Communities by Design (CxD) - Design Assistance Programs

Communities by Design (CxD)

A longstanding AIA program that joined the Architects Foundation in 2023. CxD provides design assistance and support to communities facing challenges and seeking transformation. The program organizes Design Assistance Teams to provide hands-on support through public participation workshops.

Geographic Scope: National (United States) - recent work in Tennessee, Vermont, and Texas

Focus Areas:

• Community-led design and transformation
• Climate change adaptation
• Equitable housing
• Community engagement
• Citizen architect participation
• Built environment transformation
• Public participation processes

Types of Support:

• Design Assistance Teams providing technical expertise
• Public participation workshops
• Community design consultation
• Planning assistance
• Hands-on design support
• Pro bono design services to communities in need

Eligibility:

• Communities facing design challenges
• Projects addressing climate change, housing equity, and community development
• Community groups, nonprofits, and municipal partners
• Communities with limited access to design resources

What They Fund:

• Volunteer architect time and expertise
• Design assistance and consultation
• Workshop facilitation
• Pro bono design services
• Travel costs for Design Assistance Teams

Response Model:

• Responds to hundreds of community requests annually
• Focuses on communities with greatest needs
• Addresses challenges such as climate change and inequitable housing

Background:

• Long-standing AIA program
• Joined Architects Foundation in 2023
• Demonstrates role of engaged "citizen architects" in shaping built environment
• Expanded reach and impact through Foundation partnership
• Emphasized during AIA24 conference with tours and panel discussions

Application Process

• Communities submit requests for design assistance
• CxD evaluates requests based on need and program focus
• Selected communities are matched with Design Assistance Teams
• Workshops and design collaboration processes are facilitated
• Ongoing support through public participation and design development

Application Type: Typically rolling/responsive to community needs rather than fixed deadline process

Note: Specific application procedures and submission portals not detailed in source material. Contact Architects Foundation or Communities by Design directly for submission process.