About the Design Trust

The Design Trust for Public Space is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public space in New York City.

Read our mission statement.

Board of Directors

Members of the design, financial, media, architectural and philanthropic communities sit on our board of directors.

Staff

Meet our dedicated staff.

Supporters

Our work is supported by firms, foundations, and individuals. View our most recent annual report (PDF).

Public space is...

Watch our video about the value of public space or download our "Public space is..." pamphlet (PDF).

Who We Are

We are urban visionaries, who think systemically about how cities work. From parks, plazas and streets to city buildings, transportation systems and entire neighborhoods, the Design Trust has been at the forefront of shaping New York City's public realm since 1995.

What We Do

We do research, design, and planning projects that positively impact every New Yorker's day-to-day quality of life. These projects are initiated by community groups, city agencies, and nonprofit organizations who look to the Design Trust's long experience engaging multiple stakeholders —and deep familiarity with how New York City really works— to influence city policy or design practice, improving the built environment.

How We Work

We believe that public/private partnerships are the most effective way to advance the quality of our public realm. Our unconventional project teams bring together city agencies, community groups, and private-sector experts to galvanize change in the way New York City's public spaces are designed, managed, or used.