*José Alvarez, FAIA, LEED AP, NOMA, leading a design charette during Day of Service 2019 in our former New Orleans studio.*

In this interview, José Alvarez, a principal at EskewDumezRipple and one of the original “founders” of the program at our firm, shares insights into the origins and impact of the Day of Service.

His reflections highlight the program’s significance not only to the firm’s culture but also to the broader architectural and nonprofit communities.

Day of Service members collaborating in our studio space during the 2023 program.

Interviewer: Can you describe the impact of the Day of Service on EskewDumezRipple?

José: The Day of Service is about more than just a single day of work. It's about transforming a pro-bono effort into a meaningful and structured initiative that aligns with our values of community and design excellence. It allows us to engage deeply with nonprofit organizations and create work that truly impacts the community.

Interviewer: What makes the Day of Service unique compared to other projects?

Jose explaining the team selection process to our firm members, Day of Service 2024.

José: It’s unique because it brings together people who don’t usually collaborate, breaking down the usual departmental silos. This fosters new connections and reveals talents that might not be visible in our day-to-day work. It flattens the hierarchy, giving everyone a chance to lead and contribute in ways they don't typically get to.

Interviewer: Can you share a memorable moment from a Day of Service?

José: One of my favorites was the very first Day of Service. It was stressful and unknown, but incredibly rewarding. The most satisfying part now is seeing younger staff members taking ownership and driving the initiative forward. It's gratifying to see how something I was nervous about has become a cherished part of our culture.

Interviewer: How has the Day of Service influenced EskewDumezRipple’s firm culture and values?

Building vertical planters using recycled palettes, Day of Service 2023.

José: The program has significantly impacted our firm’s culture. It has led us to incorporate community service as a core value alongside design excellence and sustainability. We now explicitly include community impact in our strategic planning, reflecting the program's influence on our approach to design and client relationships.

Interviewer: What would you want someone to understand about the Day of Service if they were hearing about it for the first time?

José: The Day of Service is a system designed to bring people together in new and meaningful ways. It’s about using our skills to support the community and, in the process, discovering new strengths within our team. It creates a space for collaboration and innovation that extends beyond typical project work.

Interviewer: Have you noticed any lasting effects of the Day of Service on the nonprofit organizations you work with?

José: Absolutely. Nonprofits often find that the clear vision and detailed work we provide during the Day of Service help them in ways that extend beyond just the day itself. For example, Urban Conservancy still uses materials we developed for them, demonstrating the ongoing impact of our collaboration.

Interviewer: Any final thoughts on the significance of the Day of Service?

José: The Day of Service is about more than just giving back; it’s about reinforcing our commitment to community and design. It’s an opportunity for growth, both for the firms involved and the communities we serve. Seeing the positive outcomes and continued engagement from younger team members is what makes it truly worthwhile.