We are an international design firm. Our clients trust us to reimagine places of business, living, education, and community. We design with creativity and empathy, collaborating across our disciplines to inspire, sustain and enhance our communities. Good design is inclusive, contextual, and timeless. At RATIO, we design for impact.
History
Since our founding in 1982, RATIO has partnered with a diverse list of clients to deliver innovative design solutions across the globe. Originally focused on historic preservation, our firm has achieved international recognition on projects requiring complex consensus-building and contextual design in urban and campus environments. Today, RATIO’s six studio locations provide our clients with a wealth of international design experience while remaining firmly rooted in the authentic character of our communities.
Approach
We embrace our responsibility for the greater good — working with clients to inspire community members, sustain their resources, and delight users. We enhance lives, drawing upon decades of local knowledge and the international resources of RATIO.
OUR DISCIPLINES
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Historic Preservation
- Urban Design
- Graphic Design
STUDIOS
INDIANAPOLIS
CHICAGO
DENVER
RALEIGH
CHAMPAIGN
MILWAUKEE
PRACTICE AREAS
HIGHER EDUCATION
K12 EDUCATION
WORKPLACE
CIVIC & CULTURAL
PARKS & RECREATION
HOSPITALITY
SPORTS & VENUES
RESIDENTIAL & MIXED-USE
HEALTH & LIFE SCIENCES
200+
Design professionals and support staff across six studios
87
LEED Certified or Registered Facilities
73%
Since 2020, 73% of RATIO’s projects have been awarded by existing clients.
28%
Percent of Revenue Paid to XBE Consultants
Clients rely on us to reimagine their buildings and outdoor spaces, integrate emerging trends and technologies, and design for flexible uses.
Civic Buildings
RATIO excels in navigating the complexities of community-based projects. We are committed to the greater good, overcoming funding challenges, administration changes, and public/private partnership intricacies. Our inclusive approach builds consensus, evaluates needs, and solves problems. We immerse ourselves in each community, bringing creativity and authenticity to the design process.
Public Libraries
The public library has evolved into a community landmark with makerspaces and kitchens for cooking classes, reflecting the values and vitality of its people. Modern library design incorporates expertise from various fields like education, hospitality, and STEM. Our interdisciplinary approach leverages these to enhance and sustain communities for years to come.
Cultural Facilities
Our cultural practice designs uplifting public spaces that unite us, inspire appreciation for art and history, and capture our imagination. RATIO’s inclusive engagement builds consensus, and our interdisciplinary approach brings museums, theaters, and civic spaces to life, creating authentic places where visitors feel connected and inspired.
Shaped by the site’s natural slope, the venue optimizes acoustics and views while its bold roof and pedestrian connections establish it as a cultural anchor.
Recreation + Community Centers
Recreation centers are vital for community building, sharing cultural heritage, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering friendships. We design spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together. From large complexes to small impactful spaces, our designs create sustainable, comfortable environments that enhance community quality of life.
