Urbahn Architects is a dynamic architectural practice based in New York City. Founded in 1945, the firm has cultivated a deep legacy of innovation and collaboration across public and private sectors. From major civic institutions to intimate community spaces, Urbahn’s projects embody a shared belief that architecture can and should enrich public life.

Their team of passionate professionals approaches each project with curiosity, precision, and imagination—working to create environments that respond to evolving community needs while shaping the identity of the built environment.

The Problem

As a firm with eight decades of architectural influence, Urbahn needed a digital presence that could capture both their legacy and their forward-thinking vision. The previous website design no longer reflected the caliber of their portfolio or the sophistication of their brand.

The site’s architecture was functional but visually dated, and the backend content system made updates cumbersome. Urbahn sought a high-end redesign that would honor their history while presenting their work with contemporary polish and fluid usability. They also needed a visual editing tool to make content management more intuitive for their in-house team, and wanted to retain their existing sitemap structure while improving navigation and overall performance.

Analysis

Maxburst identified several key areas for improvement:

  • Modernization of the Brand Online: The site’s aesthetic needed to match Urbahn’s status as a design leader in architecture.
  • Ease of Content Management: A flexible, user-friendly visual editor was essential to empower Urbahn’s internal team to manage and update content efficiently.
  • Streamlined Structure: Keeping the existing sitemap ensured continuity, but refinements were necessary to improve flow and readability.
  • Legacy Storytelling: The “Our History” section was an opportunity to showcase Urbahn’s storied past and connect it meaningfully to their current and future work.

Solution

Maxburst executed a complete redesign and custom WordPress development that brought Urbahn’s digital presence in line with their creative legacy. The new site merges modern design aesthetics with clean typography, elegant imagery, and an intuitive navigation system that highlights their extensive project portfolio and thought leadership.

To simplify content management, Maxburst implemented Elementor, a powerful visual editor, allowing Urbahn’s team to easily update project pages, publish new content, and maintain full creative control without technical limitations.

The “Our History” page was reimagined as a visually engaging, decade-by-decade timeline—an interactive narrative that celebrates the firm’s architectural evolution from the Apollo-era Vehicle Assembly Building to today’s community-driven spaces.

Maxburst also provided ongoing hosting and maintenance, ensuring the site’s stability, speed, and security for long-term performance.

Key Features

The solution encompassed the following key features:

  • Refined Brand Presence: The website now mirrors Urbahn Architects’ reputation as one of New York’s leading architectural firms.
  • Modern Yet Timeless Design: Blends the firm’s rich history with its forward-thinking approach for a sophisticated digital experience.
  • Flexible WordPress Backend: Enables the Urbahn team to easily manage updates, add new projects, and keep content fresh.
  • Enhanced User Experience: Improved site structure supports intuitive navigation and stronger visitor engagement.

The Results

With this transformation, Urbahn’s website has become both a digital archive of their architectural legacy and a living platform that continues to evolve with their practice—celebrating their commitment to shaping public spaces that inspire and endure.