Desire Lines

In planning, architecture, and engineering fields; desire lines represent a record of civil disobedience, where pedestrians ignore formal routes in favor of short cuts, or more efficient (unplanned) paths in and around public or private spaces. They provide feedback to project designers on where people naturally walk and what may have been a more efficient route from one place to another. They represent human nature’s boldness and our desire for choice, and manifest in our environment as well-worn ribbons of dirt or beaten trails off a sidewalk.

They are not pretty; they are meaningful.

Those who are independent enough to begin a new path, flatten the grass, and leave behind evidence of their choice can write their own story in the built environment. These stories represent the core mission of our company: understanding the individuality of people and cultures and fitting plans, projects, grants, and programs to reflect the path they desire to take in the most efficient (and effective) manner possible. We are change agents focused on action and movement with a keen appreciation for difference, individuality, and nuance.

Add value and move projects forward.

We are meeting to isolate paths forward, ensure alignment, and move ahead of schedules.

Experience matters.

Our Team understands the political and legislative mechanisms at local, state, and federal levels; local constraints associated with public work; the insurmountable feeling of addressing increased flooding, financial, and community issues; and has a history of isolating opportunities to develop feasible approaches and projects that work in alignment with local conditions and enhance the quality of life for public servants, area residents and businesses.

"One-size fits all" does not work.

They unfocus projects, produce redundant outcomes, and result in plans that are often shelved for good measure. We appreciate that no two communities are the same and determining the unique characteristics of a place is key to the success of every project.

Quality control is key.

Strategic management plans with multi-layer inspection and validation processes are in place to ensure the accuracy of our findings, reports, recommendations, as well as data collection and management efforts. We do not expect our clients to proofread our deliverables.

Address complex issues through collaborative solutions.

It is a privilege to share this passion with others through the development of teams organized around a style of collaboration and shared responsibility. We strive to share our passion for problem solving and create excitement and a realization that the work we do is critical to the success of the communities we serve and especially those often unheard.

Our Principles

Alexandra Carter, President & CEO - Desire Line

“We are in it until the end, embrace challenging workflows, and are ready to support difficult decision-making with defensible, reasonable, and seasoned expertise and advice.”

"I knew Alex Carter and her team when she was the lead program manager of the Louisiana Watershed Initiative, the most comprehensive initiative that our state has ever taken for flood mitigation and watershed management. Besides her visionary thinking and planning, Alex is a talented leader who knows how to bring diverse teams together within a collaborative environment where they can collectively work towards shared plans and objectives. Excited to see Evelyn and Nicolette on this wonderful team and the experience they bring in public service and stakeholder engagement. I learned a lot from Alex -- her passion and dedication to serve our communities continue to inspire me in my own work. I know I will be looking for future opportunities where I can work with Alex and her Desire Line team."

- Emad Habib, PhD, PE, Theriot Endowed Chair in Engineering Hydrology Professor, Department of Civil Engineering Director, Louisiana Watershed Flood Center University of Louisiana at Lafayette
“Alex and her team at Desire Line bring a wealth of experience tackling some of the most difficult planning and mitigation challenges in the nation. Their ability to roll up their sleeves and problem-solve with partners is just what communities need during these times of constant change and opportunity. The level of dedication, confidence and professionalism that Desire Line displays through their work lets everyone who works with them know that you are getting their very best.”

- Mark Goodson, PE, Principal & Resilience Practice Lead, CSRS LLC.