DMB believes a truly successful residential, commercial or mixed-use community — no matter what size — requires responsible planning and environmental sensitivity. The process of creating a great place begins with key questions for those involved in the planning process, including the local jurisdiction, surrounding neighbors, local leaders, key stakeholders and our land-owner partner. We ask:

• What are the needs of the surrounding community?
• What is appropriate for the site?
• How can we improve current conditions?
• How can we maintain the character of the land?

Sitting Lightly on the Land

Natural cues from the land and the surrounding community help to shape the planning philosophy and design character of each community to ensure its authenticity and regional appropriateness.

With this in mind, “sitting lightly on the land” is an apt description of how DMB merges the planning, design and construction of its communities with the natural setting and vegetation of a site. Minimizing the impact on the environment during the planning and construction phases creates communities that are in tune with the land and adds to the essence and long-term value of the community.

Development Approvals

We consider the local community a partner in our project. Only through an open and honest collaboration with the jurisdiction’s planning department, elected officials, neighbors and stakeholders will we be able to agree upon the approvals appropriate to meet our collective aspirations for a site.

As a result of our long-term relationships with jurisdictions and other key stakeholders, DMB has become a leader in flexible approvals. This flexibility allows a development with a build-out schedule of many years to evolve to adjust to changing needs and market conditions; thereby, maximizing its long-term success.