The Washington D.C. Chapter of Architecture for Humanity first came to Rwanda in November 2008. They spent several weeks at the Akilah campus in Bugesera, taking measurements and photos and exploring every piece of the site. They headed back to DC to begin designing our first phase of renovation and construction. The DC chapter consists of architects from all different fields and specialties in DC. They meet once a week to work on the Akilah design. A year later, they have created a wealth of drawings and images that will be handed over to a Rwandan architect, who will then take the drawings to the construction phase.
We recently began working with another organization, Pannotia, to be involved in this process. Jill Costello and Daphne Petri, the Pannotia partners, have been working on construction and eduation projects for many years in Rwanda. Jill and Daphne will oversee the rest of the design and construction work for the renovation and construction of the Akilah campus. They will work closely with the AfH team and the Rwandan architect.
I was in Washington D.C. the second week of October and we had a wonderful dinner with the Architecture for Humanity team. My family came in from Tampa to meet the architects who have spent a year dedicating all their free time and energy to Akilah. We were joined by Laura Heaton, one of our board members, and Tait Sye, a long time Akilah supporter and advisor. It was a very special night for me to be surrounded by the individuals who have passionately believed in Akilah since the very beginning. All of our planning and brainstorming is now coming to life!
-Elizabeth D. Davis
Elizabeth Davis, Michelle Bove, Shurid Rahman, Laura Heaton, Vrunda Vaghela, Joe Fuentes, Tait Sye
Davis/Holton family in DC to meet the Architecture for Humanity team
Isnt it nice when a plan comes together. It is nice to see good things happening to others. We see too much despair in the news. Keep things looking up and good luck.