Community Matters
Community team players
We approach every challenge with an optimistic outlook, always finding innovative and creative solutions.
From design charettes overseas, to playhouses in our own backyard, Arris Studio Architects approaches each project as a unique challenge. We take pride in our ability to understand the big picture and find creative solutions to the most challenging problems.
Ukraine Community Center Design Charette - Soldatske (2023)
With the devastating destruction that has been happening in Ukraine, Arris had the opportunity to help by working with Journeyman International to design two new community centers for the cities of Trostyanets and Soldatske. Our office formed small teams of 1-3 people to create a series of design options. Through many iterations and revisions. several designs were explored and internally critiqed, until ultimately one was presented.
Our design intent for the rennovation of the community center in Soldaske was to keep as much of the existing masonry structure in-tact as possible, revamp the soviet era design of the existing structure with a more light and transparent design, use modern energy saving technology, and keep the focus of the design geared towards the children and youth of the community.
Ukraine Community Center Design Charette - Trostyanets (2023)
The details and interior of the rennovation of the boiler room into a community center in Trostyanets were inspired by the Vyshyvanka patterns and symbolisim in Ukrainian art and culture. Embroidery is a fundamental element of traditional Ukrainian clothing and culture. There is deep symbolism in each pattern, and embroidered textiles can be used as talismans to protect a person or tell stories. These patterns and shapes present themeselves in folk art as well.
Builder Games for People's Self-Help Housing (2024, 2025)
Arris has had the pleasure of participating in the People Self Help Housing event "the Builder Games" over the past couple of years. This event calls for each team to create a playhouse based on the theme of the team's choice, under rigorous time, size, and weight restraints. Each playhouse is then auctioned off, and all of the proceeds go towards PSHH's supportive housing program.
Using our strengths in problem-solving, communication, and design creativity, the Arris team has come out strong with our playhouse designs. In 2024, our team created a medieval castle themed playhouse, that won the judges hearts with the Judges Choice Award. In 2025, our team stepped it up with a minitature version of a local landmark, the Fremont Theater. Fully equipped with working lights, detatchable signage, and a hot pink stage, we were the talk of the event. Arris is always thrilled to participate in such a wonderful event that helps to give back to the community, and is looking forward to leveling up again next year.