With a goal to increase access to programming, we are excited to launch a new menu for our low-cost design and planning assistance programs! Storefront's program menu provides the opportunity for you to apply based on your needs and the size of your project or idea. Each low-cost program offers three size sessions or actions (small, medium, or large) that provide consultation and connects you to volunteers and design resources.
About Low-cost Design and Planning Assistance
Storefront’s low-cost design and planning assistance program includes our Design Session Studio and Community Engagement Studio. Since 2011, Storefront has completed over 325 design sessions and 25 community engagement initiatives. This program has provided hundreds of Richmonders design and planning assistance at a low-cost that is subsidized by our generous supporters.
The need for low-cost design and planning assistance through our Design Session Studio and Community Engagement Studio has been evident and as community requests evolve, we will continue to adapt to the changing times to assist with varying community-initiated projects. Our program and project focus areas include Environmental and Food Justice, Health and Wellness, Community Organizing, Placemaking/Placekeeping, Economic Development, and Design/Planning Tools.
image: program and project focus areas
About Design Session
Design Session provides Richmonders design and planning assistance at an intimate, approachable level. Our team maintains a network of over 180 volunteer professional planners, architects, landscape architects, and designers who are available to help with a range of projects, from community-led ideas for an urban mini-farm in a food desert to guidance on facade improvements for small businesses. Generally, our volunteers are here to offer assistance on the conceptual design phase of the design process, in which the designer works with you to define goals and illustrate a few ideas based on the need.
About Community Engagement
Community engagement is hands-on democracy to understand communities, honor differences, and empower grassroots neighborhood transformation. Storefront convenes community workshops, design discussions, and events with residents, youth and young adults, non-profit organizations, neighborhood associations, and City staff. During a time of rapid growth, Storefront understands the need to leverage the creativity within our communities who best understand the challenges that impede change in the built environment and new methods are necessary to amplify community voice.
image: as part of Design Session request from RVA Community Fridges, a team of mOb students sketched options for the development of a modular shelter system that can be used for various fridge locations. (Refer to Large Session in the Program Menu)
Get Connected!
Are you a resident, youth or young adult, non-profit organization, neighborhood, or City staff member with an idea and interested to get connected to our low-cost design and planning assistance program? If so, take the following actions to get started and see if your project or idea aligns with Storefront.
Check out our Design Session Studio and Community Engagement Studio to learn where your idea fits best.
Answer a few questions to ensure your idea aligns with our mission.
Explore the small, medium, and large options to understand who is involved, project timeline, and potential outcomes.
Complete the form for your session or action.