Together, We Design ― Vol. 01

Together, We Design

Vol. 01

Stories of Giving Back Through Community Partnership

"Helping others is simply the right thing to do for a better world.” ― Mark Jolicoeur, Perkins&Will

Design From the Heart 2020 and 2021 have taught us much about ourselves, our place in the world, and our purpose. Amid the many challenges of the last two years, we also saw moments of beauty, warmth, and humanity. We were reminded that there is still good in the world. A lot of it.

Through our Social Purpose program, we’ve partnered with inspiring organizations that extend a hand to people in need—from children and teens experiencing homelessness to communities in areas at high risk for natural disasters. These organizations, and the people behind them, are everyday heroes: They see a problem and do everything they can to help. They make people’s lives better.

Design has the power to make people’s lives better, too. That’s why we’re proud to collaborate with these heroes on projects designed from the heart—places and spaces that create joy and strengthen the spirit of community. As we move forward in 2022, we wish to honor them by telling—and celebrating— their stories, which have moved us immeasurably. We hope they’ll move you, too.

To all of our Social Purpose partners, thank you for making a positive difference in our communities. May the New Year bring you peace, love, and happiness.

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What's Inside

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Together, We Design ― Vol. 01

Education

Living to Learn & Learning to Live

According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 1 in 5 children—or 263 million kids worldwide—is excluded from education. Access is the first step toward solving this problem. Sometimes that includes providing a space to learn, or an open environment to play. Design’s role is to engage and enchant, simultaneously inspiring and focusing young minds to build a better future.

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Nesting Together The Nest ― Los Angeles, California

A free downtown Los Angeles preschool empowers homeless families to thrive

For Vickie Kropenske, Director at Hope Street Margolis Family Center (HSMFC) in Los Angeles, the top priority is the local children and their parents. The organization serves families experiencing economic hardship and homelessness in Central LA, where even those fortunate enough to have a roof over

"We would not have been successful without our partners working together for this common mission." ― Vickie Kropenske, Hope Street Margolis Family Center

their heads face the area’s cramped housing situation. “Some families are sharing a onebedroom apartment with two other families,” she explains. “There’s literally no floor space for children in the apartment, so we sometimes see motor delays in them at school.”

Creating this space for young minds to explore

“There’s a one-year-old girl whose parents were

and play topped the list of must-haves when

able to get back to work, but she has a birth

HSMFC partnered with us on The Nest, an

trauma that left her without use of her left arm,”

ambitious, forward-thinking preschool designed

Kropenske says. “The parents were reluctant to

to serve local homeless or otherwise struggling

leave her, but because of the confidence they

families and their children. Located near the

have in the center, we were able to enroll her.”

University of Southern California (USC) in a downtown LA church, the “rebirth of the space,” as Kropenske calls it, the school will offer free education to 32 children (as of this writing, the waitlist includes more than 200 children) of various ages, including infants.

Public support for the project only grew as word got out. “It brought in people for fundraising.

Contractors donated their services, and some of the materials were donated,” says Ashley Stoner, an architect and designer at Perkins&Will. “The community really rallied around what we’re trying to do with this new space.”

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The design itself proved challenging, however, considering the relatively tight interior and what HSMFC hoped to achieve inside once children start using the space. One large room would

32 children will learn here every day

eventually turn into three separate classrooms, other classes going on. Preschools come with a

200+

35-square-feet-per-child requirement, meaning

on the waitlist

all of which needed to function without hearing

that the rooms within The Nest needed minimal dividers to maximize play space.

18 months youngest age enrolled

Why "The Nest?"

The name refers to a close-knit, nurturing environment. Low, curved walls and a felt curtain reminiscent of bird feathers separate the spaces, while recycled cork flooring and more felt on the light fixtures aid in sound absorption. Bursts of color, from neon orange and teal to a grass-like green, bring a fun vibrancy to the environment. Color makes its way up to the ceiling, giving the children a point of visual interest as they lie on their backs or move around the room. “The design is so thoughtful in all the ways you want to see in Color makes its way up to the ceiling, giving the children a point of visual interest as they lie on their backs or move around the room.

a facility for young children,” Kropenske says.

“The teachers are really excited about the practicality of the space.”

“The design is so thoughtful in all the ways you want to see in a facility for young children.” ― Vickie Kropenske, Hope Street Margolis Family Center

Before The Nest opened, children were brought in for a photoshoot. “They immediately knew how to use it. There was no explanation; they had a fantastic time,” Stoner says. “That’s what you really want to see in your work, it being truly embraced by the users.”

HSMFC has been able to maintain much of their services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a reliable place to turn to in southern California, the state with the highest homeless population in the U.S. Now, with The Nest ready to start classes but still awaiting a license to accept students full-time, the preschool's full impact on the community that supported it isn’t far off. “The Nest is really an effort to provide environments for children that are nurturing in terms of health and overall development,” Kropenske says. “We would not have been successful without our partners working together for this common mission.” 

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Low, curved walls and a felt curtain reminiscent of the way feathers lay on a bird separate the spaces.

Play Time Hello Baby ― Chicago, Illinois

Caregivers in Chicago's underserved neighborhoods now have a safe dedicated play space for their children

Debbie Frisch put her career on pause at age

That meant moving into a more public sphere

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that could act as a visible resource for the

experience of motherhood awakened something

community.

inside her. Once her own children entered the Chicago school system, she started volunteering as a foster mother. In total, 56 children under the age of 5 have been in Frisch’s personal care. “I fell head over heels in love with each child,” she says. “I found the mission that I was put on Earth to follow.”

Hello Baby—the first freestanding, free-ofcharge drop-in play space in the U.S.—opened in July 2017 in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood.

Frisch founded it with two goals: to create a safe place for historically marginalized children in under-resourced neighborhoods to play with each other, and to alleviate the social isolation

The experience led her to meet many local

many parents feel. “The mothers I’ve worked

families struggling in the city’s social service

with over the years often describe themselves

system: Their children didn't have “healthy, safe

as lonely, helpless, and hopeless,” she recalls. “I

opportunities for play,” she explains. “When I

wanted caregivers to share the joys, challenges,

received an unexpected inheritance, I knew I

and worries of raising children and help lift each

could grow this mission to reach more families.”

other up.”

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“I wanted caregivers to share the joys, challenges, and worries of raising children and help lift each other up.” ―Debbie Frisch, Hello Baby

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“We are energized by the children who visit and inspired by the caregivers who share their experiences. Hello Baby has surpassed my wildest dreams.

As I work in the space, I see the design components come to life in the ways they were intended and beyond.” ―Debbie Frisch, Hello Baby

Coat hooks hung at an accessible height for toddlers resemble berry bushes, green carpet mimics grass, and acoustic ceiling baffles are shaped like clouds.

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Designed in collaboration with our Chicago

Within months of opening, Hello Baby has

studio, the 1,000-square-foot indoor space

distributed clothes, toys, and diapers in

features a warm, sensible design with a variety

addition to offering community-building

of socialization areas for different age groups,

activities and services. As of this writing, over

from infants to their caregivers. Located near

18,000 play sessions have been facilitated, and

Washington Park on Chicago's South Side,

Frisch is looking to open a second location

Hello Baby takes its design inspiration from

in West Englewood. “We are energized by

nature and the outdoors. Coat hooks hung

the children who visit and inspired by the

at an accessible height for toddlers resemble

caregivers who share their experiences,” she

berry bushes, green carpet mimics grass, and

adds. “Hello Baby has surpassed my wildest

acoustic ceiling baffles are shaped like clouds.

dreams. As I work in the space, I see the design

“Perkins&Will created a fun and successful

components come to life in the ways they were

template from which we can thrive and grow,”

intended and beyond.” 

Frisch says. “This is no ordinary space, and that has made all the difference.”

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Community

A Seat at the Table

Community-building can mean many things to many people, but no matter what form it takes, it always makes people and places better. The spaces we’ve helped design also serve as safe havens, places for entertainment, and conversation-starters. From giving social caseworkers a home base to designing a vibrant dance studio for underserved high school kids, the stories you’ll read here are all about bringing people together for a universal good.

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In Full Swing A Space to Soar ― Atlanta, Georgia

How an Atlanta dance nonprofit found its groove in a new space

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In 1986, Moving in the Spirit co-founders Dana Lupton, Leach Mann, and Genene Stewart started teaching after-school dance lessons in Atlanta to get kids more engaged with the arts. Over 35 years later, the youth development program now welcomes 250 students ages 3 to 18 through its doors each year—the entire student body boasting a 100% high school graduation rate.

“We believe all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive. This is a safe space for them to strengthen their social and emotional and physical skills that will build them into leaders they are destined to be,” says Stewart.

“How we use the space is going to have a direct impact on them.”

The organization, however, spent much of its history without a permanent home—moving from space to space throughout the Atlanta area. Ambitions have since grown as well, with hopes to double their student capacity and expand programming. So in 2014, we began looking into designing a new facility.

“We believe all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive. This is a safe space for them to strengthen their social and emotional and physical skills that will build them into leaders they are destined to be.” ― Genene Stewart, Moving in the Spirit

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Gray paneling clads the exterior while large purple windows add a splash of character and contrast, also referencing Moving in the Spirit’s brand colors.

At a certain time of day, natural light turns the inside of the studio bright violet.

“Moving in the Spirit’s students come from a

“They’re such a fun, playful group,” adds Leach.

diverse background, but a lot of them wouldn’t

“Their home now has a face to match the

ordinarily have this kind of exposure to the

wonderful work that the organization does. It’s

arts,” says Katlyn Leach, project architect and

a welcoming atmosphere for students and the

associate in our Atlanta studio. “Every person at

community alike.”

the organization is just a ray of light. We were inspired by them, so we were determined to find a way to help.”

The over 21,000-square-foot facility was completed in March 2020 as part of a larger development by the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid

We completed most of the design work on the

Transit Authority (MARTA), ensuring easy access

new studio, which the organization named

for students and families who may not have a

A Space to Soar, pro-bono. As of this writing,

car. Gray paneling clads the exterior while large

it's one of the largest standalone, ground-up

purple windows add a splash of character and

construction projects we’ve ever led as part of

contrast, also referencing Moving in the Spirit’s

our Social Purpose program. The design is

brand colors. At a certain time of day, natural

meant to reflect the students.

light turns the inside of the studio bright violet.

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"Their home now has a face to match the wonderful work that the organization does. It’s a welcoming atmosphere for students and the community alike.” ― Katlyn Leach, Perkins&Will

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500

can be in the studio at one time, doubling capacity over the previous location

291

students served virtually during the pandemic

100%

high school graduation rate

Key cards grant students and teachers access

“They are all magnificent people with wonderful

to the second-floor, where most of the classes

but humble dreams to help the kids around

are held. As an exclusive feature for the young

them,” Leach says.

performers, a stairwell leading from the performers’ preparation space down to the firstfloor stage and theater features a quote applied to the wall: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. “It’s been a fun way for the kids to get a dash of encouragement just before they hit the stage,” says Lupton.

The organization has since nicknamed it the “transformation stairway.”

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the finished studio to delay its official opening as Atlanta shut down. Moving in the Spirit served 291 students throughout the year.

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Virtual programming was offered over livestream until the organization finally welcomed the community back in October 2021. At long last, students and teachers can use the new space together, and continue to creatively and responsibly enrich the community around them.

“The design team really helped us realize a vibrant, exciting home base for our students to spread their wings,” says Lupton. “We are elated to finally have this home base to do what we love most." 

Together, We Design ― Vol. 01

“The design team really helped us realize a vibrant, exciting home base for our students to spread their wings. We are elated to finally have this home base to do what we love most." ― Dana Lupton, Moving in the Spirit

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This completely recyclable fort is made of just four materials: steel, bamboo, rope, and zip ties.

4,000 feet of bamboo

2,000 feet of rope

800 zip ties

80,000+ visitors over 4 months

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Together, We Design ― Vol. 01

Spotlight ― Fortlandia

Playground Rules Collaborating with community to create a festive playground in Austin

For the last several years, the Lady

The designers partnered with an

Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in

A-team of local craftspeople, including

Austin, Texas has hosted Fortlandia, an

a structural engineer, a steel fabricator,

outdoor exhibition of locally designed

and a bamboo harvester, to create a

play spaces that hearken to the idea

fort made of just four materials: steel,

of the “forts” we build as children. Held

bamboo, rope, and zip ties. Since each

at a local arboretum from October to

piece of bamboo was cut by hand with

January, this unique festival invites the

special Japanese saws, it took the team

community to see, touch, and immerse

two weeks to complete construction.

themselves in art. For 2020’s event, our

Afterward, on Fortlandia's opening

Austin team designed the completely

weekend, the team got to see children

recyclable Tubes ‘n’ Tunnels, one of

safely crawl through, climb, and jump

nine explorable forts along the mile-

on the complete Tubes 'n' Tunnels to

long collection. “We loved the concept

their heart's content. “The way a kid

of Forlandia and just wanted to make

experiences these environments is not

something we would have wanted to

always the way a grown-up would,”

explore and play on as kids,” says Lynn

says Petermann. “We wanted to create

Petermann, an architect in our Austin

a place that allows them to explore on

studio. “It was a labor of love.”

their own terms.” 

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A Show of Support Community Partners of Dallas ― Dallas, Texas

Child Protective Services caseworkers get a modern home base in Dallas

In creating a space dedicated to children’s

"Case workers have negative experiences

well-being and protection, Community

all day; the person behind the door they're

Partners of Dallas strove to build something

knocking on is not happy to see them," says

that is as much for adults as it is for kids. The

Community Partners of Dallas President and

charity needed a new facility to house young

CEO Paige McDaniel. Adds Melissa Cooksey, an

people brought in from inhospitable and even

Associate Principal in our Dallas studio: "They

dangerous living situations. But the organizers

see a lot but they are so generous with their

also wanted it to double as a home base for

time. So it was really important for us to uplift

local caseworkers, many of whom normally work

these caseworkers. That's what the space was

out of their cars between visits to households

designed to do."

deemed potentially unsafe for children.

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“They are so generous with their time. So anything to uplift these caseworkers. That’s what the space was designed to do.” ― Melissa Cooksey, Perkins&Will

One of Community Partners' major partners provided all the glass that now bathes the main atrium in natural light.

In addition to being an interior designer at Perkins&Will, Cooksey is an advocate for Community Partners of Dallas, and was serving on their auxiliary board when the project came about. So when McDaniel mentioned her vision for a new home, Cooksey saw an opportunity to help through our Social Purpose program.

“Without the architects, the end result would never have been what it turned out to be,” McDaniel says.

Located in an industrial park, the two-story building was in disrepair and the first-floor slab and skylight needed a complete renovation.

One of Community Partners' major partners provided all the glass that now bathes the main atrium in natural light. “We’re not Google, but we wanted it to appeal to caseworkers, many of whom are young and right out of college,” McDaniel explains.

Amenities include a warehouse, collaboration spaces, a dedicated workspace for caseworkers, and a shop filled with clothes, juice, hygiene products, and more—all free for caseworkers and children.

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“We’re not Google, but we wanted it to appeal to caseworkers, many of whom are young and right out of college." ― Paige McDaniel, Community Partners of Dallas

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A light feature of suspended colored pencils in the charity’s brand colors hangs from the ceiling in a hallway of administrative offices.

A light feature of suspended colored pencils in the charity’s brand colors hangs from the ceiling in a hallway of administrative offices. Amenities include a warehouse, collaboration spaces, a dedicated workspace for caseworkers, and a shop filled with clothes, juice, hygiene products, and more—all free for caseworkers and children.

The space stays open overnight for the Night Response Unit, which allows children to sleep safely and comfortably. Bedrooms take on the look of small cottages and incorporate illustrations by a local child psychologist.

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Community Partners of Dallas’ new home has been open since 2019 and, according to McDaniel, is often busy. “I’m looking out my office window right now and the place is bustling with people other than our staff,” she says. “They love it, and it really has become a touch point for Child Protective Services. We have used the space in so many different and unexpected ways.” 

"They love it, and it really has become a touch point for Child Protective Services.

We have used the space in so many different and unexpected ways.” ― Paige McDaniel, Community Partners of Dallas

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An Open Invitation Corner Commons ― Toronto, Canada

A shopping mall’s parking lot becomes a seasonal gathering and event space in Toronto

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On one particularly busy street corner in Toronto’s Jane Finch neighborhood, one would normally find a sizable parking lot outside the eponymous strip mall. But in summer 2021, local nonprofit the Jane Finch Centre turned the underutilized space into a bustling outdoor community center designed to host gatherings, art exhibitions, and other events. “In the past, it’s been a natural gathering point for rallies and such,” says Ernestine Aying, Community Design Coordinator at the Jane Finch Centre.

“Having that public space where people felt safe, especially during COVID, was definitely needed.”

The organization’s mission is to reduce poverty in the area through a range of programs that include community engagement and social justice advocacy.

As we were working on a resilience strategy with the City of Toronto, municipal leaders pointed us to the Jane Finch Centre as a resource. “[The outdoor lot] is a space that the residents can kind of own and do what they want for free without having to get approval from an owner,” explains Clara Stewart-Robertson, the Centre’s manager.

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In 2019, the organization ran a one-week

That the project is outdoors certainly helped,

pop-up in the parking lot just to test out what

but the design team still had to take social

might be needed before our design team

distancing protocols into consideration. In fact,

started assisting. But as development of a more

the team was only able to ensure the project

semi-permanent offering continued into 2020,

happened by including a large painting on the

conversations about the abundance of greenery

asphalt—an abstract depiction of a creek—that

and logistics surrounding shading inevitably

made it easy for people to stay six feet apart.

turned to COVID. “What would it look like to

In the end, however, “it was probably the most

support gathering at a time when you’re not

successful component of the design,” says Clint

supposed to gather?” says Stewart-Robertson.

Langevin, an architect in our Toronto studio.

Aying agrees: “It’s the standout. It had such a great impact on the community.”

“Having that public space where people felt safe, especially during COVID, was definitely needed.” ― Ernestine Aying, Jane Finch Centre

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The approach to the rest of the layout was modular so that the shade structures and stage could be easily moved and taken down. The architects, along with staff from the Centre and a host of volunteers built the pieces by hand.

The Jane Finch Centre team was responsible for the colors, which stand out from the surrounding apartments while matching the greenery in the planters dotting the space. The palette was vibrant throughout to contrast the gray of the sidewalks, intersection, and overall surroundings.

“It immediately feels like a destination,” says Eunice Wong, an urban designer in our Toronto studio. “There are buses and trucks everywhere, but here’s something more joyful.”

Stories of Giving Back through Community Partnership

Once the space opened, under the name Corner Commons, the community became engaged immediately. “A lot of people became regulars to the spot—enjoying their morning coffee and coming back later to hang out,” Aying says. Locals brought their children for activities that the Jane Finch Centre curated. An artist showcase in September 2021 was particularly inspiring. “Artists in the neighborhood just took it on as their own space as if it had always been there,” StewartRobertson says. Even when there weren’t planned activities, people made use of this designated area, bringing down barbecues and folding chairs to hang out at night.

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“Artists in the neighborhood just took it on as their own space as if it had always been there.” ― Clara Stewart-Robertson, Jane Finch Centre

Even the security guards of the adjacent strip mall took part, protecting a place technically outside their jurisdiction. When Corner Commons held a COVID-19 vaccine clinic, many of those guards got vaccinated on-site.

At the end of the summer, when the Jane Finch Centre had to take Corner Commons down for Toronto’s inclement colder months, community members kept asking if it would return. “I think we have to bring it back,” Aying says. The mall is currently in the early planning process of redeveloping, and Corner Commons is continually brought up in conversation, according to Stewart-Robertson. “It’s up for discussion right now, but I think we’ll be back again as a temporary space next summer.” 

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Spotlight ― The Broad's Way

The Show Goes On Virtual drag shows during the pandemic raise funds for one LGBTQ+-focused organization

The entertainment industry struggled during the

In partnership with The Broad’s Way, our

COVID-19 pandemic, as restrictions shut down

Houston and Austin studios supported two

theaters and live shows. For drag performers,

virtual drag shows on behalf of The Next

many of whom fund their acts themselves, the

Generation Project, an organization dedicated

situation was dire. But in Houston, Texas, the

to distributing resources to Black and Brown

show was able to go on at The Broad’s Way—the

Trans people in need. All proceeds went toward

city’s only Broadway-themed drag venue. The

providing mental health services and other

musical theater revue live-streamed drag shows

resources for BIPOC trans or non-binary people

on the live-streaming platform Twitch.

who need financial help. 

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Spotlight ― In Honor of MLK

Talking Freedom A virtual roundtable honors the significance of Emancipation Park on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Established in 1872 by people who were formerly

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2021. This free event,

enslaved, Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas

which had nearly 100 attendees, featured a

reflects the pride, resilience, and hope of its

conversation between vice chairman of the

founders. Beyond being the oldest park in the

Emancipation Park Conservancy Jacqueline

state, it also was the only one in the area open to

Bostic and architect Kenneth Luker, and included

the Black community during the Jim Crow years.

an open Q&A session.

Now, nearly a century and a half later, the 10acre park continues to serve the neighborhood as a monument of freedom and civil rights.

Bostic and Luker explored how community engagement and purposeful design can build a bridge to the past and where we hope to see

To highlight the historical significance of the park

progress. Their conversation brought to light

and its recent redesign—led by our late friend

the importance of listening with empathy and

and colleague Phil Freelon (1953-2019)—we

acting with humanity to create meaningful

organized a virtual roundtable discussion on

change.  

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Climate Justice

Sea Change

The United Nations reports that natural disasters are happening three times more often than they were 50 years ago. When it comes to designing spaces that provide aid and shelter, the approach needs to be community-driven. That’s why, when a pair of devastating earthquakes hit Puerto Rico in early 2020, we sprang into action with several nonprofits.

Together, we laid the groundwork to design and build a shelter for Puerto Rico residents seeking refuge from earthquakes, hurricanes, and superstorms. The result will be a beacon of hope, even when the next natural disaster strikes.

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A Symbol of Hope Guanica Community Center ― Puerto Rico

A variety of organizations come together for disaster relief in Puerto Rico

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Together, We Design ― 2021

“We will simply be better positioned to protect more families and kids.

It was a no-brainer.” ― Carmen Cosme, One Stop Career Center of Puerto Rico

On January 6, 2020, a 5.8 magnitude

The U.S. Federal Emergency Management

earthquake rocked Puerto Rico. The next

Agency’s (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Assistance

day, a second earthquake—this one with

program granted the project $8.5 million and

a magnitude of 6.4—struck. Both left the

brought the various teams together. Identifying

southern part of the island in shambles, and

the right site became the next step. We chose

not long after two different hurricanes had

a high, dry area with close proximity to three

battered the island. The affected Guánica

towns. “It’s not just Guánica that will have

Municipality, one of poorest of the U.S.

access, but the wider community of the area,”

territory, has a population of roughly 5,000

says Carmen Cosme, Executive Director of One

people and no designated shelter for natural

Stop Career Center of Puerto Rico, one of the

disasters. The elementary schools typically

nonprofits. “We will simply be better positioned

used for such emergencies were severely

to protect more families and kids. It was a

damaged during the earthquakes, forcing

no-brainer.”

affected local families to live out of tents in the aftermath. The municipality quickly partnered with us, as well as a host of nonprofits and an academic institution, to design and build the Guánica Resilient Community Center & Emergency Shelter.

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"We carefully considered what it would be like for people using it during a disaster." ― Yanel de Angel, Perkins&Will

For the new shelter, every area needs to have

And when an emergency does happen,

the dual purpose of functioning as a community

everything from the arrangement of sleeping

space while being able to flip to an emergency

areas and pandemic protocols to companion

center at a moment’s notice. “It takes a village

animal admittance and shower usage

to do a project like this because we’re all doing

will have been thoughtfully planned out.

it on a volunteer basis,” says Yanel de Angel,

The other, much smaller, area will be the

Managing Director of our Boston studio,

physicians’ office, complete with a cabinet

who is a native of Puerto Rico. Originally, the

that doubles as a pharmacy.

municipality wanted a hangar-like structure that would remain empty absent any emergencies.

But the combined teams saw an opportunity for a year-round community space. “We carefully considered what it would be like for the people using it during a disaster,” says Jesabel Rivera, an executive director at Voluntariado de Ingenieros who co-managed the project with de Angel.

But getting the project on its feet has required resilience from everyone involved, as regulatory processes and project modifications have led to construction delays. The design team and client alike have had to continually pivot.

“Municipalities don’t always have money set aside to pay professionals to do all the due diligence necessary for something like a technical submission,” de Angel explains.

Once the shelter opens in 2024, it will be the

“Also, all of the grant money awarded to the

size of about two basketball courts. The main

municipality doesn’t always make it to the

space will house community services, where

nonprofits involved.”

legal and mental health professionals can safely meet with clients.

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With the devastation caused by the

But the new community center will still get

earthquakes, not to mention Hurricanes Maria

to stand for something bigger. “Three main

and Irma in 2017, many Puerto Ricans have

organizations that barely knew each other

been losing hope—to the point where the rate

partnered up to do the best for the people in a

of suicide on the island has risen. That’s all

transparent way,” Cosme says. “This project is

the more reason why recovery and resilience

an exemplary testament to what can happen

planning are so urgent. “Our success is not

when we work together.” 

something to be romanticized,” Rivera adds.

“All this effort is not sustainable to do all over again; the system needs to change.”

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Housing Security

A Roof Over Our Heads

As of January 2020, an estimated 580,000 people in the U.S. are experiencing homelessness, according to a 2021 report from the Office of Policy Development and Research. That number is only expected to rise once the data reflects the pandemic years. In the pages ahead, you’ll read about organizations that are bringing real change to the lives of people struggling with housing insecurity—and about how design has the power to uplift, inspire, and comfort them.

Stories of Giving Back through Community Partnership

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A Bigger Home YouthCare South Seattle Shelter ― Seattle, Washington

COVID protocols inspire a more comfortable situation for some of Seattle’s homeless youth

20+

socially distanced beds

115

people served

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For YouthCare’s South Seattle shelter for homeless youth, the pandemic presented a problem. “It was really small. There was no ability to social distance,” says Suzanne Sullivan, Chief Advancement Officer at the organization, which is committed to ending youth homelessness. By September 2020, the City of Seattle was pushing to eliminate all congregate sleeping areas that couldn’t adhere to COVID-19 protocols; this meant the shelter’s bed count would be slashed by 25%. At the time, we were already working with YouthCare on upgrading a space where they keep donated goods. They asked us to pivot and create a new space that allows the shelter to maintain capacity while inhabitants remain safely distanced.

With a hard deadline—YouthCare would lose federal funding if the design and construction invoices weren't filed for by December 31—we had to act quickly.

YouthCare approached us on September 6. By the 25, we filed for a permit to transform a former beauty supply store near the old location into a more spacious shelter. “We knew we needed to stay in the area. We didn’t want the people we’re helping to have to pay for public transportation just to get to our safety net for them,” Sullivan says. “This new location actually makes it easier for young people to find and access us.”

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Before

After

Roughly 60% of the teens that come through YouthCare South Seattle’s doors self-identify as

"Experiencing homelessness is extremely stressful, so having creative outlets is incredibly important to help relieve that stress.” ― Suzanne Sullivan, YouthCare

Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC).

The reasons they come range from financial stressors to substance abuse to their families rejecting their gender or sexual identity. The organization has also worked with local law enforcement to recognize it as a safe space to bring struggling young people they might normally arrest on the street. “Say a young person is caught shoplifting because they’re hungry and don’t have any food or resources, and someone calls the police,” Sullivan says.

“The police can bring that person to us instead of charging them with a crime.”

The new shelter, which opened in January 2021, houses 20 beds. Guests are typically permitted to stay up to 90 days (extensions may be granted depending on one’s circumstances), the goal being to move them into a more permanent situation. “It’s really important for us to not only get them into housing, but keep them there,” Sullivan explains. “We check in at six months, a year, and 18 months, and at that point, the likelihood of them returning to homelessness drops significantly.”

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Together, We Design ― Vol. 01

But during their stay, this shelter will offer a bit more hospitality. Rather than arriving to rows of cots cramped together on the floor, a receptionist welcomes guests to the main room,

"This new location actually makes it easier for young people to find and access us." ― Suzanne Sullivan, YouthCare

where they are assigned their own DOME sleep pod—a dignified sleeping solution we designed to support LA homeless shelters. DOME allows for a more acoustically sound sleeping space and semi-private nook that each guest can call their own. We also designed the sleeping area so that, in the future, it can increase capacity by up to 10 beds.

In addition to the main room, we included showers, laundry, a small food service space, and a dedicated recording studio. “Experiencing homelessness is extremely stressful, so having Rethought versions of the DOME sleep pod we designed rest several feet apart in the main room.

Learn more about DOME ⇒

Stories of Giving Back through Community Partnership

creative outlets is incredibly important to help relieve that stress,” Sullivan explains. “If people are feeling good, it has a bit of a chain reaction.

A rising tide raises all ships, right?”

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Since opening, the new shelter has served 115 young people in need of a place to stay. “You walk in and some are reading or drawing in their pod while others are gathered around the communal table, and it feels like home,” says Sullivan.

“We couldn’t have done this without Perkins&Will’s design and buildout. It really is a cornerstone to delivering stability to these young people.” 

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Spotlight ― Housing Forward

For the Long-Term A Chicago organization trying to end homelessness readies its first permanent solution for those in need

Having served the greater Chicago area since

he and team of designers rehabilitated the

1992, Housing Forward pivoted to a more

nonprofit’s daytime support center. So in the

housing-focused approach to their mission to

summer of 2020, we agreed to design Housing

end homelessness about 15 years ago. Now,

Forward's first supportive housing development.

with our help, they’re preparing to construct their first permanent supportive housing facility—an option that caters to individuals and families without a sufficient source of income or impacted by a longterm disability. “It’s a very specialized type of housing for a niche segment of the homeless population that needs supportive services onsite,” says Lynda Schueler, Housing Forward's Executive Director.

Mark Jolicoeur, a principal in our Chicago studio, has had a personal relationship with Housing Forward for 25 years. His wife regularly volunteers for the organization, and in 2009,

Once complete, the three-story, 16-unit building will be home to up to 30 residents and include ground-floor office space for staff. “They’re going to have something that’s truly customized and built for the needs of their residents,” says designer and project manager Amina Helstern.

The building will be the first of many supportive housing developments for Housing Forward.

“We’re putting a stake in the ground,” Schueler says. “Once open, we’ll have made a small dent in ending homelessness, this time with a population we haven’t been able to serve in the past.” 

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Together, We Design ― Vol. 01

Healthcare Access

In Good Health

Recent data from the World Health Organization indicates that roughly half the world’s population doesn’t have access to essential health services. This is where a handful of small but ambitious organizations have stepped in. From a nonprofit committed to keeping children with their mothers as their moms recover from drug addiction, to a clinic in the Midwest focused on care for the LGBTQ+ community, here are the stories of ordinary people helping other people get the care they deserve. Design, as you’ll see, plays an important role in creating an effective healing environment.

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Chosen Families Family Tree Clinic ― Minneapolis, Minnesota

A growing Midwest LGBTQ+ clinic plants a flag in a fresh new spot

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Together, We Design ― Vol. 01

Serving patients from seven U.S. states and

And so, Family Tree tapped us to see if a new

Canada, Family Tree Clinic in Minneapolis—a

space could be designed and built on a slim

regional leader in affordable medical care

budget. “In Minneapolis, there are a handful

for the trans, non-binary, and gender-

of clinics that express their support during

nonconforming communities—has more

Pride,” says Perkins&Will project manager

than outgrown its previous home.

Lindsey Evenson. “But Family Tree is one

Until late 2021, the clinic was housed in a section of an old elementary school, which lacked the functionality of a healthcare facility, privacy for the patients, and adequate space. “We have a wait list because we only have a certain number of exam rooms,” says

of the only clinics specializing in this kind of care in the region." Talks of renovations eventually turned into plans for a whole new building with a second-floor clinic—for enhanced privacy—and a community gathering space on the ground level.

Executive Director Alissa Light. “It’s hard not being able to help everyone asking for it.”

Stories of Giving Back through Community Partnership

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33,000 people can be served per year in the new clinic

7+1

U.S. states served, plus Canada The skylight shines down on the yellow stairwell, representing a beacon of hope.

For Light, the goal has always been to get more patients through the clinic's doors. “I recently saw an 83-year-old woman who had come in for her first gender-affirming hormone care. She said to me, ‘Not only did I feel listened to, but that I had dignity,’” Light recalls. “I think about someone like that in this beautiful new building, where we’ll have higher capacity to give really life-changing, life-saving care.”

Inside, bright colors are juxtaposed with raw concrete floors for a more sophisticated aesthetic. Local LGBTQ+ and BIPOC artists will paint murals on the curved façade, as well as inside. “The team infused a commitment to art throughout the entire building. In our neighborhood, this conveys where we get our healing from,” Light explains.

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“We’ll have higher capacity to give really life-changing, life-saving care.” ― Alissa Light, Family Tree Clinic

Local LGBTQ+ and BIPOC artists will paint murals on the curved façade, as well as inside.

Stories of Giving Back through Community Partnership

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The design team created a layout with open

As of this writing, Family Tree is moving into

seating and office areas to minimize the number

the new space we designed for them and

of walls, giving Light and her team some

expects to accept patients there by the end of

flexibility for the future as their patient roster

the year. Now, Family Tree’s community—from

continues to grow. Her favorite aspect of the

struggling teens to those finally able to seek

space, however, is the skylight that shines down

medical validation at a more mature point in

on the yellow stairwell. To the clinic's staff and

their lives—will visit a place built and designed

patients it represents a beacon of hope. “When

for them, rather than repurposed classrooms.

our founder took a hard hat tour of the space,

“Our communities have to have this. They

she was speechless,” Light adds. “Family Tree’s

deserve nice things, too,” Light says. “This is

values of listening and belonging are baked into

a demonstration of what’s possible around a

the design—you see that you matter here.”

healing environment, and I really believe life-changing care will be happening here for decades.” 

“I really believe lifechanging care will be happening here for decades.” ― Alissa Light, Family Tree Clinic

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Aim high and know when to scale down: Our BIG idea (the bus) became an extraordinarily strong PR piece that grabbed people’s attention, the story was relatable and humane. Besides from the challenges we found along the way people were listening. It made clear that our solution got to the root of equity and that more than ever we needed to challenge the status quo and redesign the way under-served communities are served.

On the other hand, our big idea required many resources, especially connections that were outside of our network.

This situation brought us to the need to “scale down” and focus on some of the elements from the original idea which could still be implemented and built as proof of concept.

Spotlight ― New York Mobile Response In April 2020 it became clear that greatly increased testing was needed to evaluate and control the spread of the Coronavirus. Under this reality, which brought to the surface strong racial and income healthcare disparities, our incubator focused on answering the following question:

Learn more about our Minimal Viable Product

New York Strong

How can we develop a testing solution that is quick and cost-effective to implement, and bring it directly to underserved, high-risk communities?

An agile response:

Partnerships matter (Internal and External) Behind this project there is a team of

passionate multi-disciplinary Perkins & Bringing COVID-19 neighborhoods in and need At the onset of the project our team identified fivehealthcare key parameters to to define Will members which for the past 6 months the success of the testing process: mobility, accessibility, speed, flexibility, shared their expertise and diverse points ease of implementation, and scalability. Under this framework, we explored of view. Architects, interior designers, the refitting of vehicles that could be quickly converted into mobile testing strategists, video producers and product centers.

When it came to the delivery of safe and solution could be adapted to their needs.inAnd designers with experience workplace, healthcare, science and technology and accessible healthcare, the COVID-19 pandemic so, we designed another solution: the pop-up To address the ease of implementation, connection to the communities data analytics came together to come up and universality of the response, our starting point was the re-purposing of sounded the alarm throughout underserved care unit. with a holistic and human centric solution. underutilized school buses.

communities. In those early months of the

Compassion, relationship building, and equity doesn’t stop The importance of partnerships Our concept is equitable and responsive. outbreaks occur in different lockdown, we responded with a As mobile testing at the internal level. By sharing arebe at the core of NYCR’s mission—pillars that our idea with locations, deployable healthcare units respond in real-time and can the public and inviting Arup and New York lab concept that would make use of New York quickly assembled by under-served communities. The system gathers wereessential challenged during thetopandemic because City Relief participate, we learned about geolocation and test-result data, allowing real-time City’s 9,500 school buses, which sat idly data feedback-loop to service and digital design and got to pilot of the need to limit face-to-face interactions. help authorities with strategic decision-making. during the pandemic, to provide COVID-19 our project with the people that matter the With this in mind, our pop-up care unit is a most: our end users. testing in vulnerable neighborhoods What a great idea! Now what? experiencing outbreaks.

modular, portable huddle room that safely

Reaching out and making connections allows When we submitted to the innovation incubator our team was sure aboutNYCR one to continue their advocacy efforts matters, especially in a time like this. thing: we project wanted to quickly prototype idea and get the mobile up and and The Bronx.

The team identified sixour key parameters in bus Manhattan running. With this in mind our scope focused on developing a roadmap to that definewhich the success of theexplore testing implementation would further theprocess: technical components of our Featured in the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian “off-the-shelf” system. mobility, accessibility, speed, flexibility, ease of Meet2020 our amazing Design Museum, as well as their Yearteam! in

implementation, scalability.

Soon after the However when reaching and out to experts such as medical staff and Review, health both the mobile test lab and the authorities as part of our technical research, we came across barriers that design for the mobile testing solution design was pop-up care unit are publicly available for we were not expecting. People loved the idea but until a prototype was built shared publicly, New York Relief (NYCR)—an as proof of concept it was going to City be hard to move the concept further.

We others to create flexible mobile solutions that foundorganization ourselves in a serving “chicken those and thestruggling egg” situation: withhow much more can we We stand behind bea adapted for other purposes. our BIG idea: design without a client? versus, will we ever get a client if we don’tcan have full homelessness—reached out to find out how our design?

After 6 months of diving into our research In the process of making connections we were introduced to New York City Relief, an organization that serves those who struggle with homelessness.

question we stand behind the idea that healthcare MUST be accessible to EVERYONE, In the process we found that

Recipe for Success Success House ― Ft. Bend County, Texas

A startup focused on rehabilitating women with addiction will give a second chance to moms and their children

Strength and fortitude are baked into Success

Session-Shanklin has a sprawling vision for a

House—A Road to Recovery, Inc.'s mission to keep

space that meets the organization’s needs,

mothers and their children together. “It’s not just

and we’re helping her bring it to life. “It’ll be a

about sobriety,” says President and CEO Rhonda

long-term facility with a clinic, classrooms, and

J. Session-Shanklin. “For the mothers who have

a childhood development center,” she explains.

young children, it’s about giving them a fresh

On top of that, she wants the space to feel

start and a positive experience before the kids

welcoming, like a home with the look of a

start school.”

luxury hotel. “Some of these women do not

Keeping the recovering mother with her child is central to the organization’s ethos, as is providing an environment that is safe and healthy for all. However, a space dedicated entirely to Success House is a new venture for

have a home,” she adds. “They have not been to a place that looks like we anticipate their success. Our place is called Success House because when they leave, they’re going to be a success.”

the recently founded nonprofit.

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"For the mothers who have young children, it's about giving them a fresh start and a positive experience." ― Rhonda J. Session-Shanklin, Success House

The concept for the 55,000-square-foot center has all the living quarters on the second floor, away from the noise of the clinic, cafeteria, and other gathering spaces on the ground level. The light-filled chapel will be on the second floor, surrounded by glass to create a jewel box effect.

With children on the grounds, ample outdoor space will be paramount, too. “We have been blown away by the design process. We see how much care, time, and effort has gone into it,” Session-Shanklin says.

Though Success House will require security on the grounds, the design team worked to make it virtually unnoticeable. “We want people to feel comfortable and free,” says Reggie Pugh, an architect in our Houston studio. As a result, you won’t find big cameras around the grounds, and the materials and landscape will lend a homier feel.

Once open, the center will cater specifically to mothers with children age 4 and under. “There’s going to be a lot of diapers and a lot of crying, but it will create a community, especially for those who exit and might know other women in similar situations,” says Sara Shumbera, a planning design leader in our Houston studio.

Adds Session-Shanklin: “And when they leave, they’re going to have the keys to succeed.” 

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Giving back so others can move forward.

Our Social Purpose program gives us the chance to contribute to our communities in more personal ways.

Whether it’s design or “sweat equity,” we’re inspired by the power of human connection.

We provide pro bono professional services to nonprofits for whom such services would otherwise be out of reach. Our projects address human needs like affordable housing, childcare, healthcare, and education. At the same time, we also like to roll up our sleeves and get involved in hands-on volunteer work. We serve meals at food pantries, organize coat drives, participate in community gardening, and lead fundraisers, to name a few activities.

We hope the stories in this book inspired you.

If you’d like to get involved in one or more of the organizations you read about, please visit their websites: Living to Learn & Learning to Live: Making an Impact on Education

Sea Change: Making an Impact on Climate Justice

Hope Street Margolis Family Center hopestreetfamilycenter.org

One Stop Career Center of Puerto Rico onestopcareerpr.org

Hello Baby hellobabychgo.org

A Roof Over Our Heads: Making an Impact on Housing Security

Come Together: Making an Impact on Community

YouthCare youthcare.org

Moving in the Spirit movinginthespirit.org

Housing Forward housingforward.org

Community Partners of Dallas cpdtx.org

In Good Health: Making an Impact on Healthcare Access

Jane Finch Centre janefinchcentre.org

Family Tree Clinic familytreeclinic.org

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center wildflower.org

New York City Relief cityrelief.org

The Next Generation Project wearetng.org

Success House successhousertc.org

Emancipation Park Conservancy epconservancy.org The Broad's Way @the_broads_way

Know a worthy nonprofit or grassroots organization that’s making a big difference in the community, but could use a little design from the heart?

Email us at socialpurpose@perkinswill.com to tell us what they do—and how we might be able to help.

Vol. 01 ― 2022

Together, We Design

perkinswill.com/social-purpose