Architects and architecture play a critical role in creating an inviting and safe atmosphere for the end user, but they are not clairvoyant about client culture. Organizations are best served and more likely to achieve their desired outcome by spending time educating designers about their organizational culture, vision and what will spell success when the project is completed. The more information about the organization concerning outcomes and results that can be conveyed before the design phase even commences, the more likely the desired outcome will be achieved. It was my privilege to present some of these ideas at the Texas Society of Architects in Austin.

1. DESIGNING
FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
Texas Society of Architects
Annual Convention
October 20, 2007

2. INTRODUCTION
Steve Souter, AIA
Managing Partner
MARMON MOK

3. CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
TO ARCHITECTS
Accessibility
Safety
Increased Independence
Stimulates Mobility
Provides Appropriate Privacy
Encourages Interaction
Provides Access to Recreation and Stimulation

4. KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL DESIGN
Understand the Program
Participate in Activities With the Kids
Understand the Treatment Philosophy
Understand the Physical and Psychological
Challenges – Try to Put Yourself in Their Place

5. Unique Skills
Patience and Understanding
Many Facilities are Non-Profits
Strong Dedication –Become Trusted Advisor
Design for Family
Rewarding Experiences
KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL DESIGN

6. HOW WE DEVELOPED
PRACTICE SPECIALIZATION
Grew Out Of Healthcare
Range Of Practice Opportunities
Special Considerations
Interest in Community Service
Licensure/Certification Programs
Regulatory Considerations
Fundraising/Grant Process
Non-Profit Boards

7. SOUTHWEST MENTAL HEALTH CENTER (SMHC)
 Children’s psychiatric hospital – history dates back to
1886
 SMHC is the only private non-profit children’s hospital in
South Texas
CASE STUDIES –
TWO OF TEXAS’ MOST RECOGNIZED ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE
SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

8. CASE STUDIES –
TWO OF TEXAS’ MOST RECOGNIZED ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROVIDE
SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
TEXAS LIONS CAMP (TLC)
 One of the best known camping facilities for children with
special needs in the U.S.
 Founded in 1949, TLC provides summer camping
opportunities for children who have physical disabilities,
diabetes, and cancer

9. CASE STUDY #1
Geoff Gentry, PhD.
Director of Clinical Services
SOUTHWEST MENTAL HEALTH CENTER

12. CASE STUDY #2
Stephen S. Mabry, CFRE, CAE
Executive Director
TEXAS LIONS CAMP

13. THE NON-PROFIT SECTOR
NON-PROFIT, NOT “NO-PROFIT”
• In most instances, designing for
children with disabilities means
you will be working with a non-
profit organization.
• Non-profit does not mean that
organizations described under 501
(c)(3), (c)(4), & (c)(6) are
prohibited from making a profit.
• Non-profit means that the earnings
do not inure to the benefit of an
individual or stock-holder.
• Earnings will be used in pursuit of
the organization’s stated mission
and purpose rather than “profit.”

14. THE NON-PROFIT SECTOR
NON-PROFIT, NOT “NO-PROFIT”
• Currently, there are ~1.5
million non-profits in the U.S.
• Aggregate annual revenues in
excess of $750 Billion
• Roughly 15% of the Gross
National Product.
• Employing an estimated 13
million people in the U.S.
alone.
• Annual employment growth
rate of 2.5%, while their for-
profit counterparts experience
a 1.8% employment growth
rate.

15. THE NON-PROFIT SECTOR
NON-PROFIT, NOT “NO-PROFIT”
• To state the obvious, a growing sector has many “growing” needs
that must be professionally managed.
• As architects, you are one of the most important partners our sector
relies upon to ensure rapid growth results in longevity and continued
health.
– Current and future donors will give commensurately with their confidence in an
organization.
– Confidence is built after a gift is made and the administration of the gift is
complete.
– The mission of an organization can be enhanced (or threatened) as new
buildings and construction projects emerge.
• For TLC, appearance is everything. Imagine if parents came to drop off their
children, and there were broken windows, dilapidated facilities and safety
concerns.
• Our architects are also on our front line of defense against litigation.

16. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
515 ACRES, KERRVILLE, TEXAS

17. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
HEART OF OPERATION – DINING, SWIMMING, INFIRMARY

19. TLC AMPHITHEATRE – BEFORE
Celebrating Achievement

20. TLC AMPHITHEATRE – AFTER
Celebrating Achievement

21. TLC AMPHITHEATRE – AFTER
Celebrating Achievement

22. TLC AMPHITHEATRE – AFTER
Celebrating Achievement – Now an Organization’s Icon!

23. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
DINING HALL – FROM THIS

24. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
DINING HALL – TO THIS

25. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
DINING HALL – FROM THIS

26. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
DINING HALL – TO THIS

27. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
Accessible Boat Launch/Storage Facility

28. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
Accessible Boat Launch/Storage Facility

29. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
Accessible Boat Launch/Storage Facility

30. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
Accessible Boat Launch/Storage Facility

31. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
Accessible Boat Launch/Storage

32. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
BOARDS OF DIRECTORS

33. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
DONORS – FUEL BEHIND THE PROJECTS

34. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
DONORS – FUEL BEHIND THE PROJECTS

35. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
DONORS – FUEL BEHIND THE PROJECTS

36. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
Picnic Area

37. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
Picnic Area

38. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
Jr. Olympic - Swimming Pool

39. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
Jr. Olympic - Swimming Pool

40. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
Jr. Olympic - Swimming Pool

41. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
Jr. Olympic - Swimming Pool

42. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
KIDS ARE KIDS, ARE KIDS, ARE KIDS…

43. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
KIDS ARE KIDS, ARE KIDS, ARE KIDS…

44. TEXAS LIONS CAMP – CAMPUS
Helpful Deliverables
• Digital Concept Designs
• Blue prints/Design elements in .pdf
• Half sized blue prints
• Minutes of Meetings
• Web pages & digital photographs

45. DESIGN AT ITS FINEST!