The basis of our work has arisen from certain shared beliefs involving grassroots developments in the creation of innovative, sustainable, and collaborative design solutions responsive to the needs, resources and values of our communities. We desire to build a more sustainable future by empowering our partners, i.e., community groups, social entrepreneurs, nongovernmental organizations and charitable organizations.

We focus our efforts locally—where resources and expertise are scarce—by assisting vulnerable and disadvantaged communities farther afield. We have no intention of undermining the locally available skills base; rather, we offer technical support, design advocacy and public education where necessary. This means bringing together the expertise of individuals, agencies, national and international groups, and creating opportunities for architects, designers and those with the skills to provide quality solutions to communities in need and organizations working for good causes. We promote the public benefit, in urban or rural areas, especially in situations of social and economic deprivation, by providing and facilitating services within the built environment.