Públicos Studio co-develops, molds, and aligns real estate projects and neighborhood-scale investment strategies with cultural identity, community leadership, and bold design for a better future.

Founded by Mickey Northcutt and David Valecillos, colleagues with complementary expertise in development strategy, finance, design, and public art, Públicos Studio brings bold vision and grounded execution to every stage of the real estate lifecycle. From concept to completion, we work with mission-aligned partners who believe the built environment can be a force for connection, resilience, and long-term value.

We specialize in transforming overlooked urban areas into inclusive, thriving communities. Our work blends real estate with storytelling, placemaking, and community co-creation. By aligning private capital with civic purpose and local knowledge, we help our clients turn complex ideas into catalytic investments—whether it’s affordable housing, mixed-use facilities, or cultural infrastructure.

Publicos Studio’s approach was forged through years of successful collaboration in the El Punto neighborhood of Salem, Massachusetts. There, we led a nationally recognized transformation that integrated affordable housing, public art, and public space activation—turning a once-overlooked neighborhood into a vibrant destination celebrated by PBS, Fast Company, the Urban Land Institute, and Lonely Planet. This model continues to shape how we work today: pairing cultural expression with real estate investment to build places that heal, inspire, and belong to everyone.