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Creating stronger communities.
There is inspiration in the whole idea of quality of life and how space affects living. Neighborhoods are where we experience life. Our commitment to neighborhood revitalization through access to affordable, professional design services remains constant. There is value in all places.
We work in neighborhoods that others only talk about. We are equally balanced between authenticity, altruism, and thoughtfulness. We are respectful, transparent, and unbiased. Our model for community engagement consistently produces outstanding outcomes and allows us to paint the future-forward vision of what neighborhoods can be.
OUR MISSION
To promote economic prosperity and an enriched quality of life through the rediscovery and revitalization of the built environment in underserved communities. Our team of design professionals and students utilize design thinking, public engagement, project visioning, and advocacy in the pursuit of these aspirations.
OUR VISION
That our work results in the transformational improvement of the built environment to support neighborhood vitality and quality placemaking for communities in Columbus and Central Ohio.
OUR IMPACT
OUR LEGACY
Discover the Neighborhood Design Center's rich history serving Central Ohio communities since 1982.
OUR APPROACH
We embody a community-first mindset. Here's how we do it:
ACCESS TO DESIGN SERVICES
Provide and advocate for affordable, broad and easy access to expert planning and design services for organizations and businesses in our community.
ENGAGE PARTNERS
Engage NDC partners directly in our work, including active collaboration and leveraging resources of allied organizations.
COMMUNITY
GOOD
Embrace and champion the greater community good in our work, including service as a voice for our communities and realizing tangible improvements.
NURTURE
DESIGN
TALENT
Demonstrate our commitment to the training and development of current and future design professionals.
OUR PARTNERS
We collaborate with organizations throughout Central Ohio to create stronger communities.
Funding Partners
Project Partners
Area Development Foundation of Knox County
BA Workshop
Campus Partners
City of Columbus
City of Worthington
Columbus and Franklin County Land Banks
The Columbus Foundation
Franklin County Economic Development & Planning
Franklinton Board of Trade
Fredericktown Community Development Foundation
Godman Guild
Greater Columbus Arts Council
King Business Interiors
Knox County Landmarks Foundation
Lumenomics
Meyers + Associates Architecture
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
The Ohio State University
Parsons Area Merchants Association
Prairie Township
RT Design Studio
St. Stephen’s Community House
Steiner + Associates
Tom E. Dailey Foundation
United Way of Central Ohio
University District Organization
OUR HISTORY
We've been working with Columbus neighborhoods since 1982.
Established in 1982, the NDC was first known as the Neighborhood Design Assistance Center. Led by architect Bob Busser, the center was located at 1128 North High Street in the Short North. The Neighborhood Design Center is part of a national movement for community design. The Community Design Center movement grew out of the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.
The Short North was the first area for Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (NCR) funds in 1982. Offered assistance for residents to upgrade their homes as well as to business owners. Urban revitalization efforts under the NCR Program have been the basis of NDC’s work since its inception in 1982. On average, the NDC works on 40 NCR projects a year, using design and planning to bridge the gap between people and the built environment.
