the Neighborhood Design Center

partners with community leaders to envision better parks, public spaces, streetscapes and more.

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is a pioneer in collaborative design. Our unique approach engages residents for greater consensus and long-term success of each project.

Learn About NDC’s Work

is the trusted non-profit to call when you want to get things done. We’ve been invited to work on more than 3,700 community-led projects since 1968.

Meet Our Partners

How we kickstart projects

When a community has a vision but doesn’t know how to start, the Neighborhood Design Center steps in to get the ball rolling.

We bring the right people to the table, build capacity, conduct research, and provide top-notch design and planning services (often for pro bono). With the right resources, communities then have what they need to get funding for implementation, maintenance, and more.

From revitalizing commercial districts to developing comprehensive greening strategies, we help make neighborhoods more vibrant, safe, and sustainable. We work in Baltimore City and Prince George’s County, Maryland.

What our partners have to say

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“We’ve done a number of projects with NDC. All of them have been spectacular. My 14 years of working with them have been nothing less than great.”

— Gwendolyn Clerkley, department of public works and transportation

“NDC is without a doubt one of our most prized partners. Their unique set of services cannot be secured anywhere else, at any cost.”

— Margaret Morgan Hubbard, Eco-City Farm

“Being a part of the NDC Board has allowed me to build stronger connections to my Prince George’s County community and see change happening each day.”

— Sonja Ewing, AICP, NDC Board Member

“Working with NDC has taught me to listen to every unique voice in a design process and to always include those voices in design decisions.”

— Carol Currotto, Interior Designer

“I could not tell you where a better group of people exist than within Neighborhood Design Center. Wherever they are, that is exactly where change is happening.”

— Kristina Williams, former NDC Board President

“Their staff are knowledgeable, skillful at customizing their service to the practical needs of our community, and friendly to work with.”

— Brad Pudner, Public Works Director

Resources

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We consider ourselves leaders in the field of community design. Check out our NDC-designed guidebooks, reading recommendations, and more.

The Blueprint

Best practices and principles for conducting meaningful engagement and community-led projects

Signal Station North Lighting Guidebook

Practical tools, critical theory, and inspiration for neighborhood light projects

News + Stories

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Read up on events we’re hosting, projects we’re working on, and what’s new in community design.

Events

April 1, 2023

Middle Branch Park Cleanup Competition

Stories

February 1, 2023

Where Are They Now? Anne and Maura

News

January 21, 2023

Get Involved in 2023!

Volunteer Opportunities

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7th Street Park Landscape Redesign

Prince George's County

Design Advisor for Safe Arts Spaces

Baltimore

Featured Case Study

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Blue Light Junction: Transforming an old auto body shop into a natural dye workshop space