Living Places, Not Just Spaces
We design real experiences that activate neighborhoods, believing that in-person gathering is where community begins.
About us
Transforming Places into Livable and Dynamic Destinations
Strong communities are built twice. First through shared experience, then through data and narrative. We provide the strategy and systems to make your neighborhood unforgettable.
Trusted by teams advancing equitable local economies.
Who we are
Uncut Lab is a civic technology studio that believes in the power of gathering. We know that when people come together in person, real energy and connection happen. When those stories spread online, communities shift. When data proves impact, places thrive. We combine experiential placemaking, digital storytelling, and rigorous measurement to help neighborhoods become communities people actually want to be part of.
Our mission
We help communities transform from places into destinations. Through real events that bring people together, digital narratives that amplify those moments, and measurement systems that prove change is happening, we enable leaders to build neighborhoods where people choose to belong.
From In-Person Energy to Digital Reach
The conversations. The energy. The belonging. These all happen when people come together in person. We translate those into digital narratives that reach beyond the neighborhood and inspire action.
Stories That Shift Culture
We amplify community voices through digital storytelling that spreads impact beyond the neighborhood.
What makes us stand out in the industry
Discover how our innovative strategies, data-driven approach, and commitment to results set us apart from the competition.
We Believe in the Power of Gathering
Real events create energy. We design experiences that bring neighbors together and catalyze genuine connection.
Creativity & Measurement in One Team
We combine strong messaging and community engagement with data systems that make outcomes measurable, defensible, and repeatable.
When Numbers Tell the Real Story
We measure what matters. Not activity, but whether a place is becoming somewhere people want to be. The data proves it. The community feels it.
Built for the Realities of Civic Work
Built for leaders who understand that thriving communities start with real gatherings, authentic stories, and defensible data.
Meet the minds behind uncut lab
We bring together technology and strategy to create smarter automation solutions.
Jadine Yarde
Jadine is a destination marketing visionary who specializes in activating places through high-impact experiences. As founder of J. Ventures International and former CEO of Nevis Tourism Authority, she's planned and executed world-class festivals, events, and destination campaigns that transformed how communities experience and market themselves. She brings strategic expertise in place-based storytelling and community engagement.
John-Paul Tademe
John-Paul is a product designer and serial entrepreneur with 12+ years of experience building products from zero to one across global markets. He has founded and worked on ventures across fintech, insurance, mobility, and enterprise platforms, focusing on systems where design decisions affect real-world outcomes. He works hands-on at the intersection of design and engineering, turning complex ideas into usable, production-ready products.
Sika Sedzro
Sika is a civic technologist with deep experience in Massachusetts Gateway Cities, bridging data, urban planning, and community development. As CEO of Uncut Lab, she applies spatial analysis to help change and policymakers understand neighborhoods and measure real cultural impact. Through cross-sector partnerships and downtown revitalization work, Sika delivers defensible data that empowers public sector leaders in communities facing reinvention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about us.
Yes. We work with cities and state agencies regularly. We get procurement, RFPs, and budget cycles. Our company is also a vetted vendor through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Operational Services Division.
You get a comprehensive baseline report covering the 3 pillars (Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Public Realm), a prioritized opportunity map, community input summary, and a measurement framework for tracking future improvements. All deliverables are documentation-ready and board-presentable.
No. We do the heavy lifting. You just need a kickoff meeting, review session, and access to existing data.
Yes, when needed. We start with off-the-shelf GIS and analytics tools, but if your use case requires custom software (e.g., a public-facing dashboard, tracking system, or community input platform), we build it. We only recommend custom builds when the ROI is clear.
That's exactly why we exist. Most places don't have comprehensive livability baselines. We'll build yours using a combination of GIS analysis, public datasets, community input, and field assessments. You don't need prior data to get started.