Join us in welcoming Jordan to the Neighborhood Allies team!

Our newly launched Social Impact Design Program builds the capacity of both designers and the community by providing project management and schematic design support. By increasing the flow of public and private community development capital to low-income communities and building a network of equity-focused designers and community leaders, our work aims to elevate the voices of marginalized leaders in architecture and development, especially in our Black and Brown communities.

With nearly four years of experience working in the professional architecture realm, Jordan brings a host of design skills to the team that ensures community stakeholders are the foundation of the Social Impact Design Program.

“I have seen how traditional project delivery methods boil the entire community engagement process down to a required development activities meeting. This process treats the valuable insight of Black and Brown communities as a check-box on the way to development and does little to support the historically disinvested areas of Pittsburgh. As a social impact designer, I will continue to divest from whiteness and will work alongside community members to co-create the places they call home.”

Jordan Swartz, Neighborhood Allies’ new Social Impact Designer

Jordan holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Penn State University with a minor in Environmental Inquiry. She brings a host of practical design knowledge, including the development of 3D models and detailed concept visuals using tools such as AutoCAD and SketchUp. At Neighborhood Allies, she hopes to complete the required examinations to become a licensed architect with the goal of providing quality design services to historically disinvested communities.

We are beyond excited to welcome Jordan to the team and cannot wait to see the enthusiasm, passion, and creativity she brings to the Social Impact Design Program, and to our work overall!