Grassroots Design Access 2026 is officially underway! Applications are open until March 2nd, 2026 at 11:59pm, LINK IN BIO!!!
Or email us at: [email protected]
Grassroots Design Access is a DCDC program that seeks to partner design services with small to medium scale community-organized projects. This program is intended for community groups who have not received funding or other resources for design support. The program offers early design services as a form of community building for groups seeking to improve
the quality of life for their neighborhood’s people, spaces and places. 🌳🏠🏙️
Eligible projects may involve existing or new buildings to be used for community activities, initiatives, programs, etc. Projects may also involve an outdoor community space, garden, park space on vacant lots.
Apply now using the link in our bio!! Made possible by the Kresge Foundation.
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#architecture #design #grassroots #nonprofit #landscapearchitecture
Let’s talk about CoOps 🌱 Our coops here at the DCDC are a core component of our office. They learn everything about community engaged design through various workshops, engagement events, and being out there with the community! And quite often, we learn a lot from them too! 😄 We ❤️ our CoOps!
Today we sat down with Christina Heximer, the Co Executive director here at the DCDC to discuss some real questions: What is a design center?
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#DCDC #Design #Designcenter #nonprofitdesign #fonts #fontlovers #communityengagement #communitydesign #architecture #UDM #detroit #detroitmercy #funny #interview #student #architecturedesign
UDM students and alumni joined together to build and maintain our campus and off-campus gardens!
We love to see Titans invested in our community, creating garden spaces that feed and beautify our UDM neighborhood. ❤️💙
🌱🌏🌻🍅🫛
Missed out? You can join the next Planting Day on April 22 (Earth Day!) outside the Architecture building 4-7pm. Stay tuned for details.
Happy Women’s History Month!! Last year, we sat down with Bucky Willis, @bucky.sandiego and asked the question, “what would you say to a woman pursuing architecture?” 🏛️ Leave your own thoughts below!
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#detroit #dcdc #womenshistorymonth #detroitmercy #womeninarchitecture
Today Charles gives us a master class in the history of black landscape architects throughout the years! In part 1, we discuss the past in order to preserve and tell stories that deserve to be heard. Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 coming soon!
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#detroit #blacklandscapearchitects #blackhistorymonth #architecture #landscapearchitecture
This is Emily’s graduate thesis work!! We are so proud of our CoOps and love seeing them put to use the tools they’ve learned here at the DCDC! 💚
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#architecture #thesis #design #accessibility #detroit
Rooted in Jesuit and Mercy values, the Laudato Si’ Sustainability Group (LSG) was created to cultivate a more sustainable Detroit Mercy through recycling, landscaping, composting and campus beautification efforts.
Happy Valentine’s day from the DCDC!! Here are just a few of our sweetest sentiments 💕
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#design #architecture #valentines #urbandesign #community
Mentoring and teaching is central to DCDC’s mission! Our staff is grateful every time we have the opportunity to lecture or present our work. Check out some images of a recent lecture by our staff Juan and Julia! They shared the why, how, and what of participatory design to fourth year students at UDM’s School of Architecture and Community Development! Special thanks to Josh Budiongan for the invitation!! 🫂
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#communityengagement #architecture #design #detroit #urbandesign
Emily, one of our Co-Ops, talks about GDA! If you’re a non-profit or community organization looking for FREE design solutions, apply for a Grassroots Design Access grant using the link in our bio and give us the chance to help bring your vision to life! 🎨🏛️
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#detroit #design #architecture #communitydevelopment #nonprofitorganization
Throwback Thursday to when we had a warm, energetic, familial gathering at Detroit Sip last December! DCDC hosted a placemaking convening as a part of a larger placemaking initiative in partnership with Live6. This gathering brought together people across the city: artists, elders, community organizers, community developers, and MORE!
Attendees made connections outside of their typical networks and discussed themes such as: storytelling, fundraising, preserving culture, and healing from burnout. Comment below if you read this long caption and if you’d like placemaking convenings to be a regularly occuring event series!
📸: @nayomiohmy
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#placemaking #architecture #communityengagement #dcdc #detroit
