About Us
Guided by Community — A Spatial Strategy and Learning Studio
At Guided by Community, we explore how people experience place — emotionally, socially, and spatially — and use that understanding to design systems that are more human, equitable, and connected.
We go beyond engagement to help organizations learn from place and the people who shape it. Our work blends spatial strategy, geographic insight, engagement design, and learning development to build capacity from the inside out. Each project is an invitation to see place differently — to recognize how where we live, work, and gather influences how we connect, belong, and grow.
Our approach integrates the precision of urban planning, the curiosity of user experience research, the empathy of human-centered design, and the spatial awareness of geography. Together, these disciplines form the foundation of our Spatial Strategy and Learning practice — one that transforms data into stories, evaluations into learning, and engagement into genuine collaboration.
By grounding our work in geographic understanding and continuous learning, we help organizations uncover patterns, relationships, and possibilities often hidden in plain sight — translating insight into action and connection into change.
Through this work, we create spaces — physical, digital, and emotional — where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to co-create the future. Our goal is simple but ambitious: to build the understanding, empathy, and strategic clarity needed to move from awareness to action and from connection to collective impact.
About our Founder
Lakeshia Wright, AICP, MCIP-I, is an experienced City Planner and qualitative research expert, dedicated to spearheading transformative initiatives for both government bodies and organizations for more than 14 years. With a deep understanding of empathy-driven design, qualitative research methodologies, strategic planning, and relationship building, she is adept at unlocking the success potential of communities. Her skill set includes seamlessly integrating human-centered research within the realm of city planning. What sets Lakeshia apart is her proficiency in weaving human-centered design concepts into the fabric of urban development and policy formulation, thereby fostering the creation of more empathetic and sustainable technologies and urban environments.
Our Values
Empathy and Understanding
We strive to deeply understand the unique dynamics and challenges of each community we work with. Our approach is grounded in empathy, allowing us to connect on a personal level and build trust.
Collaborative Engagement
We value open, honest, and inclusive collaboration. Our consultancy is committed to working hand-in-hand with communities, fostering an environment of mutual respect and shared purpose.
Sustainable Impact
Our goal is to create lasting, positive change. We focus on sustainable solutions that address immediate needs and empower communities for the long term.
