Alki Beach Park--Statue of Liberty Plaza--pro bono project completed in 2009
We had about 15 at the AIA/CORA Pro Bono Design panel discussion. Joining me on the panel was Rachel Minnery from Environmental Works, and Geoff Piper from Global Studio.
A couple of valuable points that came out of our discussion:
1. Pro bono work is different than being a volunteer. Pro bono service is the application of our professional abilities, judgement, experience, creativity to work for the public good. Volunteering is a valuable component of civic life, such as working for Habitat for Humanity, but is probably relatively unskilled labor.
2. Vet potential clients–they need to have the community connection, stability, and personnel to carry out the mission, because our work as architects is really just the beginning for any pro bono project. Our work may be the seed, but it takes a committed organization to make the investment a reality.
3. Treat pro bono projects just as you would any other project in the office. Otherwise, you’re doing both your client and our profession a disservice by treating it as a less than serious undertaking. That means contracts, liability, life safety, and solid construction documents.
4. Work on projects/issues that you are interested in. First it will help make the commitment easier to make, help you build experience in that area, and help to show people (and potential clients) where your heart lays.
As architects, we’re often not in the driver’s seat with regards to the project, but with pro bono, you have to take up the mantle of a shared mission with that community group or cause, and part of the compensation for your investment in time is taking the project where you think it should go. Your vision may be underrated in the private sector, but essential to many non-profits trying to raise funds. It is a wonderful opportunity to be entrepreneurial, make connections with a larger community, and act not only as problem solvers, but problem identifiers.
