PROFILE
“Cities For People”
Formed in 2020, XYZ Development seeks to reinstate urbanism into real estate. The triple-bottom line studio, operating exclusively in Detroit, employs tactics of New Urbanism and Smart Growth to foster meaningful interventions in the built-environment. We’re reshaping the city, from the ground up.
WOODBRIDGE, DETROIT
“People, Places, Projects— in that order.”
-Jan Gehl
A project is only as good as the place its in, and a good place is a the collaborative result of its people. Located in Detroit’s District #6, the community of Woodbridge is our home, focus and raison d’être. A walkable, pre-automotive streetcar suburb, this neighborhood has seen ups and downs, but never ceased to be beautiful, prideful and brimming with soul.
R. Philip Lockwood established XYZ Development in 2020, bringing his passion and intuition for design, marketing and technology to the studio.
With past experience in start-up incubation for local Detroit businesses at Practice·Space and design excellence at M1/DTW, Philip possesses a particular understanding and zeal for impactful, functional, and thoughtful design across housing, branding and business practices. His time as Project Manager for local developer, Prince Concepts, taught him of the challenges and opportunities posed by incremental development in the urban environment. At Lockwood Companies, he‘s overseen the renovation and rebranding of hundreds of multi-family units, and participated in the development of new construction affordable housing across SE Michigan.
Mr. Lockwood holds a B.S in Architecture and a Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development, both from the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Philip was a part of the Urban Land Institute‘s Larson Center for Leadership‘s 13th Cohort, and a participant in ULI‘s global Health Leaders‘ Network in 2024. Additionally, he holds a Michigan Residential Builder’s License, serving as the Qualifying Officer for Lockwood Construction. Mr. Lockwood servces as an ACE Mentor, providing mentorship to local highschoolers interested in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering Fields.
Philip lives and works in the Midtown neighborhood of Detroit.
COLLABORATORS
The City of Detroit
Woodbridge Neighborhood Development Corp.
Waechter Architecture
M1DTW Architects
Honigman LLP
Dawda, Mann, Mulcahey & Sadler LP
PEA Group
Carnaghi Structural Consultants
McDowell & Associates
Lockwood Construction
District Capital
Diversified Members Credit Union
NOTE
XYZ Development and R. Philip Lockwood in no way endorses the “Belle Isle Freedom City” concept proposed by a developer of a similar name.
© 2026 RPL000 Corp. — Detroit, Michigan