We’re a design studio working with communities, architects, and mission-driven orgs to create brands and spaces that everyone can experience and enjoy.
Leading with empathy and curiosity, we’re rethinking how we interact with our world and with one another. Rooted in design stewardship, we’re re-envisioning our communities to be more inclusive, self-sustaining, and empathetic.
We believe in the power of design to create energetic and soulful experiences that allow us all to thrive and grow. And with a healthy sense of urgency, we’re creating an inherently optimistic vision for our civic and cultural future.
Let’s change the world.
These are the things we really care about and what stays on our mind every day of what we do:
Regenerative Design
Human-centric
Inherent Optimism
Innovation
Accessibility
Diversity + Inclusion
Community
Design Stewardship
Wellness
Collaboration
Founder’s Story
“
Despite knowing the journey and where it leads, I embrace it and I welcome every moment of it.
- Dr. Louise Banks, Arrival
My mom was an absolute badass.
She spent her life fighting and advocating for her community and other people, all while navigating an unspeakable amount of personal tragedy. She’s always been my role model.
When I was in college, she was diagnosed with Huntington's Disease (HD), a rare condition of which there is no cure. It's a genetic disorder that is often described as a combination of ALS, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.
Children of people who carry the marker have a 50/50 chance of inheriting it, and a blood test can confirm the genetic mutation. A score of 40 or above means you will, without question, develop HD.
My mom’s score was 41…mine is 43.
In getting my result, the last thing I wanted to do was give up. I was determined to refocus my life; shed all of the anxiety and junk that consumes our lives as humans. I wanted to concentrate on more meaningful things, like being more present and making deeper connections. This meant prioritizing family, walking more intentionally with God, serving others, and living authentically.
by Steven Brooks Johnson
Through this refocusing, I found an intense sense of clarity and purpose. And with that renewed perspective, I created 43Places, to welcome the difficult things in life: the beauty amidst the heartbreak, and the resilience amidst adversity. 43Places is a reminder that everyone is struggling with something we may know nothing about. 43Places is more than a design studio; we are a group of humans striving to create supportive communities, uplift those in need, and help others tell their stories.
At 43Places, we provide space for a new type of community, one that fosters a new way of thinking about the large-scale civic challenges that face us. We lean into the soul of those with whom we work.
We embody a mindset of compassion and perseverance; intentionally working in a way that helps facilitate stronger spaces and places, where people can grow and pursue their passions.
The more joy, empathy, and gratitude we can have in this life, the better. After all, it’s up to each and every one of us to choose how we show up every single day.
Steven Brooks Johnson
Founder + Creative Director
We lead with sustainability and empathy
and look to create places that mean something
to somebody; that are both special and
will outlast us, our children,
and our children’s children.
WE BELIEVE IN WORKING WITH THE BEST FLEXIBLE TEAM THAT SUITS ANY GIVEN PROJECT.
We have intentionally chosen to stay small so we can be agile, highly selective with our project work, and we can openly collaborate with others on a project-to-project basis.
We know that our best design solutions come from teams that have a diverse set of perspectives and expertise. We work directly with our clients to bring on any subsequent design talent that will best facilitates the overall goals of the project.
We make specific recommendations on how to build the team being cognizant of budget and scope of the project.
Flexible teams are the best!
Steven Brooks Johnson
Founder + Creative Director
Steven has over 15 years of design experience as an Experiential Brand Designer, specializing in graphic design, branding, architecture, and sustainable design.
His past clients include Chick-fil-A, Clemson University, Cousins, Google, Hines, Hudson Yards, 9/11 Memorial, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, Related, Shepherd Center, University of Illinois Foundation, Verizon, and Viceroy Hotels & Resorts. His work has stretched from San Francisco to Shanghai.
-
Steven has over 15 years of design experience as an Experiential Brand Designer, specializing in graphic design, branding, architecture, and sustainable design.
He has spent his career pursuing opportunities at the intersection of graphic design and architecture that can help a place’s brand be more compelling, more dynamic, and more authentic.
His work embodies the central mission that we should give more than we receive in all aspects of design, all while pursuing radically soulful and aesthetically beautiful methods.
His past clients include Chick-fil-A, Clemson University, Cousins, Google, Hines, Hudson Yards, 9/11 Memorial, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, Related, Shepherd Center, University of Illinois Foundation, Verizon, and Viceroy Hotels & Resorts. His work has stretched from San Francisco to Shanghai.
He is an advocate for workplace wellness, active sustainability, mental health, diversity and inclusion, and the Huntington’s Disease community.
He is a proud Atlantan who currently resides in Hopewell, NJ with his wife and two daughters.
LinkedIn
Portfolio
CV -
DBOX | NYC
Gensler | ATL + NYC
GHD Partners | NYC
Jack Porter | GREENVILLE, SC
Resource Branding | ATL
Steven Johnson Studio | ATL
Verizon Creative Marketing Group | NYC
William McDonough + Partners | C-VILLE
PAST PROJECTS / CLIENTS
10 + 55 Hudson Yards
360 Chicago
9/11 Memorial
Bayer
BIG EAST Conference
Chick-fil-A Corporate
Clemson University
Cushman & Wakefield
Eastern Wharf
Google
Harlem Lacrosse
Havaianas
Hines
Longwood University
Mercedes-Benz
Related
Shepherd Center
Super Bowl LVI
U. of Illinois Foundation
Viceroy Hotels & Resorts
World Trade Center Transportation Hub
Jessica Lee
Chief of Staff + Ops
With over a decade of experience spanning from startups to billion-dollar ventures, Jessica is a seasoned expert in fashion design and operations.
Notably, she co-led collaborations at Away Travel with icons like Serena Williams, Karlie Kloss, and Dwyane Wade, showcasing her ability to drive innovative projects and elevate brand presence.
-
Jessica, after graduating with a degree in Fashion Design from Parsons, quickly secured a full-time position on the Club Monaco Men’s Design team. Since that time, she’s worked at various sized companies, ranging from under 10 people to billion dollar DTC start-ups.
She has leveraged her experience in Fashion Design to expand into Design Operations - as well as Sustainability in Fashion, with a Micro-credential from IFM, Paris.
Jessica is a highly-organized and detail oriented leader, adept at building authentic connections. She has a drive to exceed expectations, with the ability to flex into branding - as well as product, technical, and process design. She’s invested in company-wide culture, having created and co-led a successful ERG, as well as served as a Social Impact Lead.
LinkedIn
Personal Portfolio
Resume -
Alms NYC | NYC
Away Travel | NYC
Club Monaco | NYC
Ghurka | NYC
Kate Spade | NYC
Rebecca Minkoff | NYC
Tory Burch | NYC
SELECT PRESS
TIME Magazine: The 100 Best Inventions of 2019
WWD: Away + Serena Williams Collaboration
Vogue: Away + Rashida Jones
Vogue: Away + Karlie Kloss
Gear Patrol: Away + Dwyane Wade
Fast Company: Expandable Luggage Launch
Hi Consumption: Motorcycle Gear Brands to know
NY Times: Tommy Ton and Club Monaco