I am so very proud of my friend Laura Montllor, AIA, of Port Washington, N.Y., and the success she’s had with a brainchild of hers—Home Free Home (HFH) http://www.homefreehome.org/. Laura tells a wonderful story of how she was lamenting with an architect-friend of hers from architecture school; the closets she designs for her clients are larger than her bedroom. And how she really wanted more “meaning” in what she does. She describes how when we’re in school, we have wonderful “save the world” ideals that slowly get beaten out of us when we start to “practice architecture” (After all, you do know why we call it a “practice” don’t you? We’re still practicing! HaHaHa). Anyway, Laura told her friend that she wanted to so some good things for people who really needed and/or wanted help. Why not form a group of volunteer architects who will help folks redesign small portions of their homes to accommodate a physical need or disability so they can begin to live their lives to a fuller capacity? Laura’s concept is not only designing to meet the need, but rather helping out with all aspects (fund-raising, grant requests, yard sales, donated materials and construction labor, etc.) Last week, HFH completed its first project, a handicap ramp for Glorianna.
Jim and Lisa with daughter Glorianna
I am honored to have received an invitation to the celebration party now that this first pilot project is completed. I won’t be in attendance but I will send along a donation so that HFH can continue to provide success. Laura, when do you want to open a branch in Atlanta? Count me in!
—Lisa Stacholy, AIA
Comments (2)
I have known and worked with Laura for over ten years. She is passionate about her profession. She is passionate about HFH. The Long Island Small Project Forum is proud of all she has accomplished in such a short time.
Posted by Linda Sussman, AIA | September 18, 2008 10:05 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 22:05
Thanks for all the compliments, Lisa. As an all-volunteer organization, we are all very proud that Home Free Home is growing and have plans for more projects in 2009. The need is tremendous with over 11.5 million Americans who have physical disabilities that make going outside the home difficult or practically impossible. Every year millions of people face the enormous challenge of adjusting to living with a physical disability. Living in a conventionally designed house, which impedes even the simplest daily living functions, only compounds their hardship. Currently, disabled people have nowhere to turn for affordable, professional help in redesigning their homes. Home Free Home was created to fill this need.
Architects are welcome to volunteer and will be matched up with a prescreened client and project type. We know all architects will find it a rewarding experience. Home Free Home is expanding to other states in 2009. Lisa, you and Georgia are at the top of the list! For more information please feel free to e-mail me, Architect@HomeFreeHome.org.
Posted by Laura Montllor,AIA | September 18, 2008 3:59 PM
Posted on September 18, 2008 15:59