is the Allston Brighton Community Fridge Project: Take what you need, leave what you can. One of their locations is right down the street from my house so I try to stop by and donate a couple times a month. Sharing is caring and this group of neighbors does a fantastic job working in solidarity to fight for food justice and access for all. 

Stud Green

Senior Account Manager

I have lived in Jamaica Plain for 15 years and stop by City Feed & Supply EVERY DAY for an iced coffee and a croissant on my morning walks. Living near Jamaica Pond and the Arnold Arboretum I get to frequent nature while living in a densely populated neighborhood. I am a long time volunteer with Girls Rock Campaign Boston and a supporter of the Eastern Massachusetts Abortion Fund. Organizations that help women and folks with marginalized genders are close to my heart and I deeply appreciate the work that both these organizations do.

Jenny Nguyen

PROJECT COORDINATOR

I recently moved to Dorchester and my go to breakfast spot is Honeycomb Cafe in Savin Hill. If I don’t make it over to Honeycomb, I love Flour Bakery. I’m a sucker for their Cinnamon Buns.  Also, Banh Mi Ba Le + Pho Hoa in Dorchester is the best Vietnamese Food. Some local organizations I have been passionate about Brainchild; a streetwear + experimental clothing brand,  allyoucaneat; a creative collective curating experiences + events/parties, Roslindale Community Fridge; a mutual aid network fighting food insecurity and this artist collective,  Adobe Fish Sauce; exploring healing, discovery, and identity through spoken word + experiences.

SAMANTHA BESTVINA

ACCOUNT MANAGER

I’ve been spending more time in East Boston, so Eagle Hill Cafe is adorable and has amazing flavored iced/hot coffee. My Diner in Southie is my favorite sit down breakfast joint

I’ve been living in Fort Point for quite some time and I love spending time along the Boston HarborWalk. In the summertime, I spent the early part of my day walking from Fort Point to Seaport with coffee in hand. Of course, stopping in at Row 34 whether it’s a special occasion or just to have a glass of wine at their bar is a favorite neighborhood spot of mine. Being in the area I have been in awe of the work Save the Harbor Save the Bay has done not only cleaning up the beaches/water in and around the Boston area, but providing employment for teens over the summer months. They also offer these incredible free harbor cruises to youth programs and community groups teaching children about fishing, sea life and how to keep our ocean clean.

Liz Woodward

Vice President + Director of Operations

As a Jamaica Plain resident, I am fortunate to have so many small, locally owned businesses within a stones throw of my home. I love Third Cliff’s kimchi and cheddar croissant, cocktails at Tres Gatos, and the Midway’s Hippie Hour on Friday nights. I love exploring JP’s outdoor spaces, spending a fair amount of time walking my dog in Franklin Park and the Arboretum, or riding around the neighborhood in a 1974 Ford Bronco. One organization I have been inspired by is the Trustees. During COVID their properties were a lifeline for me. I also took their certificate program to become a Master Urban Gardener, and it was the best entry point possible to the organization. I’ve since become a volunteer, trail worker, and fan-girl. I’m especially fond of their Garden Mixology classes.

Emily Isenberg

President + Chief Creative Officer

As a recent resident of Watertown, I am thoroughly enjoying the Mt Auburn Cemetery, and being a stone’s throw from Sofra Bakery and La Bodega and Fresh Pond. Having lived in the “Latin Quarter” of Jamaica Plain for over 20 years it’s been a wild experience being immersed in Armenian culture and having half dozen Middle Eastern markets a block from our house. Since moving here, I’ve also gotten easy access to Cambridge and get to ride my bike to some of my favorite spots owned by friends, a natural wine bar, Dear Annie and Black Sheep Bagel cafe and to shows at The Sinclair and not open yet, but SOOON Yamba Boutique (female focused cannabis shop) to open in Harvard square. You can also find me frequenting Watertown community meetings to help elevate my YIMBY status.