Founder, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP B+C

It all began with a site visit in 2007. As a project architect, I frequently visited potential sites for development. In certain instances, I found that when new structures and greenspaces were created, they were defaced, abandoned and quickly became unfriendly urban landscapes. While traveling through one particular neighborhood, I noticed a community filled with dilapidated houses, parks and community centers infested with crime, trash and graffiti. In the midst of all this devastation, there was one lonely, well-maintained house with a yard filled with brightly colored flowers and a maticulously cut lawn. It was clear that the owners of this house took pride in their home and respected their environment. What was troubling was that none of that pride or respect seemed to spread to the rest of the community. Even more troubling was how susceptible the kids growing up in this type of atmosphere are developing the same negative mentality and disrespect if corrections are not made. It was apparent that social deficiencies were never being addressed to ensure sustainability in these challenging communities.

In addition, Dukes was also struck by the fact that as new structures and greenspaces were created, they were defaced, abandoned and quickly transformed into unfriendly urban landscapes.

A personal concern about the deteriorating state of our environment motivated Dukes to a Call to Action. Determination to help our youth coupled with a love for architecture made finding a solution easy – thus, in 2008 KidBuilders, Inc. was born! It was apparent that KidBuilders, Inc. could play a critical role in addressing these social deficiencies by creating opportunities for youth to become stakeholders in their communities and the driving force behind ensuring sustainability and neighborhood pride.