FAQs

1. What is your mission?

   We partner with rural communities to co-create design solutions for experiences and services that reflect local identity, address real needs, and support long-term resilience.

2. What work do you do?

   Our work includes community engagement, design research, public space improvements, service design, and strategic planning rooted in local context.

3. In short, how do you conduct your work?

   We listen first. Our methods are participatory, interdisciplinary, and flexible. We emphasize co-creation, capacity-building, and long-term relationships.

4. Why focus on rural areas?

   Rural areas are often excluded from many resources and funds that help more densely populated areas thrive. We work to close that gap.

5. Who do you work with?

   Small towns, rural nonprofits, libraries, main streets, farmers, factory workers, artists, mechanics, ministers, you name it. Anyone shaping rural life.

6. How can schools or local communities partner with the Rural Design Project?

   Just reach out to us on our contact page. We would love to hear from you.

7. Do you have a design philosophy?

   We believe design is not simply meant to make things look pretty, but rather a tool for transformation. Rural communities deserve design that’s as thoughtful as they are.

8. How are you structured?

   We operate as a fiscally sponsored initiative with a small core team and a growing network of rural collaborators and advisors.

9. What is your funding model?

   We are funded through a mix of grants, donations, and earned income from community-based design services.

10. How can I get Involved?

    You can support our mission by donating, partnering with us, serving as a fellow, or joining our advisory network.