Outstanding Community Service Award

The Chapman partnership manages two Homeless Assistance Centers located in Miami and Homestead, Florida. Equipped with cafeterias and other resources, they seek to help residents become self-sufficient. In looking to improve their cafeteria facilities, Chapman Partnership offered the Agamedes Chapter of Alpha Rho Chi the opportunity to aid them in their kitchen remodels and draft floor plans at both their Northern location in Brickell and their Southern location in Florida City.   

Upgrading the kitchen facilities has become essential to uphold safety standards, improve efficiency and overall quality; however, cost had deterred the Partnership from having the remodels completed. Without the help from the chapter, The Chapman Partnership would not have the resources or funding to accomplish this project.  

The Philanthropy Chair of Agamedes Chapter, reached out to their Executive Director regarding any type of service opportunity. The Partnership got back to the chapter with this opportunity. As growing architecture students, having the opportunity to visit a site and take measurements to then create plans design plans is important for developing their skills in teamwork, project development, site analysis and communication. Additionally, the ability to help the immediate community using the skills of their respective field not only allowed them to grow closer together as a chapter, but form connections within the City of Miami and South Florida.    

The chapter visited the Florida City location as a group of 12 members and split up into groups to best execute this project. After analyzing the kitchen, the chapter members sectioned the space into pieces, so a focused group could concentrate on each section including taking dimensions, sketching design ideas, and taking general notes.  Each group then reported to a member with a computer who translated those notes and measurements into AutoCAD.   

Additionally, there was a group of chapter members who served as quality control, checking for accuracy, and assuring the plans were being developed correctly. From there they compiled all three parts of the plans into one document which were then sent to the Chapman Partnership. This process was recently completed at the Brickell location as well.  

Ultimately, this project has made a great difference for the Chapman Partnership as well as allow the chapter to grow closer and more appreciative for the community around the university and within Alpha Rho Chi. 

Another goal within the Agamedes Chapter of Alpha Rho Chi was to build connections with different organizations in Miami Dade County and give back to the immediate community in a way that will leave a lasting impact on those being served.  

Creating enduring partnerships is always something the Chapter has looked for to foster relationships for future members. The project also allowed every member of the chapter to grow in experience, knowledge and skills that will be beneficial to them in their future endeavors as Architects.  

Finally, the chapter was able to harvest more chemistry inside of Alpha Rho Chi through teamwork and working towards the common goal of doing this service for The Chapman Partnership.