Who We Are
Cityworks Design was founded in 2006 by Lisa Padilla, Architect, AICP, LEED AP. This Los Angeles-based firm specializes in urban design, planning and architecture with a special focus on public realm and transportation projects. The firm’s work is exemplary of community-based design that addresses issues ranging from pedestrian/bike access solutions to broader land use planning, transit-oriented development, and design frameworks for transit lines. Lisa and her team have successfully led a variety of LA County Metro projects over the last 10+ years, including innovative designs for Metro’s Rail to River Active Transportation Corridor in South LA and a community-based vision for Union Station's Connect US Action Plan. The firm has crafted design guidelines for Glendale, Long Beach and Santa Monica, and provided urban design support for General Plan updates. Cityworks Design is certified by LA County Metro under the CUCP program as a disadvantaged (DBE) and small (SBE) business enterprise.
How We Work
Cityworks Design collaborates closely with clients and communities to develop ideas that are innovative, place-based, and improve people's everyday lives. The firm has a successful track record working with community groups, neighborhood organizations, institutions, public agencies and cities, to reach consensus on urban design and transit projects. Lisa Padilla and her team have facilitated hundreds of briefings, meetings, charrettes and public workshops focused on public realm design and consensus building in ways that engage a variety of age groups, cultures and interests.
Areas of Practice
Transportation Planning & Design
Rail, bus and active transportation corridors
First/Last Mile transit connections
Transfers design and criteria
Station area planning
Station architecture and landscape
Transit-oriented communities
GIS research and cartography
Urban & Landscape Design
Urban design and design guidelines
Streetscape and public realm plans
Community and specific plans
Landscape design concepts
General plans
Objective design standards
Awards
APA/California Chapter Hard Won Victory Award of Excellence
Long Beach Southeast Area Specific Plan 2060 (2021)
APA/LA Hard Won Victory Award of Excellence
Long Beach Southeast Area Specific Plan 2060 (2021)
APA/LA Comprehensive Plan
Glendale Downtown Specific Plan (2019)
APA/LA Best Practice Award
Metro Transfers Design Guide
APA/LA Outreach Award
Glendale Tropico Center TOD Plan Outreach
APA/LA Transportation Planning Award
Los Angeles Union Station Master Plan, led by Gruen/Grimshaw
APA/LA Comprehensive Plan
Long Beach Downtown Plan
AIA/LA Presidential Honoree
Urban Design Team for LA Downtown Design Guide, led by PSLA