about us
WHO ARE WE
We are a network of socially responsible designers where members and supporters can express and act on their concerns about the built environment and humanity at large.
Below is a collection of frequently asked questions that would assist in getting a better idea about our chapter.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
How did the DC chapter start?
What is the relationship with AFH Headquarters?
MEMBERS
How can I become involved?
Who are your members? Can anyone join?
What do the members of your chapter do?
PROJECTS
How does the DC chapter get projects?
What services does the DC chapter offer?
How are projects funded?
What projects is the DC chapter working on?
GENERAL
How did the DC chapter start?
The chapter started in 2004, just following the Indian Ocean Tsunami disaster. Several of us got together through Meetup.com (a social interest networking site) to see what we can do and offer in terms of your skills and experience. Through our conversation, we didn't come to a conclusion to such a complex problem. Following, we were approached by a non-profit and asked if we would be interested in working on the Vietnam Playground project. Members from the non-profit (Counterpart International) was actually as this first meeting and they were interested in our group and draw by our motivation. We finished the project, design and construction, and have been going strong ever since.
What is the relationship with AFH Headquarters and other chapters?
Currently, we have been really only communicating our experiences. There have been a large effort in improving this communication and explore how we can start to become more integrated. For the most part, each chapter and the HQ works on their own projects and develop their own organizational structure.
MEMBERS
How can I become involved?
The way our organization is run and level of involvement is purely through the members. The more involvement, the more we can take on. Involvement can be anywhere from being on the list, going to AfH/DC gatherings, sharing ideas/information, participating in projects, and etc. The best start is to sign up as a member onto the website and this will place you on the email list where you will be kept in the loop of our activity.
Who are your members? Can anyone join?
We are composed of an energetic and open-minded group of professional designers. The skills and resources that each of us are able to share allows for us to be limitless in our capabilities as an organization. With this in mind, you have to realize that you are what make AfH/DC. Your participation and sharing of ideas is what develops the character of the organization.
What do the members of your chapter do?
Throughout the year, we plan a series of meetings and sessions to allow us to function as an organization and to also assist the networking at a personal level. Besides meetings, there are activities that members can participate in. Some of these activities include but limited to, competitions, projects, community participation, and committees. These activities likely fall on days outside the schedule explained above. We encourage members to become involved in this area as well.
PROJECTS
How does the DC chapter get and choose projects?
We typically get contacted by non-profit organizations who are in need of design assistance. From there, we explore how much member participation can exist along with making sure the project is supportive of our organization's goals.
What services does the DC chapter offer?
Our diverse composure of members with different experiences and professional backgrounds allows for the offering of a wide range of services. These services include but not limited to design consultation, 2D/3D visualization, community engagement, site analysis, research, and physical will-power and motivation to build communities.
How are projects funded?
Projects have been funded through our partner non-profits. We typically support their fundraising efforts through providing web or print media.
What projects is the DC chapter working on?
To find the current listing of our chapter's projects, check out our projects page.