Our History

The Firm was founded in 1977 as a partnership between the late Kevin Lynch, noted MIT professor of Urban Studies and Planning, and the architect/planner/public space designer Stephen Carr. In 1980 it was incorporated as Carr, Lynch Associates. Gary Hack, internationally known urban designer and planner, joined the firm after Kevin’s passing as a Principal from 1986-1996. He taught with Kevin Lynch and MIT and co-authored Site Planning, 3rd edition with him. James Sandell joined the firm as a principal in 1987 after nearly twenty years of collaborative efforts. In 1999 Jean Hermann became a principal after thirteen as an architect providing technical coordination and guidance for the firm's built projects. Stephen Carr retired from the practice in 2001.