2027 Day of Service Request for Proposals OPEN
EskewDumezRipple will lead its 13th annual Day of Service on January 15, 2027, to honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. If you are an organization that could benefit from pro bono design services, read below to learn more about the program.
As architects committed to the civic realm and a sustainable future, our firm will donate time and talent to initiatives advocating for equity in the design of the built environment. The Day of Service is an annual initiative, intended to unite design and civic leadership to address social and urban issues with the power of good design and community engagement.
About Day of Service
As part of EskewDumezRipple’s commitment to building community, the firm implements an annual, skills-based and hands on service program to support nonprofit community organizations in the New Orleans and Washington, DC areas. Inspired by the legacies of Martin Luther King, Jr. and our firm’s founder, Allen Eskew, we dedicate an entire workday by our staff to engage in community-focused initiatives. This program offers selected nonprofit organizations an opportunity to collaborate with our seasoned team in a tailored design process that is aligned with their mission.
We’re here to help your organization’s potential project, whether it’s through architecture, interior design, construction, site planning, signage, budgets, zoning, marketing, furniture, hurricane recovery, public service, or related fields. This collaborative exchange promises to enrich our firm and the nonprofit community alike, by fostering a deeper understanding of our city through meaningful dialogues, in-depth explorations, and tangible deliverables crafted by dedicated design professionals.
Process
1. SELECTION: Interested organizations should submit a proposal by 5:00 PM CT on September 9, 2026. The review committee will assess each proposal based on the outlined criteria, and selected organizations will be notified by October 16, 2026. Each project will be assigned a team of 5–10 people from EskewDumezRipple.
2. PLANNING: Team members and representatives from each organization will participate in at least two planning meetings to get to know one another and further define the project scope and deliverables. Meetings may be held virtually or in person, with suggested dates of November 6 and November 20, 2026, from 4:00–5:30 PM. An optional third meeting may be arranged for January 8, 2027.
3. DAY OF SERVICE: The Day of Service will take place on Friday, January 15, 2027. This workday will be dedicated to producing the deliverables agreed upon during the planning meetings. Representatives from each nonprofit organization will check in with their design team and provide feedback on progress. At least one in-person representative is requested.
4. FINAL PRESENTATION + CELEBRATION: Following the Day of Service, each team will present its work to the participating nonprofit organizations, and final deliverables will be provided. The presentation is scheduled for January 22, 2027, from 5:00–6:30 PM ET / 4:00–5:30 PM CT, with additional details to follow. At least one in-person representative is requested.
5. FOLLOW UP: In early February, all participants will complete a brief survey to evaluate the experience and impact of the Day of Service program.
Mural installation for Louisiana Center for Children's Rights, Day of Service 2023.
Important Dates
2026
2027
How to Apply
For detailed information and proposal submission requirements, please download and read the Request
for Proposals (RFP) document by clicking the button below.
Interested organizations should submit a brief proposal of no more than 1,000 words describing their mission, the community they serve, the proposed project and the need it addresses. Proposals should also identify the type of assistance requested and explain how the organization plans to move the work forward after the Day of Service.
Proposals are due by [5:00 p.m. CT] on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, and should be submitted as a PDF to doscoordinator@eskewdumezripple.com with the subject line:
“New Orleans Day of Service 2027 - Organization Name” or “DC Day of Service 2027 - Organization Name”
Selected organizations are expected to be notified by October 16, 2026.
The complete Request for Proposals and additional information about the program are available at eskewdumezripple.com/day-of-service.
Proposal Requirements
Please clearly respond to each of the following sections in order:
1) Organization information:
Name, address, and logo of your organization
Name and address of the proposed project
Name, phone number, and e-mail address of the point of contact person
501(c)3 or fiscal sponsorship status
2) Describe the work of your organization. Include a mission and/or vision statement.
3) Share insights into the diversity of your organization, and any goals related to enhancing diversity.
4) Highlight some of your organization's recent accomplishments.
5) Provide a summary of the proposed project and the identified need it addresses in your community.
Specify which ‘key services’ (see below) you intend to address with the Day of Service.
Describe the community your organization serves and how the proposed project will impact it.
Explain how the proposed project aligns with your organization's mission.
6) Describe the next steps for your project after the Day of Service work is complete.
7) Optional Information: If relevant, feel free to include additional information and images of team members, community engagement, your facility, and the proposed project location.
Key Services Definitions
Vision Package: A plan or strategy outlining the goals, design, and roadmap for a specific project or initiative, for fundraising, planning, and implementation. It can include architectural designs, layouts, cost estimates, and other elements to help understand and visualize the project.
Cost Estimate: An assessment or calculation of the expected expenses or budget required to complete a project, providing an estimate of the financial resources needed.
Zoning Analysis/Feasibility Study: An evaluation of land use regulations and zoning ordinances in a specific area, helping to determine how properties can be used and developed within legal constraints.
Design-Build: A project delivery method where both the design and physical construction are addressed, making for a more cost-effective project with improved communication during implementation.
Programming: A detailed list of all the functional requirements and spaces needed for a project. It serves as a foundational document that guides the design process, ensuring that the final product meets the specific needs of its intended users. This can include proposals for more efficient use of space to meet users' needs.
Hand-On Design: A project that involves hands-on work such as gardening, building or painting. The design team offers physical labor as well as design concept planning for the project, such as designing a mural or landscaping. The design team may also coordinate logistics and oversee execution of the project.
Master Planning: A comprehensive, long-term strategy that outlines the development, organization, and use of land within a defined area. This can serve as framework for future growth and investment.
Interior Design: A project that can include concept development, finishes, furnishings, and lighting design within a space. It involves the planning and execution of spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, ranging from early visioning concepts to detailed elements like recommended furniture selections.
Sustainability Analysis: A comprehensive assessment of a space's current sustainability features, accompanied by a proposal for enhancing its environmental performance. This may include analysis of daylighting, energy efficiency, MEP systems, and material health, aiming to improve occupant well-being, reduce environmental impact, and achieve long-term cost savings.
Previous Day of Service Project Examples
Exterior rendering of entry sequence to renovated facility.
ETERNAL SEEDS
Facility Vision Plan
Eternal Seeds is a community-based nonprofit founded by Brandan “BMike” Odums and the StudioBE team to support young and emerging artists through education, empowerment, and the preservation of New Orleans Black history and culture. EDR worked with Eternal Seeds to envision the transformation of its 36,000-square-foot warehouse into a more permanent, accessible, and functional home for its programs, artists, and community.
We worked with the organization to create a facility vision plan, including:
Existing conditions and site analysis
Space planning and programming
StudioBE and Eternal Seeds entry concepts
Gallery, classroom, studio, office, and gift shop designs
Accessibility and restroom improvements
Courtyard and exterior improvements
Building envelope and insulation strategies
Roof drainage recommendations
Removable mural panel system
Interior and exterior rendering
WRBH
Concept Design
Exterior rendering of outdoor event space concept design. View from corner of Foucher Street and Magazine Street.
WRBH 88.3 FM Reading Radio provides free, accessible spoken-word programming for blind, low-vision, and print-impaired listeners. EskewDumezRipple developed a concept to revitalize the organization’s historic Magazine Street home, better support daily broadcast operations, and create a more welcoming space for volunteers, local creators, and the broader community.
We worked with the organization to create a building and site revitalization concept, including:
Reconfigured broadcast and control spaces
New recording and podcast studios
Improved staff and volunteer areas
Accessibility improvements
Flexible outdoor event spaces
New entrance canopy and performance stage
Site circulation, seating, landscaping, and signage
Strategies supporting community engagement and long-term sustainability
New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI)
Mural Design & Installation
Mural fully installed at NOCHI’s downtown campus.
The New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) provides accessible culinary and hospitality education while supporting workforce development within the region’s hospitality industry. EskewDumezRipple designed and installed an alumni mural that celebrates NOCHI’s growing network of graduates and connects their achievements to future students.
We worked with the organization to create an alumni recognition mural including:
Mural concept and graphic design
New Orleans map-based artwork
NOCHI-branded color palette and graphics
Alumni headshot and program markers
Full-scale design transfer
Collaborative on-site painting and installation
Framework for future alumni expansion
See past projects below: