SEED Consulting
Design Corps and the SEED Network are pleased to announce “Certified SEED Consulting Firms.” These exceptional firms have been selected for their exemplary ability to work with clients and communities through collaboration and participation to create the highest level of positive impact through their design.The selected firms have the capacity to understand the greater needs of clients and communities that often lie outside of the traditional scope of the architect. While not included in traditional scope of architecture, these services are often what make a project successful in meeting the goals of all stakeholders involved. These stakeholders include more than just the project owner. They can include the end-users of the building, the neighboring community, the local governments, and foundation funders.
Services of the Certified SEED Firm
Who architects serve, the few or the many, directly addresses the relevance of architecture in society. Should our role be large or small? Our services will have to changed and expanded if we are to serve those currently un-served.
The traditional role of architects is to come in late on a project and leave early. However, a few architects that we could call “public interest designers” come in early to the project and leave late. These designers help to define problems and locate opportunities where design has the potential to change the lives of individual people and communities. They remain late in the project to ensure that the designs they have created are serving the needs of their clients. The role of a Certified SEED Firm is to address more than the physical object alone – to take more time in the beginning to understand the people and community they serve and make sure that the design works afterwards by measuring results. Read more.