Urban Design provides design solutions and alternatives for neighborhood and citywide issues concerning streetscape, public spaces and infrastructure, as well as urban design support for area, corridor, and neighborhood plans.

Urban Design deals with the quality of the built environment, its form, space between buildings, and the relationship of pieces to the whole. Staff uses an approach emphasizing design principles and aesthetics to address development issues and to formulate basic standards promoting quality of development.

The section staffs the Downtown Commission and University Area Review Board. Urban Design also maintains graphic design standards and produces all final documents for the division.