It uses participatory community design to enhance the appearance and functionality of residential, business, and recreational areas as well as community centers, schools, and streetscapes.

[4] In 1993, Stephen Vogel envisioned Neighborhood Design Studio within the Detroit Mercy School of Architecture, of which he was dean, to enhance the abilities of local leaders to produce quality design through broad-based community participation.

He enlisted Terrence Curry from the faculty to establish the studio.

Students assisted in bringing together stakeholders and expertise for planning: housing, mixed-use, retail, streetscapes, emergency shelters.

Over time, the studio evolved into the Detroit Collaborative Design Center.