Hasta La Ideas

News: Architecture for Humanity co-founders Cameron Sinclair and Kate Stohr have announced plans to leave the disaster-relief organisation they started 15 years ago.

Sinclair and Stohr launched Architecture for Humanity in 1999 to provide design and construction services to world-wide communities affected by natural disasters, but will now step down to undertake new ventures. Stohr will leave at the end of this month to pursue a career in television and web production, while Sinclair will remain in his position as executive director until April 2014, before moving on to focus on his own community projects. His replacement will be announced later in the year.

“It’s great to see something you started evolve into an institution,” commented Stohr. “We are excited about the future of the organisation and plan to continue lending support in whatever ways we can.”

Since launching, the San Francisco-based non-profit organisation has evolved into a global community of 63 local groups and has responded to 15 natural and man-made disasters with the completion of over 300 projects. The departure of its co-founders forms part of a new five-year vision that will see Architecture for Humanity increase its fund-raising and open new offices.

Before leaving, Sinclair will work alongside celebrity Jennifer Lopez to raise $1.5 million (£956,000) in support of future projects.

“Kate and Cameron’s vision and years of dedication and hard work leaves the organisation in a solid place to continue its leadership role in using architecture to solve humanitarian problems,” said board president Matt Charney. “They have built a world-class team of staff and volunteers committed to improving communities – both around the globe and in the US. I speak for the entire board of directors when I say we are extremely excited by the possibilities in front of us.”

Past projects initiated by Architecture for Humanity include a pedestrian footbridge for Trestles Beach in southern California and housing for shack-dwellers in Cape Town.

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Photograph is by Ian White.

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