About
Mission + Values
We operate at the intersection of design and civic engagement, redefining what design is, who it is for, and why it matters. We contend that innovative solutions to the most pressing problems facing our communities lie in giving voice to residents. We believe in the public necessity of design and its broad and popular access to all.
We encourage students to work collaboratively, think critically, and respond to real world constraints, issues and opportunities in ways that defy traditional design education, serve as a leader in community-engaged design research, and provide education on design-related issues to the broader public.We believe that connecting people and working together across the city and region can give small projects much bigger impacts.
How We Work
Each project begins as a proposal from a community-based organization and is developed in partnership with the organization and its constituents.
170+ projects
100+ partners
1200+ students
History
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and the ensuing federal levee failure flooded 80% of the city, presenting an urgent and immediate need for design and technical assistance.
‘Tulane City Center’ launched in late 2005 as a way to take part in the recovery of the city, educate students through applied projects, and work with the nonprofits and community groups who would be instrumental in the return of New Orleans residents, culture, and traditions. In 2014, we moved into our current 7000 sq. ft. storefront location, expanding our shop, exhibition, teaching and outreach capacity. The Small Center was renamed in 2016, in recognition of an endowed gift from Board of Tulane trustee, former School of Architecture and Built Environment Dean’s Advisory Council member, and Tulane alumnus Albert H Small, Jr. ‘79 and his wife Tina B.Small, whose support were instrumental from the Center’s early days and remain so as the program continues to grow.
Since then, we have worked with over 150+ community partners to advance more than 100 projects, at a variety of scales. Our nationally recognized work has helped organizations leverage millions of dollars for their projects and provides examples of community-based, environmentally sensitive designs that are locally responsive yet suggest solutions to national issues many cities and communities face.
Frequently asked questions
Who We Are
What does Small Center do?
Small Center is the community design center of the Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment. We work with community-based organizations to provide design services for constituencies who are underserved by the architecture and design professions, often in the form of design drawings, graphic booklets, and small scale design/build construction. Staff, students, and faculty collaborate with the leadership and constituents of partnering nonprofit organizations throughout New Orleans.
Work With Us
I have a project idea! How do I submit a project proposal?
We are always interested in hearing how we might help community-based groups in New Orleans.
Our primary project intake is our annual Request for Proposals (RFP) that opens every March. To find out more information about the RFP, application requirements, and past RFP processes, please click here.
Who’s eligible?
If you are a New Orleans-based nonprofit (or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a nonprofit organization), and you have a specific project for which you need design and/or planning services, then you qualify for this program.
Does my project have to be in New Orleans?
Our work is focused on projects that impact residents of New Orleans.
Can you build my house, draw a plan for my backyard, or stamp my construction drawings?
We are not an architecture or a construction firm. We cannot provide stamped drawings and we cannot work on individual household projects. If you are a local nonprofit, you may apply to our annual RFP process. There are also many excellent architecture firms in town.
Get Involved
Can I volunteer with you?
We do not offer volunteer opportunities but many of our partner organizations do. Please contact them directly to learn more.
Where can I find the schedule and description for upcoming courses at Small Center?
All of our courses, including design/build studios, can be found on the Tulane School of Architecture course listing here.
I’m a designer interested in working with you – how can I get involved?
Our partnerships are typically structured around a specific project. Please submit some information about your work here and we’ll keep you in mind for future collaborations.
Do you have any internship opportunities?
We offer internship opportunities for Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment undergraduate and graduate students. Each summer, we also offer a Public Interest Design Fellowship for undergraduate and graduate students. For more information about student opportunities, please click here. Look out for announcements throughout the year to apply.
Can we use your space for an event?
We love hosting organizations doing work aligned with our mission. To learn more about our spaces, please contact us here.