SODA was founded as a nonprofit because the problems we address are not driven by market demand—they’re driven by community need. Traditional architecture and design firms rely on clients who can afford services. But the spaces most in need of thoughtful design—neighborhood centers, grassroots organizations, cultural spaces, public health environments, youth programs, and community-led visions—rarely have access to these resources. Becoming a nonprofit removes that barrier. It allows us to work where design is needed most, not just where it is financially viable.

As a nonprofit, SODA is accountable to mission rather than profit. Every dollar that comes into the organization is reinvested into community projects, research, participatory design processes, and long-term partnerships that would be nearly impossible to sustain in a for-profit model. This structure gives us the ability to take on early-stage concepts, exploratory work, and deeply collaborative community engagements that don’t fit neatly into a billable-hours framework but create the greatest social impact.

Nonprofit status also strengthens trust. Our partners—residents, local organizations, cultural leaders, funders—know that our work is guided by values, not by revenue targets. They can rely on SODA to be transparent, mission-aligned, and deeply committed to elevating community voices throughout the design process. It also enables us to receive grants, philanthropic support, and charitable contributions, which extend the reach of our work far beyond what a traditional architecture firm could offer.

Ultimately, SODA exists as a nonprofit because we believe design is a public good. Beautiful, dignified, and culturally responsive environments should not be a luxury. They should be accessible to everyone—especially those historically excluded from the design conversation. Our nonprofit structure allows us to pursue this belief fully, honestly, and without compromise.