Building upon previous work at the Parson's Center for Health and Wellness, HSS created a new Youth Center for one-n-ten - with open gathering spaces, an eat-around kitchen, classrooms, performance space and art studio. The organization – one-n-ten “envisions a world where LGBTQ youth are embraced for who they are, actively engaged in their communities, and empowered to lead, with empowering social & service programs for self‐expression, self‐acceptance, leadership and healthy life choices.” Our task was to integrate these values into a new home, with big ideas and a small budget.

Improving the existing space shell to create a new home for a busy and multi-faceted organization was a formidable challenge. The final design created a central gathering space with the kitchen as focal point, offices and classrooms along the edges for quieter activities. As is typical of the non-profits we serve, the one-n-ten organization benefited from multiple donations and income sources as well as a passionate staff who all had a seat at the table in creating the best possible solution. Together with these raw materials and creative energy, the community center came to fruition in short order, just in time for the academic year and grand opening. It now serves as home base and activity hub for local LGBTQ youth right in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, lucky for us, only steps away from our studio.