There are times in the architectural profession when the job is rewarding in truly unexpected ways. For Konni Doi, CID, LEED® AP, a principal and senior interior designer at HMC Architects, that moment came when she received a unique opportunity to give back to her community by helping to facilitate the donation of furniture to Operation SafeHouse, an emergency teen shelter in Southern California.
Earlier this year, a long-time vendor to HMC, Rick Haasch of KI, offered Doi the opportunity to “pick and choose” from various furniture pieces for donation at no charge—a donation Haasch estimated to be between $10,000 and $20,000. Due to an upcoming relocation, mixed furniture pieces such as computer tables, chairs, file cabinets, console tables, and even dormitory-style pieces for sleeping quarters were available for donation. But she had to act quickly so they wouldn’t slip away.
Doi turned to Brian Staton, managing principal, and Dan Benner, AIA, principal—both of HMC’s Ontario, Calif., office—to brainstorm local charities that could benefit from the donation. Benner contacted Diane Stewart of Beacon Path LLC, a funding consultant to SafeHouse. HMC had recently been selected to assist the organization in the design and project development of a 16-unit transitional living facility at their Desert SafeHouse location in Thousand Palms, Calif.
With a teenage daughter herself, Doi was touched by this organization’s “open-arms” approach to supporting and educating youth in crisis. She took a special interest in the project and began corresponding on and off the clock with Stewart, and ultimately worked directly with SafeHouse’s Executive Director, Kathy McAdara to facilitate the details of the donation.
According to Doi, “The true powerhouse behind the donation who made everything possible was Rick Haasch, who personally drove several truck loads of furniture in his personal vehicle to SafeHouse’s Riverside facility.” Doi adds, “It was so inspiring to watch everyone come together to make this happen.”
HMC plans to continue to partner with vendor donors to further reach out not only to SafeHouse, but other non-profit organizations. “It is charitable contributions like this and personal attention from Haasch of KI that encourage us all to continue to be stewards in the mission of providing support to our future generations,” noted Staton.
McAdara confirms the furniture is getting much use. “We are getting so much use out of all of it. The kids sit each day in our schoolroom using the desks and chairs donated,” she said.
Operation SafeHouse
Operation SafeHouse was established nearly 20 years ago with the sole purpose of providing safe housing, food, counseling and education for teenagers who are dealing with various crises in their lives. The agency helps runaway teens dealing with unplanned pregnancy, substance abuse, domestic violence, gender identity issues, thoughts of suicide or any other crisis. For more information, please visit their website at www.operationsafehouse.org.
KI
Since the introduction of KI’s first product in 1941—a steel folding chair—they have recognized market needs and responded with furniture solutions. They specialize in products that skillfully support the success of customers in higher education, K-12, healthcare, business, and government. For more information, please visit their website at www.ki.com.
