WHAT WE DO
At Red Bridge Group we are inspired by transformation — ideas to reality, neglect to restoration, problems to solutions. We know that places serve different needs as time passes. Just as people must adapt for success, public places require transformation as environments, technologies, and visitor needs change.
We are energized by the journey of discovery that unfolds throughout a transformational process, reversing the effects of time, stress and trauma to public sites. We’re gratified in knowing that we help individuals and communities to discover anew — or for the first time — the beauty, splendor and respite of their public lands and valued places.
Landscapes and buildings offer new opportunities for enjoyment and understanding as time passes. Through thoughtful transformation, we can ensure our treasured spaces remain meaningful and relevant to each generation.
Why the name Red Bridge?
Red Bridge Group derives our name from that beautiful span across the Golden Gate, which provides passage over obstacles that would be otherwise challenging to cross. The Golden Gate Bridge has always inspired me with its iconic form, towering scale and striking color. For years I had the good fortune of spending time with this famous San Francisco structure, first watching from home and office windows, then making daily crossings to planning meetings in the parklands of Marin. In 2011 I found myself on the ground in the Bridge’s South Plaza, helping design a new Bridge Visitor Experience.
Creating a welcoming environment at such a spectacular site was the opportunity of a lifetime—if complicated by cautious bridge engineers, careful stewards of historic restoration, and a short deadline to meet the 75th Anniversary date in May 2012.
What I learned from that experience is that people can make incredible things happen through collaboration and commitment to the highest quality results. We opened the new Plaza and Welcome Center to critical accolades and much public joy. Our hard work resulted in a more meaningful experience for visitors to the Bridge from around the world.
Cathie Barner, President, Red Bridge Group
Examples of public lands transformations:
Crissy Field
From a marshland habitat for indigenous people and species, to a military airfield, to beloved park that sustains public recreation and the return of native plants and animals.
Lands End
From a place of shipwrecks and Victorian-era amusements, to a derelict urban jungle, to a wonderland of trails, overlooks and a state-of-the-art national park visitors center.
Fort Baker
From an early Spanish settlement, to a seacoast army base, to a national park lodge with sweeping views and restored historic buildings where environmental groups convene.
“Red Bridge was an invaluable asset to the division I managed and played an integral role in almost every major project for which our group was responsible. Their approach of selecting specialized teams to complement our in-house capabilities was extremely effective, allowing our professional staff to work efficiently and to produce products of the highest quality.”
Sarah Peskin
Chief of Planning
Northeast Region (Retired)
