Proceeds from Design Santa Fe’s seventh annual event have been split between a local and international charity, with $6,000 going to Architecture for Humanity and $6,000 to St. Elizabeth Shelter in Santa Fe. The event’s theme, “Change Makers,” highlighted the role of architects and designers in effecting social change and promoting sustainability in the built environment.

Design Santa Fe’s donation to Architecture for Humanity will help to further that organization’s work around the world to address the social, environmental, and housing problems arising from natural disasters, pandemics, war, and political upheaval.

The donation to St. Elizabeth Shelter in Santa Fe is part of Design Santa Fe’s continuing commitment to supporting local efforts to provide high-quality housing and interior design to all segments of the community.

Architecture for Humanity co-founder Cameron Sinclair was the featured speaker at the event’s Dialogue & Luncheon, sharing the discussion with award-winning textile designer Susan Lyons and moderator Susan Szenasy, editor-in-chief of Metropolis magazine.

Inspired by Sinclair’s presentation, a group of architects and designers met recently to revive the Santa Fe chapter of Architecture for Humanity, which was originally founded in 2008 by architect Lindsey Love. The chapter fell dormant after the dynamic Love left town but is now being reactivated as a direct result of Sinclair’s compelling call to action.

Cameron Sinclair's presentation at Design Santa Fe stimulated continued discussion among designers and architects in attendance.

The group is in the process of appointing two chapter coordinators and discussing initial project ideas. One project under consideration is a plan to address some of the physical damage and social problems arising from this past summer’s exceptionally destructive wildfires, which left many people homeless and caused damage and air pollution that is still causing problems throughout the state of New Mexico.  

Many thanks to all of you who came out to celebrate the best of design in Santa Fe and to the volunteers, sponsors and participants for making Design Santa Fe 2011 the most successful event to date!