Environmental Works

Community education: in 2024, ew continued to share best practices in equitable design, community-led development, and affordable housing. Staff presented at housing washington, the seattle design festival, and multiple higher-ed programs, including the university of washington college of built environments. Ew led workshops on childcare facility design, community-centered housing, and social-equity-driven planning. Through these efforts, ew helped train hundreds of students, practitioners, and community leaders in culturally responsive and just design practices.

Pro bono design services: ew provided pro bono design and planning support to nonprofit partners across washington state. In 2024, ew supported projects including tiny home villages, accessibility upgrades for low-income senior households, the homeless remembrance project's permitting and site coordination, and community-led visioning efforts in south seattle neighborhoods facing environmental-justice impacts. Ew also provided early feasibility and test-fit studies to bipoc-led organizations pursuing culturally specific housing, childcare, and community-serving projects.

Ew gives: ew's staff and board supported partner organizations through fundraising, volunteer service, and professional advocacy. In 2024, ew raised and directed funds to organizations advancing housing justice, childcare access, and community well-being, including the housing development consortium, the ethiopian community in seattle, sno-valley senior center, and other nonprofits serving low-income families and elders. Through ew gives, staff also offered direct community support, including event participation, technical advice, and connections to resources.