Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC)

When I heard Fred Wee of Interiors & Textiles was partnering up with the International Design Guild for a Design for a Difference makeover, I asked to be a part of the project. What better way to give back to a non-profit that gives so much to our community by providing mental health services to the public on a sliding scale? I was once a recipient of their services along with some of my friends and family. Giving back full-circle was such an amazing feeling... and on top of that... my friends donated approximately 50k + in goods and services. I worked with some other talented designers (Diane Forese of DF Design, Yolanda Ng of Corporate Furniture Solutions, and Lisa Sten, CEO of Harrell Remodeling) whom I both admire and respect as amazing interior design professionals.

We had 11 days, a tight budget and a lot to accomplish. Due to the time constraints, we heavily invested our time in the planning and concept. We chose a color palette based on succulents who thrive with very little water as a symbol of struggles the patients of CHAC experience and our theme was "Empowered Resilience" inspired by a mural in their parking garage. I am grateful to Fred Wee of Interiors and Textiles, Mark Brunetz and the International Design Guild for creating the Design for a Difference platform and their support, Lisa Sten and her team at Harrell Remodeling for doing the heavy lifting (taking down and helping put up walls), Linked In for their generous donation, Hunter Douglas, Universe Painting, and my friends who came and donated their time and resources. While watching a CHAC promotional video, I noticed the outside planter boxes looked terrible. I asked Peter of Pazmany Bros Landscaping if they would spruce them up since we are making the inside so nice it would be nice to have the two planter boxes fixed. Peter went above and beyond! He cleaned up the entire landscaping, fixed the broken irrigation system, then landscaped the entire surrounding... then he power washed the ENTIRE building. I contacted Mark at Tracery Professional Builders who builds custom homes and told him about my vision of these custom tables and counters that I wanted to make. I literally drew it on a scrap of paper! He sent his custom metal worker to discuss my vision and made them come to life.

CHAC Entrance Before

When I first entered CHAC, I did not know where to go. I was initially greeted by colorful murals painted in the parking garage to this. Was I in the right place? The entrance was not clear as I was led to a hallway of 3 doors and a stairwell.

CHAC Entrance After

We re-organized the floor plan to make the entrance clear. We had an idea to put preserved moss all over the entrance walls to lead to a branding piece I collaborated with Habitat for Humanity and Tracery Professional Builders. Unfortunately, we did not have the budget for it, so yours truly painted finishing at 1:30 am before opening day.

CHAC Reception Area Before

The reception desk was not very welcoming. You could not see the receptionist behind the desk and there was not much privacy unless you whispered.

CHAC Reception After

My fellow designers designed a desk with a return, so we could see the receptionist and we positioned the receptionist for added privacy.

CHAC Quiet Intern Area Before

Each visit I noticed there was only one person in this area. It was because there was only one desk with privacy! CHAC wanted a place where people could finish their notes from their sessions in privacy and have a work space when they were displaced from their offices.

CHAC Quiet Intern Area After

We added a benching system for 8 and integrated technology, so people could plug in their laptops and work. We also added a small nook for 4, so they could collaborate as well as work independently. We decided to put up birch trees like the ones you can see in the offices with windows.

CHAC Break Room Before

This room really had everything in it! Mail, cubbies, tables, chairs and storage. Unfortunately, the room was under utilized because it was so full of stuff.

CHAC Break Room After

I really loved working on this area and seeing my custom table come to life. This is where the staff and interns hang out now. I was told by an intern that they love having collaborations and doing team related things...we build a room that fosters community. I could not be more proud.

CHAC Break Room Before

Did I mention that the break room was not only full of stuff, but colorful? Yes, you could get your mail, make copies and eat all in the same room.

CHAC Break Room After

I could not get rid of the copier... 1 loss, but several other wins. We at least made it blending in a little better.