About AFH

Architecturefor Humanity is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that seeksarchitectural solutions to humanitarian crisis and brings design services to communities in need. We believe that where resources and expertise are scarce, innovative, sustainable and collaborative designcan make a difference.

By tapping a network of professionals willing to lend their time and their talents to helping those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services, we support community development, help communities rebuild after disaster and provide pro bono design services to community partners around the world.

Through the power of professional design, we build safer, more sustainable and highly innovative structures--structures that become assets to their communities and ongoing symbols of the ability of people to come together to envision a better future.

Our vision is one of a world where designers innovate globally to build housing, schools, clinics and other essential infrastructure locally. We believe that this can be achieved not by replicating a design that was successful in one situation in another, but by encouraging locally-inspired designs and by enabling these solutions to be shared and freely adapted by all.

To realize this vision, Architecture for Humanity created the Open Architecture Network, the first site on the Web to provide access to open source architectural plans.

Finally,through competitions, workshops, educational forums, exhibitions, and other activities, we foster public appreciation for the many ways that architecture and design can improve lives.

Open Architecture Network

In 2007, Architecture for Humanity launched the Open Architecture Network, a collaborative online resource and project management tool for those dedicated to improving the built environment. But it's not just for professional architects--community leaders, nonprofits, technology partners, educators, materials specialists, healthcare workers, and others collaborate and share their expertise on the network.

Educational Workshops

Atthe university level, architecture and design programs around the worldhave used our competitions and design criteria as a model forsemester-long projects. In addition we have hosted student-ledworkshops focused on humanitarian-directed design at a number ofuniversities. Elementary and high school students have also benefited from our design initiatives through after-school workshops.

AFH Advisory Board

Weare a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization led by a board ofdirectors and an advisory board which is replaced every two years. Witheach project, additional advisory board members are assembled based on their individual areas of expertise. View Advisory Board Members 

Local Groups

Groups have sprung up around the world to form local Architecture for Humanity chapters. These volunteers lend their time and talents to their community and advocate for better planning and design. Over 2600 designers meet regularly to discuss and participate in design projects, what's stopping you? Learn More