"Architecture for Humanity represents the finest of the new breed of architectural leadership, employing architectural skills and directing them for the larger good. Committed, unapologetically architectural in name and mission, Architecture for Humanity stands up for people in need."
– Robert Ivy, Editor in Chief, Architectural Record

Architecture for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that seeks architectural solutions to humanitarian crisis and brings design services to communities in need. We believe that where resources and expertise are scarce, innovative, sustainable and collaborative design can make a difference.

By tapping a network of professionals willing to lend their time and their talents to helping those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services, we support community development, help communities rebuild after disaster and provide pro bono design services to community partners around the world.

Through the power of professional design, we build safer, more sustainable and highly innovative structures--structures that become assets to their communities and ongoing symbols of the ability of people to come together to envision a better future.

Our vision is one of a world where designers innovate globally to build housing, schools, clinics and other essential infrastructure locally. We believe that this can be achieved not by replicating a design that was successful in one situation in another, but by encouraging locally-inspired designs and by enabling these solutions to be shared and freely adapted by all.

To realize this vision, Architecture for Humanity created the Open Architecture Network, the first site on the Web to provide access to open source architectural plans.

Finally, through competitions, workshops, educational forums, exhibitions, and other activities, we foster public appreciation for the many ways that architecture and design can improve lives.

Open Architecture Network

In 2007, Architecture for Humanity launched the Open Architecture Network, a collaborative online resource and project management tool for those dedicated to improving the built environment. But it's not just for professional architects--community leaders, nonprofits, technology partners, educators, materials specialists, healthcare workers, and others collaborate and share their expertise on the network.

Educational Workshops

At the university level, architecture and design programs around the world have used our competitions and design criteria as a model for semester-long projects. In addition we have hosted student-led workshops focused on humanitarian-directed design at a number of universities. Elementary, middle school and high school students have also benefited from our design initiatives through after-school workshops.

Architecture for Humanity Advisory Board

We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by a board of directors and an advisory board that is replaced every two years. With each project, additional advisory board members are assembled based on their individual areas of expertise. View Advisory Board Members

Local Groups

Groups have sprung up around the world to form local Architecture for Humanity chapters. These volunteers lend their time and talents to their community and advocate for better planning and design. Over 2600 designers meet regularly to discuss and participate in design projects, what's stopping you? Learn More

Awards and Honors

2004 ASID Design for Humanity Award

2005 Lewis Mumford Award for Peace

2005 AIA San Francisco Design Awards Special Achievement - Global Impact

2005 Index Award to Improve Life (community)

2006 WIRED Rave Award for Architecture

2006 TED Prize

2007 Travel + Leisure Global Vision Award

2007 AIA Houston Design Awards On the Boards (MC2 Architects, Biloxi Model Home Program)

2007 AIA Arkansas Design Award (Marlon Blackwell Architect, Biloxi Model Home Program)

2007 AIA New York Foundation Award

2007 Zumtobel Group Finalist (Open Architecture Network)

2008 Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award (Design Patron Award)