Mission
Design Corps creates positive change in traditionally underserved communities by using design, advocacy, and education to help them shape their environment and address their social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Program Summary
Design Corps was founded in 1991 with a mission to create positive change in traditionally underserved communities by using design, advocacy, and education to help them shape their environment and address their social, economic, and environmental challenges. Our mission is realized when people are involved in the decisions that shape their lives. Design Corps’ programs, including the SEED Network and SEED Evaluator, bring the skills sets of design and planning to empower communities.
Products and Services
Design Corps offers three main products
(1) Training
(2) Network Membership
(3) Project Certifications
The training is held once a month for two days. This fee-generating program is called the Public Interest Design Institute (PIDI). The Institute is hosted in varying locations across the country in partnership with a host University and local design firms. Experts from around the country present case studies that demonstrate new ways that design is addressing the most crucial social, economic and environmental issues faced by cities and communities. In 2014, it will be expanding internationally to include Mexico and Europe. More information found at www.publicinterestdesign.com
The SEED Network is composed of members who have taken the SEED Pledge and endorsed the founding mission and principles of the network. These members promote and celebrate the idea that design matters and all people can shape their world for the better through design. Currently, there are over 2,000 pledged members of the SEED Network. Membership is currently free.
SEED Certifications are offered through the SEED Evaluator, an online tool for designers, project developers, community leaders and others who desire a common standard to guide, measure, evaluate and certify the social, economic and environmental impact of design projects. There are 300 projects in the pipelines of the Evaluator. Certifications are currently free and conducted by a group of volunteer experts. More information found at www.seednetwork.org
Disclaimer: Design Corps is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organizations and is not an architecture firm. Design Corps does not provide architecture services.
