From Vision to Reality: A Nonprofit’s Guide to Selecting an Architect

Embarking on a renovation or new building project is a significant milestone for any nonprofit organization – one that has the potential to transform how you serve your clients and achieve your mission. The success of your building project hinges largely on selecting an architectural firm that understands the specific and often unique needs of your organization. Nonprofits should prioritize architectural firms with a proven track record of working within the unique constraints and the spirit of mission-driven organizations.

In this blog post we explore key factors you need to consider when choosing an architectural partner to ensure your new space is both inspiring and practical, and is ultimately a catalyst for positive change for your organization and those you serve.

Mission Alignment. When selecting an architectural firm, mission alignment is paramount for nonprofits. The right firm will take the time to deeply understand your organization’s purpose, values, and long-term goals, ensuring that every design decision supports your mission. This goes beyond aesthetics – it's about translating your ideals into functional spaces that inspire your staff, volunteers, donors, and those you serve.

Community Impact. Another important capability to look for is the architectural firm’s ability to enhance your impact on your clients and community. Seek out an architect who understands the importance of creating a design that will provide an easily accessible space for your work, address social or economic challenges in your area, and serve as a catalyst for local and broader community involvement. By prioritizing both mission alignment and community impact, you can ensure your new space becomes a true asset for you and your stakeholders.

Due Diligence Support. A worthy architectural firm will provide you with the due diligence and viability planning needed early in project development. This process determines if your project is truly viable before you make any significant investments, potentially saving you from pursuing a project that may not be feasible or beneficial in the long run. When done correctly, due diligence includes assessing a site’s suitability, understanding the full spectrum of regulatory constraints for the site, and evaluating the project’s alignment with your goals and local ordinances. Make sure to retain an architectural firm that has a proven process for and robust experience with this crucial early step in your project planning.

Stakeholder Collaboration. It is essential to partner with an architectural firm that prioritizes a collaborative, inclusive design process. The ideal firm will actively involve stakeholders such as staff, volunteers, donors, the community, and those you serve. Look for a firm that can help you gather stakeholder input via surveys, group meetings, and other strategies to ensure the space reflects their unique needs and aspirations. This approach not only fosters trust and buy-in, but it can also generate innovative, culturally responsive solutions that might otherwise be overlooked.

At Jones Pierce, we communicate with clients and stakeholders in customized ways to enable all stakeholders to understand the goals, process, and options, while celebrating the milestones.

Fundraising Support. An important yet often overlooked service is the architectural firm’s ability to bolster your fundraising efforts. Design storytelling can be a powerful fundraising tool, and a firm’s willingness to collaborate on these can significantly enhance donor engagement and financial outcomes. Look for firms that provide you with high-quality renderings, compelling 3D visualizations, and detailed site plans that translate abstract concepts into tangible visions that will inspire contributions from current and prospective donors.

Beyond visuals, select an architect who offers narratives or case studies that articulate your project’s mission alignment, impact, and long-term value. These materials will boost your fundraising efforts and can also be used in grant applications or other funding initiatives.

Fundraising & Cost Optimization

Resource Optimization. Nonprofits often operate with tight budgets, making it critical to partner with an architectural firm that excels in resource optimization. This means prioritizing cost-effective materials, energy-efficient systems, adaptable layouts, and other innovations that will stabilize your operational expenses while maximizing the functionality of your space.

Creativity and Innovation. Equally important is the architect’s ability to balance fiscal responsibility with creative problem-solving. Look for a firm that demonstrates innovation in tackling constraints such as a property’s footprint, code requirements, neighbors, or unique accessibility needs. Find an architect who views limitations as opportunities to create unique solutions that are both inspiring and financially sustainable, while delivering a valuable space that lives up to your vision.

Here at Jones Pierce, we build our clients’ confidence to explore the limits of creativity knowing they still have control to end up in the financial place they want to be.

Accessibility in Compliance and Beyond. Beyond meeting ADA standards, the ideal architectural firm will demonstrate expertise in creating spaces that holistically address diverse needs such as client privacy needs, strategic daylighting to enhance the wellbeing of staff and visitors, and other stakeholder needs. The architect must also understand that physical space accessibility can include the need for easy movement of equipment, inventory, or other specific items involved in your work. Fully addressing both visible and invisible accessibility challenges will affect the comfort, safety, and work of your project stakeholders.

Sustainability Focus. Seek out an architectural firm that has a proven commitment to the immediate and long-term sustainability of your new space. In addition to basic eco-friendly measures, look for a firm with design experience in minimizing environmental impact while also aligning with your long-term environmental goals. Equally critical is the firm’s ability to integrate resiliency into the design, ensuring the structure can withstand weather-related challenges such as floods, hurricanes, other storms, or extreme temperatures. Look for a firm that conducts rigorous lifecycle cost analysis of different options and that prioritizes durable, low-maintenance solutions to ensure the facility remains operationally viable for decades.

Sustainability & Longevity

Adaptability and Longevity. Nonprofits often operate in dynamic environments, making it essential to partner with an architectural firm that prioritizes adaptable, future-proof design. The ideal firm will create spaces that can easily be reconfigured as your program expands, needs shift, or technologies advance. This foresight ensures the building remains relevant and functional over time. Ask the architect about their experience integrating scalable infrastructure features while maintaining a space’s aesthetic and operational coherence. You want a firm that will help you maximize both your impact and investment.

At Jones Pierce, Architectural Stewardship is our commitment to maintaining a connection with our projects and clients, preserving and enhancing their architecture, and ensuring its long-term value is maintained and even improved.

Nonprofit Experience. For each firm you are considering, ask them about the key aspects described above and for specific examples of their experience with each aspect. Request information on several types of nonprofit projects they have completed and ask the following:

• What services they provided for each project

• What specific challenges each one presented

• How they overcame those challenges

Also ask them for client testimonials or feedback.

This may seem like a lot of information to gather and process. Rest assured, however, that by selecting an architectural partner that is well-versed in the nonprofit world’s challenges and opportunities, you can avoid costly learning curves and ensure your project aligns seamlessly with your operational needs.

You will be glad you took the time to be thorough, and your stakeholders will appreciate your due diligence!

Have a facilities idea you could use help envisioning? Jones Pierce Architects is here to help you get clarity. Contact Cooper Pierce at (404) 446-3882 or email him to schedule a call.