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.

Interested in joining the team?
Check out our open positions.

Want to work with us?
Get in touch!