29,749 Homeless Alabama Schoolchildren

Did you know that 29,749 schoolchildren enrolled in Alabama’s public pK-12 schools during the 2012-2013 school year are homeless according to a report released last month by the US Department of Education?

The challenge of living without safe, permanent housing often produces overwhelming emotional, educational, and health obstacles for these children as well as their caregivers and younger siblings.

Since its inception, Aho Architects has passionately served thousands of students and educators through the thoughtful design of numerous educational facilities. We do this because we understand the tremendous impact an education has on an individual’s life. As our firm grows, we desire to expand the positive impact we can effect in this region. For this reason, we are developing a stronger presence in the affordable multi-family housing market. Affordable housing and education often work hand-in-hand to promote well-being and achievement.

One of our firm’s core values is to serve others. Designing safe, comfortable, and aesthetically-pleasing affordable multi-family housing is just another avenue by which we will use our talents and energies to serve.

Hoover High School Interior Design Class Visits Aho Architects

The Interior Design class of Hoover High School recently visited Aho Architects' office to learn more about the professional side of interior design.

April Cain, Vice President and Interior Designer shared examples of the firm's real-world projects; demonstrated professional software for design, visualization, and cost-estimating; and gave the students an overview of pursuing a college degree in interiors and joining the workforce.

After the presentation, students spent time touring the office and speaking with other members of our staff to learn more about interior design, architecture, and what it is like to work in a firm.

We enjoyed hosting them, and welcome opportunities such as this to contribute to our community, our local schools, and the future of the design profession.

Joseph

As part of our commitment to stewardship in various forms, the staff of Aho Architects sponsors Joseph, a Kenyan orphan, through our support of the Hope Community Centre in North Kinangop, Kenya.

Joseph is 13 and in 6th grade. At this time, he wants to be an engineer who designs roads (but we're secretly hoping he'll become an architect!).

Aho Architects supports this vital program by providing for Joseph's basic needs and his education.

Jeremiah 29:11

Joseph  |  Hope Community Centre, North Kinangop, Kenya — **Joseph** | Hope Community Centre, North Kinangop, Kenya

Habitat for Humanity Spring 2013 Build Day

Several times each year, Aho Architects staff "close" the office and spend the day helping to build a Habitat for Humanity home for a deserving family. This year, we worked in Pratt City, an area of Birmingham devastated by the 4/27/11 tornado, on a new home for the Gates family. This project was part of the 2013 "Building on Faith" initiative which seeks, with local churches, to build a large number of homes in time for Easter.

This is part of our firm's stewardship efforts.

For us, this is an opportunity to give back; to get involved in construction work and experience what happens on the other side of the drawings we produce; it makes us better architects for sure, and building a home also builds our team.

For this "build day" we joined with members of Riverchase United Methodist Church, one of our clients who was also a major financial supporter of this home.

3/14/2013 Habitat for Humanity Build Day