Project Management - Bark + Build - SPCA of Texas

Project Overview

The Bark + Build Competition brings together American Institute of Architecture firms and TEXO Construction Association contractors to create dog houses and cat condos.  The structures are displayed at NorthPark Center in Dallas and auctioned.  Auction proceeds benefit the SPCA of Texas.   

Contribution

As the project manager for community outreach, I was responsible for the 5G Studio architecture team, and managed the construction partnership with McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.  Our team chose to design a cat condo for the competition.

The six-month, design-build process began with a visit to the SPCA of Texas, and meetings with their veterinarians to discuss considerations when designing a dwelling for a cat.  With these sensitivities in mind, the architecture team, which consisted of two designers and me, identified the need for a vertical structure that was easy to climb, provided open and closed spaces for activity and rest, and multiple textures that would stimulate a cat’s need to scratch.  NorthPark Center provided size, weight, and display requirements for the cat condo.  There was no budget for the project, therefore, all materials would need to be donated.  The design iteration process was conducted with the consideration of these factors, and with input from the construction company. 

I created design mockups, 3D renderings, construction and competition documents, scheduled and attended meetings, obtained donated materials, supervised the construction process, and installation of the cat condo. 

Result

The cat condo raised $750 for the SPCA of Texas, fostered a partnership with McCarthy Construction, and resulted in multiple revenue projects for the firm.