MISSION
Architects/Designers/Planners for Social Responsibility works for peace, environmental protection, ecological building, social justice, and the development of healthy communities.
HISTORY OF ADSPR
ADPSR programs aim to raise professional and public awareness of critical social and environmental issues, further responsive design and planning, and honor persons and organizations whose work exemplifies social responsibility.
ADPSR was established in 1981 as a 501(c)3 public-benefit organization to promote nuclear disarmament and correct the imbalances caused by military excesses overshadowing domestic needs. Throughout the 1980s, ADPSR initiated numerous peace projects including peace parks, conferences, exhibits, and citizen diplomacy exchange programs with the former Soviet Union. In 1993, ADPSR was honored for this work by the American Institute of Architects, calling ADPSR "a strong, resounding voice for social and political justice."
Since the 1990s, ADPSR has focused much of its effort on ecologically and socially responsible development. ADPSR NorCal has been conducting a monthly "Building Ecology" lecture series in San Francisco for over a decade and also produced an annual tradeshow on ecological construction, which became West Coast Green. Recent ADPSR projects include a Prison Design Boycott and the promotion of community-based alternatives to incarceration. ADPSR is an NGO in the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (HABITAT). ARCPeace is ADPSR's international affiliate.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary (Vice President, ADPSR) Mary Ann Gallagher, Ph.D. designs, manages and implements learning events that open up dramatic opportunities for communication, interaction, skill acquisition, and organizational change. Informed by an evolving participant-centered transformational learning system rooted in neuro and cognitive science. As a long-term ADPSR Board member, Mary Ann has been focused primarily on conferences, seminars, workshops, and initiatives related to Green building sustainability, regenerative design, and Board development. She also focuses on developing leadership skills for business innovation in developing countries.
Franziska Amacher’s work focuses on balancing community, art, science and nature for a healthy sustainable and resilient world. She was at the forefront of green building as a co-chair of COTE at the Boston Society of Architects in the 1990-ties.
As Principal of Amacher and Associates, she has designed many resource efficient buildings, including net zero buildings and neighborhoods.
Building places to foster community has been a goal throughout her practice with several cohousing communities, with School Yard Gardens and Community Gardens and with redesigned old buildings to preserve their historic character and the community’s cultural memory.
Dan Whittet began his career as a builder on islands off the coast of Maine, then migrated to off grid net zero buildings in the mountains of Colorado. He is a voting member of the ASHRAE 189.1 high performance building standard and the LEED Social Equity Working Group. If asked he will sharpen hand tools, fly a plane, navigate in fog, cook a tasty meal and write a poem about all of it.
Shagun Kalra, a design professional specializing in architecture, historic preservation, and human-centric design. With experience in legislative updates, she is contributing to shaping Massachusetts General Laws related to historic preservation. Her work includes building design and master planning with Elkus Manfredi Architects and research efforts for the AIA. Additionally, she collaborated with IDEO on projects related to transition plans for Fortune 50 companies, creating adaptable work environments. Skilled in organizational and architectural design, she has overseen projects through all phases of design. With a commitment to creating impactful and sustainable spaces, she continues to make significant contributions to the field of architecture and design.
Greg VanMechelen, a distinguished architect with 18+ years' experience, leads VanMechelen Architects in Berkeley, known for eco-friendly designs. Specializing in solar energy and non-toxic materials, he caters to clients seeking sustainable living. His notable projects include solar homes and the Nature Center for Berkeley. VanMechelen's collaborative approach ensures environmentally responsible designs aligned with clients' needs.
Mikes's journey into the renovation world started during intermediate school summer breaks when he began transforming Brooklyn brownstones. His early passion for design, historical preservation, and the art of architecture grew into a lifelong pursuit. Mike's commitment to preserving the character and charm of historic buildings is reflected in his current work, designing a seamless blend of modern functionality and timeless aesthetics. For several decades he has been a part of the complete revival of a historic mining town in Colorado, Mike finds solace and excitement in the breathtaking landscapes surrounding him. When he's not immersed in design projects, you can find him carving through fresh powder on the slopes, exploring the mountain trails, or, tinkering with bicycles or old motorcycles.
Micah
Taylor Dearinger is a socially driven practicing architect in the Bay Area. As an associate at David Baker Architects she leads DBA's equity initiatives including obtaining JUST certification, formalizing the firm's commitment to social justice and equity. Taylor is also a founding member of DBA_LAB, the firm's expressive community-oriented works.
Previous Board Members
Michael Sorkin
Don Lever
Ben Spencer Deanna Van Buren
Dr. Sandra Hernandez-Colon
Shawn Hesse
Desiree Valadares
Lynne Elizabeth
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you!
If you would like to host a discussion, help create a petition, help write a statement or have any other ideas to get involved, please reach out. We welcome and encourage our members to get involved.
Please send email to info (at) adpsr (dot) org or use the form below: