State of Pro Bono: Architecture Profession

Opportunity

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 141,000 architects in the United States.

A well-designed workspace can increase organizational efficiency and morale. Key areas of nonprofit need include facilities need assessment and identification, interior design and brand integration, and renovation projects.

Professional Services Firms -- The majority of current pro bono architecture projects are completed by small-to-medium-sized firms with help from intermediary organizations.
Professional Schools -- There is a strong demand from architecture students for pro bono service opportunities.
Read about School Programs
Trade Associations -- The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has recently integrated pro bono service into its code of ethics stating that, "members should render public interest professional services and encourage their employees to render such services.” The AIA also recently published for its membership the 2010 guidelines for Engaging in Pro Bono Activities.
Intermediaries -- A growing number of intermediary organizations – mainly focused on matching firms and individuals with opportunities to engage in pro bono service – have been emerging over the past 5-10 years.

Standardized Team Projects – Individuals are placed on teams, each with specific roles and responsibilities. Each project is scoped and structured around a standard deliverable based on the needs of the nonprofit partners.
Open-Ended Outsourcing – A company makes its services available to a specific number of nonprofit organizations on an ongoing, as needed basis.

The 1% challenge put out by intermediary Public Architecture has been incredibly successful in recent years with 1% becoming an accepted norm.
Educational institutions and developing nations have been main focuses of pro bono architecture efforts.
Creative partnerships among firms, intermediaries and furniture manufacturers have been emerging.
Pro bono architecture faces an ongoing challenge as the work often requires hard costs to implement.

AIA – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has recently integrated pro bono service into its code of ethics stating that, “members should render public interest professional services and encourage their employees to render such services.” The AIA also recently published for its membership the 2010 Guidelines for Engaging in Pro Bono Activities.
Architecture for Humanity – This nonprofit design services firm has a network of more than 40,000 professionals that bring design, construction, and development services together for social good. Through their 60 chapters in 25 countries, they engage more than 4,650 design professionals.
Community Design Resource Center of Boston – Founded in 2005 through a collaboration of the Boston Architectural College and Boston Society of Architects, Community Design Center of Boston matches under-funded nonprofits and community groups with architects and other designers to provide preliminary planning and design for spaces, landscapes, and cities.
Public Architecture – The leader in pro bono service for architects, Public Architecture’s signature campaign – The 1% Program – challenges architecture and design firms nationwide to pledge a minimum of 1% of their time to do pro bono service and then connects firms with nonprofits in need of their services. As of 2010, they engaged 785 firms nationally for a total of 271,296 hours pledged annually.

Annual Survey of Pro Bono Service by US Architecture Firms – This annual survey by Public Architecture reports on the state of pro bono in the architecture profession today.
See most recent survey
Read more about Survey
AIA Guidelines to Assist AIA Members, Firms and Components in Undertaking Pro Bono Service Activities – Provided by the American Institute of Graphic Artists, these guidelines promote successful pro bono service engagements.

Have something to add?