Urban A&O, Inc. Joe, who is now one of the principals of the company, served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Urban A&O specializes in various aspects of design, including architecture, interior design, master planning, exhibition, installation, product design, and industrial design.

The firm has gained recognition for incorporating academic research into their projects, resulting in innovative work with strong conceptual underpinnings. One of their notable projects is the core design of the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences, known as the Water Planet. It received awards for its integration of living exhibits and interactive technology, as well as its commitment to sustainability with double LEED Platinum certification.

Urban A&O's expertise extends to urban and residential development planning projects, as well as residential and commercial projects in China, India, and the United States. Their recent work at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on parametric modeling and sustainability, with a range of projects related to climate change, smart cities, vertical farming, green roof technology, and more. With their unique approach and dedication to pushing boundaries, Urban A&O has garnered worldwide attention and acclaim in the design industry