Hello!
My name is Amanda...
Working at the intersection of architectural design and social enterprise and with a multidisciplinary background in architecture, environmental design, and fine art, my professional journey has led me to practice and teach in both hemispheres and across Europe. In my most rewarding role as an educator, I developed a postgraduate program focused on design for social impact, emphasizing sustainable solutions for communities facing various challenges. This work also serves as the foundation of my consulting practice.
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In addition to architecture, I maintain a creative practice that includes metal and jewelry design, as well as watercolor illustration. I also lead creative development classes and workshops, where I encourage others to embrace purposeful creativity.
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Contextual response and narrative are at the heart of everything I do, guiding my professional and creative endeavors. I believe that design should not only address challenges but also tell stories, forging deeper connections between people and their environments.
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Design for Social, Economic, & Environmental Impact
Context Design Studio approaches projects through the lens of the SEED Framework ensuring that social, economic, and environmental factors are all considered.
Our commitment to applying strategic design as a tool for positive social impact fosters creative and innovative leadership that empowers communities. The understanding gained through collaboration and participation among stakeholders and users often exists outside the traditional scope of the architect. This is the gap we fill.
Initiatives and interventions are truly successful when they accurately and appropriately address the wants and needs of all. This is how we achieve vibrant, healthy, and resilient communities and places.
Benefits of Using the SEED Evaluator
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Process: a step-by step process for designers and communities to assess challenges, define priorities, set goals, and propose design projects to address critical social, economic, and environmental issues.
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Participation: functions as an on-line communication platform that can include multiple stakeholders and diverse community members in decision-making processes. Documentation of broad and diverse participation is a requirement of SEED Certification.
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Transparency: allows project participants and stakeholders to track progress towards success on-line and in real time.
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Accountability: provides “proof of concept” and documentation that project goals were viable and appropriate for the community served, while the SEED Certification certifies that those goals were met.
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SEED Certification is granted to a design project after an independent third-party review determines that the social, economic, and environmental outcomes of that project are in keeping with the SEED Mission and Principles.
Kind Words...
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