December 2008

Dear Friend of Public Architecture:

Public Architecture was founded with the belief that design can be a catalyst for positive community change. Despite our uncertain economic times, we remain encouraged by the difference public interest design continues to make for people and communities across the country. We hope you will make a gift to support this important work.

Over the past year, “The 1%” program of Public Architecture has grown substantially. Our public interest design initiatives have been widely recognized as models for proactive change, most recently with the Day Labor Station’s receipt of a Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction.

More specifically, we have: 

• Recruited more than 400 architecture and design firms from across the country to join The 1% program, pledging nearly 200,000 hours and an estimated $20 million in pro bono services to communities in need;
   
• Attracted more than 200 nonprofit organizations to The 1% program, demonstrating their shared belief in the power of design to further their mission;
   
• Demonstrated that design initiatives like the Day Labor Station can inspire and positively address a complex issue affecting our communities; and
   
• Established and renewed major partnerships with the United States Green Building Council, United Way of the Bay Area, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

With your support, Public Architecture is poised to build on these successes in the coming year through three main efforts:

advocating commitment to pro bono service, increasing both the quality and quantity of pro bono service by architects and designers;

pioneering proactive practice, initiating and facilitating real models of quality, socially-responsible design; and

communicating the value of design for the public good, engaging and inspiring architects, designers, and the public.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and your support of Public Architecture.

Click here to make a year-end gift online via Groundspring.org.