Background

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The Lord’s Place is a Palm Beach County nonprofit organization providing housing, supportive services, job training, outreach, and other programs for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The project replaced its existing facility with a new headquarters and client service center designed to better accommodate its staff, clients, and expanding programs.

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Project Brief

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The project was designed around a straightforward goal: create a functional, durable, welcoming, and cost-conscious facility that supports the organization’s day-to-day operations while responding to the needs of its clients and the South Florida climate.

The Oasis, a landscaped courtyard encountered upon approaching the site, establishes the character of the campus and provides clients and staff with a protected outdoor environment connected to nature.

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The architecture incorporates several complementary design principles:

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Trauma-Informed Design — Clear circulation and sightlines, natural light, comfortable waiting and gathering areas, controlled acoustics, and opportunities for choice and privacy help create an environment that feels safe, predictable, and respectful.

Biophilic Design — Landscape, daylight, exterior views, natural materials, and connections to outdoor spaces are integrated throughout the project to bring nature into the everyday experience of the building.

Passive Design — Building orientation, controlled glazing, shaded outdoor areas, and exterior solar-shading louvers on the south, west, and east façades help reduce solar heat gain and improve occupant comfort in the South Florida climate.

Functional & Budget-Driven Design — Client services, offices, counseling and meeting spaces, training areas, circulation, security, and support spaces are organized around operational needs. Materials and building systems were selected with construction cost, durability, maintenance, and long-term operation in mind.

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Together, these strategies create a practical facility that supports The Lord’s Place's mission while providing clients and staff with a comfortable, dignified, and functional environment.

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