Design with You in Mind

This master planning and conceptual design project was developed in partnership with Lighthouse Ministries, a nonprofit dedicated to providing a place of healing, restoration, and hope for women recovering from sex trafficking in Mexico.

The organization had been gifted a parcel of land and sought guidance in transforming it into a sustainable campus that could support not only the women in their care, but also their children, staff, volunteers, and the broader community they serve. The vision extended beyond housing, seeking to create an environment where individuals could heal, develop life skills, build community, and discover renewed purpose.

The proposed campus was organized into two primary buildings, allowing the project to be developed in phases as funding became available. The first building provides residential accommodations for up to 102 women, children, and support staff, while also incorporating classrooms, recreational areas, and opportunities for vocational development through retail and café spaces. 

The second building combines worship, fellowship, education, and administrative functions, creating a central gathering place for ministry, learning, and community events. Flexible spaces were designed to support both daily programming and revenue-generating opportunities through special events and facility rentals.

Additional cottages were envisioned to host visiting mission teams or provide short-term rental income to further support the ministry's long-term sustainability.

Throughout the design process, careful attention was given to creating a safe and dignified environment for residents while establishing clear separation between private living areas and public-facing spaces. Outdoor amenities, including a soccer field and gathering areas, reflect both the ministry's outreach to local children and the important role sports play within the surrounding culture.

More than a collection of buildings, the project was conceived as a place of restoration—a campus designed to foster healing, strengthen community, and create pathways toward a renewed future.