Steven Baumgartner founded Baumgartner Urban Systems Strategy LLC (BUSS) after two decades with global integrated design, engineering, planning and architecture firms.

Steven believes that urban systems such as energy, water, mobility, technology and food need to be continually re-examined, re-engineered, and re-imagined, especially in today’s world as we navigate coinciding and colliding crises (a global pandemic, systemic racial injustices, economic uncertainties and our immediate climate change challenge). He believes that there are bold, elegant solutions that bridge the built and natural environments that can strengthen our neighborhoods, build economic prosperity and ensure health and wellness- all while working in concert with (not against) our natural systems.

Steven has a rich history of creating unique solutions to assist clients in shaping their environments to meet their strategic missions.  He has led complex projects around the world for a wide range of clients using the following key philosophies:

  • Human-centered:  building system solutions for and with the people they serve.

  • Decentralized:  breaking down heavy urban systems and infrastructures to community-scale for efficiency, flexibility, resiliency, and transparency.

  • Value-Based:  ensuring every investment is tied back to the client’s value-set and is based on empathy, evidence and experience.

sb+orange.jpg
 

What makes Steven a special talent is not just that he’s data driven, but it’s his connection to the emotion - to a feeling for the charge.   It’s not just systems thinking, it is the deep engagement that he brings, enabling him to see the vision of the client often ahead of the client themselves.  This makes his assessments, analysis and visualizations all the more alive. 

- Erik C. Backus, Professor of Practice and Executive Officer, Clarkson University