The Problem we Address

For too many of Boston’s community-based nonprofits, funding is scarce and the majority of organizational resources are spent delivering services to the community. These nonprofits are unlikely to invest in critical improvement projects and for many, their work environments have become a liability instead of an asset to the organization. Archventures addresses this problem by providing its services to nonprofits who demonstrate the need and enthusiasm to improve their working environment.

Archventures Vision

Through a participatory and community engaging process, we envision our partner nonprofits thriving in sustainable, productive and healthy environments that best serve the missions of their organizations.

Five Key Characteristics of Archventures Project Management

1. WE ONLY SERVE NONPROFITS WITH PHYSICAL COMMUNITY SPACES
There are many great organizations that would benefit from the pro-bono design and construction services provided by Archventures. With more than 7000 nonprofits in Boston, we focus our efforts primarily on education-based organizations. This field of nonprofits compliments the participatory learning environment we create through our design and build services. Furthermore, almost all education-based nonprofits have a physical community space that is used by many and often open to the public.

2. PRO BONO SERVICES
Pro Bono refers to a growing movement in which talented designers, architects and builders give their time to the development of environments that benefit the common good. Due to their philanthropic nature, pro bono projects have the potential to play a powerful role in community building and education. Many architects and designers are further attracted to these projects since they provide a unique opportunity for creative input.

3. A DESIGN-BUILD METHOD OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Design/Build refers to a specific design construction process much different than many contracted projects in the United States. In design/build, the designer and builder are one in the same, allowing for a cohesive planning and development experience. Since one entity is both designer and builder, design/build projects often require extensive trust between project owner and service provider. Archventures takes part in both the design and build elements of nonprofit improvement projects and takes the owner/provider relationship to the next level through an educational mindset that involves input and participation from the entire nonprofit community.

4. GREEN CONSTRUCTION AND A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

We adhere to the practice that being “green” means conserving energy and minimizing environmental impact. We strive to use environmentally responsible materials, recycling our construction waste when possible. We also integrate air sealing, insulation and weatherization into our projects when possible and look to incorporate renewable energy sources into the design and build process at all times.

Our commitment to sustainability is broader than being green. Through the project process, we seek to enter into sustainability by educating project stakeholders about the three intersecting aspects of sustainability shown at right: healthy environments, social justice and economic growth. Through this experiential learning with the nonprofit community, we assess the overall state of the nonprofit’s well being, in turn solidifying the elements of a  truly sustainable project process.

5. A CROSS-SECTOR VOLUNTEER APPROACH

We’ve created a diverse team of cross-sector students and professionals who volunteer their time and skills as organizers, designers, fundraisers and builders. This diversity helps us to carry an educational approach from inception to completion, working alongside nonprofit stakeholders to realize project success.