As creatives, it is our mission to use our resources and abilities to promote justice, unity, and inspiration. As a company and as individuals, we seek to facilitate opportunities for wellness and revitalization in Chicago and beyond.
CURRENT INITIATIVES
Photo by Kendall McCaugherty
SOUNDING BOARDS CHICAGO
Sounding Boards is a mural initiative organized by members of Eastlake Studio in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Proceeds raised (more than $25,000 to date) are shared by the artists and My Block, My Hood, My City’s Small Business Fund. Currently, Sounding Boards is seeking ways to raise more money, and keep the art on public view. Reach out to Christina or Camille if you’re interested in donating or collaborating.
“The intersection of art and small business is the right way for us to make a difference with the talents and skills that we possess as designers. It’s important to us that we recognize the platform we have and use it in a way to amplify voices of others.” - Christina Brown, Eastlake Principal and Sounding Boards Founder
Photo by Alyssa Schukar/Chicago Food Depository
HARMONY CHURCH
Harmony Community Church is an urban worship center in North Lawndale that gives back to the community through art and music lessons, bible studies, and a food pantry that supplies meals to around 250 people per week. Working with Reverend James Brooks, we’ve helped Harmony create more flexible community space within their historic sanctuary. A main goal was to make the space ADA compliant so it can be shared with all. We’ve also helped secure lighting and flooring donations.
STUDIO SHARE INITIATIVE
In 2019, Christina Brown spearheaded a creative initiative that allows organizations to use Eastlake Studio for events, lectures, concerts, and more. To date, we’ve hosted events for Designs4Dignity, AIA, IIDA, Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago Women Architects, Edgar Miller Legacy, SoFar Sounds and Pechakucha, In addition, the studio has been a destination for school field trips and college tours, and has been the site for SAIC architecture department end of semester critiques.
Sponsorships
NOMA
The National Organization of Minority Architects’ (NOMA) mission, rooted in a rich legacy of activism, is to empower local chapters and membership to foster justice and equity in communities of color through outreach, community advocacy, professional development and design excellence. Eastlake Studio is a sponsor of NOMA’s Chicago chapter, and has plans to host a future event at the studio.
IIDA
The International Interior Design Association is the preeminent networking and educational association committed to enhancing the quality of life through excellence in interior design and advancing interior design through knowledge. Eastlake Studio currently has two staff members of the board, and participates frequently in events hosted by IIDA Illinois.
AIA
The American Institute of Architects is the voice of the architectural profession and a resource for its members in service to society. Eastlake Studio has participated in AIA Chicago panel discussions and events, and has provided the venue for AIA’s New Members Reception for the past two years.
CAC
Chicago Architecture Center is a nonprofit cultural organization that hosts an array tours, exhibitions, and educational programming. In addition to our sponsorship, Eastlake Founding Partner Tom Zurowski participated in CAC and WBEZ’s Architecture Jeopardy in 2019. The studio has hosted two Teen Fellow future architects, and has been an Open House Chicago venue for two years.
Other outreach
CARA
Cara Chicago is a nonprofit organization that helps people affected by poverty develop the skills and confidence they need to build a career. Our relationship started with Cara when we designed their River North headquarters, winning a national award for nonprofit design. This summer, we are participating in multiple service days with Cara where we will help organize their business attire closet for the job seekers they help daily.
CANSTRUCTION
Canstruction is a unique charity which hosts competitions, exhibitions, and events showcasing colossal structures made entirely out of full cans of food. Chicago’s event benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository. In 2019, we teamed up with Reed Construction and J.A. Watts, Inc. to create Ironcan, and super hero-inspired can sculpture to support the fight against hunger.
DIFFA
DIFFA (The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) champions the fight to end HIV/AIDS through awareness, prevention, and the pursuit of a cure. Eastlake Studio participates frequently in DIFFA events, including the annual Lip Sync Battle and benefit gala.
CITY OF HOPE
City of Hope is a world leader in the research and treatment of cancer, diabetes, and other serious diseases. Christina Brown is the co-chair of City of Hope’s Real Estate & Construction Council, Building Hope. She has helped raise $500,000 for cancer research by connecting people in design, real estate, and construction.
it’s Personal
As active board members, mentors, volunteers, and advocates, we're engaged and involved with numerous nonprofit organizations and design associations. We take pride in these personal affiliations.
It's Personal Gallery
