We help local authorities, developers, landowners & housing associations create more livable communities.
We've reached millions with our ideas.
Now let us help you create livable, beautiful communities
Our YouTube channel has reached millions of views and over 200.000 subscribers.
After having spent years of research & travel learning from projects all over the world, Ruben is ready to bring his unique vision on urban design, livability & placemaking to your project.
You have a vision for a place. Let's figure out how to make it real.
I'm Ruben Hanssen. Through The Aesthetic City, I've spent years studying what makes places work — and building a global network of urbanists, designers, and practitioners who share that mission.
Now I help people like you turn ambitious ideas into action.
Who this is for
You have a project, a site, or a challenge — but you're not sure where to start. Maybe you need strategic advice. Maybe you need the right team. Maybe you just need someone who speaks this language to help you think it through.
Whether you're a developer, a municipality, a community group, or an individual with a big idea — if you care about making a place that's genuinely good, we should talk.
How it works
1. We talk - Book a free introductory call. Tell me about your project: where it is, what you're trying to achieve, and what's standing in the way.
2. I assess - Based on your needs, I'll determine how I can help. Whether that's direct guidance from me, or connecting you with specialists from my network who are right for the job.
3. We move forward - You'll get a clear proposal: who's involved, what they'll do, and what it costs. No surprises.
What I bring
A clear perspective on what makes places succeed
Access to a curated network of urban designers, architects, placemakers, and strategists worldwide who can help get you further (or unstuck)
The ability to translate between vision and execution, so you're not lost in jargon or sold something you don't need
What this isn't
I don't produce architectural drawings or technical documents. I help you find your direction and the right people to get you there.
Book a free introductory call
Ruben Hanssen Aesthetic Living
Thoughtfully crafted home aesthetics - elevate your dream home by applying timeless, context-adapted principles.
Aesthetic & conceptual guidance for individuals building their own homes.
Price: on request
This advisory is intended for people who want guidance on creating the home of their dreams, using time tested principles, with Ruben's guidance on aesthetics.
In design projects, it's important to take good decisions early, before committing to designs that are difficult or impossible to undo later.
Ruben helps with ideation, reviewing existing designs or creating guidance for architects or contractors. All this is done to create a design that is in line with the expectations and dreams of the customer, and to create a unique design that fits the local
Clients come with a plot of land, early sketches, or conflicting advice from professionals. During the sessions, and with analysis work in between, Ruben focuses on form, architectural language, use of materials, adaptation to the climate, factors influencing quality of life and preferred aesthetics.
What this includes
Free intake call
A number of sessions based on the customer's needs
A bespoke process to guide the client from initial ideas & dreams to concrete proposals
Creation of guiding principles & ideas for contractor & architect
Annotation of floor plans and artist renderings of the design
If necessary, 3D models to explore various design directions & concepts
Documents like vision boards, project examples to inspire and guide the customer
Access to Ruben and his network of vetted architects around the world
What this is not:
Final interior design
Design of floor plans, construction drawings
Contractor coordination
A full architectural service
Ruben works as a supplement to an architect or contractor, to turn the vision of the client in a set of design frameworks and guidelines within which the contractor or architect operates.
This service is offered selectively and separately from Aesthetic City Consultancy.
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!