Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Courtesy Habitat for Humanity.

This week, from April 21–27, is officially National Volunteer Week in the United States. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Archinect has curated a handy guide of resources for architects looking to donate their time and skills to various causes that will ultimately lead to healthier communities, a cleaner planet, and a more just society.

Volunteering is an excellent way to apply architectural education and professional skills in service to these aims. It is also a great chance for those currently seeking job opportunities to remain active in the design field and even fill gaps or bolster résumés as they are looking for full-time work while sharing time with others. 

In keeping with former President (and 2022 AIA Conference on Architecture keynote speaker) Barack Obama's dictum, "We are the change we seek," here is a guide to different volunteer opportunities to pursue for those interested in having an impact both at home and abroad.

International Development

Organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Peace Corps offer architects the chance to apply their professional expertise in the delivery of low-cost homes for Americans in need and shelters for people in developing regions like Central America, the Pacific Islands, and East Africa.

• Habitat for Humanity: Volunteers are welcome to contribute their skills in the building trade for the 48-year-old organization that has, to date, created 70,000 new homes while rehabilitating another 100,000 in all 50 states. Sign up at habitat.org/volunteer
• Engineers Without Borders: Those with a background in the engineering sciences can volunteer alongside architects for the implementation of various community development projects globally. Sign up at ewb-usa.org/volunteer-registration
• Journeyman International: Aimed at students and early-career architects and offers internship opportunities along with direct client-facing work with a host or non-profits and NGOs. Sign up at journeymaninternational.org/global-citizen-program

Urban Planning Initiatives

Another key category of community development, these opportunities focus mostly on American town and city planning efforts and have bearings on topics such as spatial justice and restorative design.

American Planning Association: Offers opportunities for architects to engage in volunteer planning work through its network of statewide chapters.

Disaster Relief

Responses after natural disasters has been a frequent focus of our news coverage, with recent efforts in Turkey, Morocco, and other afflicted countries highlighting the work of architects helping others to rebuild.

• RedR: Offers opportunities for professionals, including architects, to aid in disaster zones through training and support services. Sign up at redr.org.uk/Get-Involved
• Voluntary Architects' Network: Shigeru Ban Architects' non-profit arm has been a tremendous benefit to various relief efforts since the mid-90s, including global earthquake humanitarian aid, the Ukraine invasion, and the recent wildfires in Hawai'i. Inquire about volunteering at America@shigerubanarchitects.com

Community Development

Architects can help to design public spaces, community centers, affordable housing, and more, contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods.

Architects Without Borders: Focuses on providing architectural design and planning services to communities around the world facing humanitarian crises. Sign up at augnorge.org/volunteer-1

Environmental Conservation

Takes on different forms and involvement levels. Opportunities are available both locally and nationally. Here are two broad-reaching initiatives:

• Green Building Initiative: Offers volunteer opportunities for architects to promote eco-friendly construction practices. Sign up at thegbi.org/get-involved
• U.S. Green Building Council: Involvement can vary from local community projects to national committees focused on sustainable building standards like LEED. Sign up at usgbc.org/about/volunteer

Historic Preservation

Architects interested in historic preservation can volunteer with organizations dedicated to the conservation of heritage buildings and landmarks. This could involve assessing the structural integrity of historically significant sites, proposing preservation strategies, or designing adaptations to make old buildings more functional for modern use.

• National Park Service: Has a variety of opportunities at various sites and centers across the country. Sign up at nps.gov/getinvolved/volunteer.htm
• Heritage Conservation Network: Architects can volunteer to contribute to conservation workshops worldwide. Volunteers are asked to pay certain fees for participating. Sign up at heritageconservation.net/participant-info

Educational Programs

Volunteering for educational programs allows architects to mentor and inspire the next generation. This could involve teaching architecture and design principles in schools, conducting workshops, or participating in career fairs to educate students about the field of architecture.

• ACE Mentor Program: Architects can volunteer to mentor high school students interested in AEC careers. Sign up at acementor.org/get-involved/as-a-mentor
• Architects in Schools: The Oregon-based program provides architects with the chance to tutor K-12 learners about various fundamentals related to architecture and design. Sign up at af-oregon.org/volunteer

Feel free to share further suggestions for volunteer opportunities not listed here, as well as personal volunteering stories, in the comments section below.