The Altum Group is pleased to announce an expansion in services and staff with the addition of Master Planning and Urban Design Services and the hiring of Altum’s new Director of Urban Design: Stephen Nieto, Assoc. AIA. With over 10 years of professional experience on international and domestic master planning, urban design, and architectural projects, Stephen is now focusing his efforts on growing the practice within the greater Coachella Valley.
Previously employed as an Urban Designer with worldwide consulting firms AECOM and Gensler, Stephen returned to the area working as a Senior Designer and Project Manager for La Quinta-based design firm South West Concepts. Focusing on commercial, cultural, single and multi-family housing projects, he brings knowledge of both of small- and large-scale projects to Altum. His past experience includes high profile projects such as the Los Angeles River Revitalization Concept Plan and Master Plan Update, NBA Clippers Arena Master Plan, and was an integral team member in the planning and awarding of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games under AECOM. Stephen’s accomplishments also extend beyond the greater Los Angeles area, with international work that includes strategic planning for the city of Tongzhou, a 3,000-acre sustainable waterfront master plan; and the planning of Haichang Mixed-Use Entertainment Master Plan in Sanya, China. A true steward of local communities, Stephen has collaborated and worked with boards, councils, commissions, city staff, and residents throughout his career. In 2019 he was appointed to the Planning Commission for the City of La Quinta; he is active in the community and believes quality urban design can positively impact the health and social well-being of all residents.
Stephen is tasked with adding new services and design driven solutions to Altum’s established Planning practice. Working with Altum’s talented pool of planners, Stephen will adapt current service offerings to include dynamic and implementable design elements for Master Plans and Specific Plans as well as offering urban design services for outreach and regional planning projects.