Friends of (re)group: We stand in solidarity with BIPOC.
Click here to help us support our community.
creatively connecting communities
meet the board.
mayur patel [president]
brian buckley [vice president]
blair woerfel [treasurer]
erin meyers [secretary]
we are radically engaged.
our story
(re)group evolved organically as an outcome to our successful spring event, (re)fortify. Recognizing the impact of one event brought to light the limitless opportunities to continue making connections. Our organization strives to constantly support our mission statement, "creatively connecting communities" within our design industry and the great city of Chicago.
((re)group is a non-profit organization leveraging design to radically engage communities and inspire career development. Our mission is to create an environment of opportunity through creative design thinking and cross-connections.
(re)fortify
forts and fabrics for a cause.
mission | (re)fortify exists to widen the breadth of possibilities for kids’ futures while benefiting our community and our neighbors in need. Over the course of 5 workshops, we introduce kids to the world of architecture and design while focusing on the creation of a fort concept. We pair kids with local designers to bring these concepts to life with donated materials.The collected clothing and materials are all donated to benefit Breakthrough’s missions and other neighborhood organizations. Donations help fund our workshops, event week, and proceeds go to Breakthrough. We continue to strive to creatively connect communities.
CHICAGO: Breakthrough Urban Ministries
For the past years, refortify Chicago has partnered with Breakthrough as the recipient for its donations; to include building materials, clothing, and proceeds from the event. In Chicago’s East Garfield Park, where disinvestment has left the neighborhood devoid of opportunity and full of broken dreams, Breakthrough is restoring the broken networks of youth and families and empowering adults in the community to achieve self-sufficiency and break the cycle of poverty. Through our program partnership, we have collected and donated over 5000 articles of clothing, and raised over $8000 to help Breakthrough serve the entire community of East Garfield Park.
ATLANTA: Salvation Army Croc Center
refortify Atlanta has most recently partnered with the Croc Center's after school programs in the Pittsburgh community.
current community partnership
meet the team.
We are a mix of talented go-getters from
every corner of the design industry: bringing our passion for design, playful attitudes, and drive into connecting kids with their community.
we are excited to announce our
2019 leadership:
CHICAGO
[co-chairs] janeallison ng + sara gotschewski
[education] katie hart + kelli mildren
[liaison + sponsorship] samantha king
[communications]
amanda davidson + fransisco lopez de arenosa
[logistics]
blair lambert + nicole mazade-francis
ATLANTA
[chair] halle hannaford
what is (re)fortify?
our history
the concept of (re)fortify came to fruition in Atlanta, GA over a late night of good food, numerous libations, and a talk of a zombie apocalypse competition. Want to hear more? Just ask and we'll tell you the story...
2018 sponsors
venue sponsor
mansion sponsor
treehouse sponsorship
teams
Allermuir + HPA
Allsteel / Gunlocke + Shive-Hattery Inc.
Andreu World + Sheehan Nagle Hartray Architects
Flexco Floors + Epstein
Forward Space/Steelcase + AECOM
Henricksen + NELSON
Interior Investments + SCB
Level Reps/Source International + BOX Studios
Mohawk Group + Perkins+Will
OneSource + FitzGerald Associates
Shaw Contract + OKW
Studio TK, Teknion, LUUM + Wright Heerema Architects
Thomas Interiors + Partners by Design
an A+D spelling bee
The inaugural (re)spell was held last fall at Marshall's Landing in Chicago's Merchandise Mart.
(re)spell is (re)group's way of ringing in the academic year by bringing professionals together to get geared up for another year of (re)fortify! We will gather on the steps of Marshall's Landing and listen to teams of designers / architects / industry professionals put their spelling skills to the test as they go head-to-head for the honor of calling themselves SPELLING BEE CHAMPIONS!
what is (re)spell?
an A+D spelling bee
Our 2nd Annual (re)spell was held September 19th 2018 at Marshall's Landing in Chicago's Merchandise Mart.
(re)spell is (re)group's way of ringing in the academic year by bringing professionals together to get geared up for another year of (re)fortify! We will gather on the steps of Marshall's Landing and listen to teams of designers / architects / industry professionals put their spelling skills to the test as they go head-to-head for the honor of calling themselves SPELLING BEE CHAMPIONS!
congratulations to our current champions!
Art Basel Winners: Stephanie + Terry of Rework Furniture
Lake Michigan Sail: Madison + Macaria of Huntsman
what is (re)spell?
how we (re)design
pro bono design work
Every so often (re)group is lucky enough to connect with our community through volunteer design projects. We openly welcome any opportunity to give back and utilize the many creative talents of our volunteers!
Have a project? Please give us a shout.
past projects:
Women's Center Boutique
Client: Breakthrough
Scope: FF+E renovation
*Furniture from Design4Dignity
past events
I'm busy working on my blog posts. Watch this space!
