We are a group of architects, designers, planners, and experts in fundraising and policy, united by our enthusiasm for socially conscious design. We work with local and international non-profits, community organizations, and government agencies to provide pro bono design and consulting services. We focus on providing local, inclusive, sustainable architectural solutions.
Origin Story
Operating as a committee of the Boston Society Architects, our organization was originally founded in 1985 as the Taskforce to End Homelessness. We became aware of the related work of AfH in 2004 and in 2005 we morphed into the Boston chapter of Architecture for Humanity. In January 2016, we joined with former AfH chapters around the globe in becoming the Open Architecture Collaborative. Board Members: Michael McHugh, John Bellavance, Michael Kyes, Amelia Thrall
- Founded in 2004
- Hours of Service Given are always rewarding
Phuleli School
Collaboration with Edge of Seven & other OAC chapters to design small school buildings for the villages of Phuleli and two others in the Everest region of Nepal.
- Project Completed
- One Building Made
ABX-2015
Annual construction industry trade show. The Boston Chapter erected a temporary folding cardboard dome providing space to give presentations & a gallery of project boards.
- Project Complete
- 15+ Volunteers
- 200+ Volunteer Hours
ABX-2014
Annual construction industry trade show. The Boston Chapter erected a temporary bamboo and fabric structure providing space to give presentations & a gallery of project boards.
- Project Completed
- 4+ Volunteers
- 100+ Volunteer Hours
Long Way Home
Long Way Home Inc. began community development work in central Guatemala in 2004 to serve the youth of San Juan Comalapa, Chimaltenango.
This project is an environmental education center for youth and adults. Rammed earth tire walls and a trash-filled bottle roof create a low-cost, environmentally positive, replicable alternative method of construction designed for the location. The thick rubber and earth walls provide heating/cooling control as well as seismic steadiness.
CPALI
Design of a bamboo structure for wild-silk farmers on the borders of protected rainforest in northern Madagascar, and marketing support for their stunning and sustainable textiles.
- Semi-Active
- 1-12 Depending on Need
Hinche Technical Iinstitute
Collaboration with OSDPC and Keene State College to develop a vocational school in Hinche, Haiti.
- Under Construction
- 20+ Volunteers Involved
More Than Words
More Than Words is a used bookstore & cafe that provides on the job training for young adults aging out of the foster care system. We provided pro bono design services for the bookstore’s new home.
- Project Completed
- 6 Volunteers Involved
Renovated for Recovery
The 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing left many survivors disabled and unable to use their homes. Teaming with the City of Boston and the Boston Society of Architects, designers, engineers, contractors and building materials suppliers, we provided pro bono design and construction to make a 3rd floor walk up apartment more accessible and welcoming.
- 25 Volunteers Involved
- Hundreds of Volunteer Hours