Vision • Mission • Values

We envision a human world that is healthy, just, and in balance with nature.
Our mission is to employ design to help heal the world.

Improving the world through the intersection of design, ecology, and activism guides our design philosophy.
​We propel sustainable design beyond 'less bad' and into the realm of 'doing good'.

Co-creating authentic projects with clients that are equitable places, communities, and economies through regenerative design is our passion.

​Join the collective and help out!

Values:
    Tikkun Olam - Pronounced “tee•koon olahm” the Hebrew term for "repairing the world" is our namesake, compass, and north star.
    Circles vs Lines - Healing the world will require new ways of living, not just thinking…
    Tzedakah - Hebrew for "charity" or "justice." In Judaism, tzedakah is about creating fairness and supporting those in need.
    Kavod - Hebrew for "respect" or "honor." In Judaism, kavod involves recognizing the worth of every person and acting in ways that show this respect.
    Bridges vs Ladders - It's not about competition, it's about collaboration
    Slow Design - Creating things thoughtfully and carefully, rather than rushing to finish them quickly.

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TIKUN OLAM
"Tikkun olam" (תיקון עולם) is a Hebrew phrase that translates to "repair of the world" or "healing the world." It is a concept in Judaism that emphasizes the responsibility to work towards social justice, equality, and the betterment of society as a whole. The idea of tikkun olam has evolved over time and is interpreted in various ways within different Jewish traditions and contexts. At Tikun Collective Design it's our namesake and North star.

Historical and Religious Context:

• Kabbalistic Origin: In Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), tikkun olam refers to the metaphysical process of restoring and mending the divine sparks that were scattered during the creation of the world. This concept was particularly developed by the 16th-century kabbalist Isaac Luria.
• Rabbinic Literature: In the Talmud, tikkun olam appears in a more pragmatic sense, referring to legal measures enacted to ensure social harmony and public welfare.

Modern Interpretations:

• Social Justice: Today, tikkun olam is often associated with social action and the pursuit of justice. Many Jewish organizations and individuals use the term to describe efforts to address issues like poverty, human rights, environmental sustainability, and more.
• Ethical Responsibility: As a guiding principle for ethical behavior, encouraging individuals to contribute positively to their communities and the broader world.

Applications:

• Community Service: Many Jewish communities engage in volunteer work, charity, and activism as expressions of tikkun olam.
• Environmentalism: Efforts to protect and preserve the environment are often framed as acts of tikkun olam, emphasizing stewardship of the earth.

Broader Impact:

• Interfaith Collaboration: The concept has transcended Jewish circles and is embraced by people of various faiths and backgrounds who are committed to making the world a better place.

Tikkun olam remains a powerful and inspiring idea that encourages individuals to take active roles in creating a just and compassionate world.


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CIRCLES OVER LINES
Our phrase "stop thinking outside the box and begin living inside the circle" suggests a shift in perspective and approach. We need a paradigm shift in how we interact with each other and the world if we are to move past these challenging times. Healing the world will require new ways of living, not just thinking…
Integration and Holistic Thinking:

• Thinking Outside the Box: This traditionally means to think creatively and unconventionally, looking for solutions beyond the obvious.
• Living Inside the Circle: Instead of merely brainstorming creative ideas, this implies incorporating those ideas into everyday life. It suggests a more integrated, holistic approach where ideas and actions are aligned within a defined framework (the circle of life).

Focus on Community and Inclusivity:

• The "circle" often symbolizes unity, community, and wholeness. "Living inside the circle" means emphasizing community, relationships, and interconnectedness. It calls for living in harmony with others, valuing collective well-being, and fostering inclusivity.

Mindfulness and Presence:

• "Living inside the circle" also means embracing mindfulness and being present. Listening and contemplating. Considering our actions and what a design’s impact might be on a place or a people.

Cultural / Spiritual Context:

• In many cultural and spiritual contexts, circles symbolize cycles, balance, and completeness, interconnectedness and interdependence. We believe in a union with indigenous values, natural cycles, and balance, encouraging people to live in harmony with these principles.

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TZEDAKAH
Tzedakah is a Hebrew word that means "charity" or "justice." It's about helping others and doing what is right. In Judaism, tzedakah is not just about giving money; it's about creating fairness and supporting those in need.
Here’s how the value of tzedakah influences our work:
Helping Others:

• User-Centered Design: Always thinking about the people who will use your designs, be it a place, a space or a product.. Make things easy, accessible, and helpful for everyone, including those with disabilities.
• Community Projects: We use our skills to help local communities. 

Fairness and Justice:

• Inclusive Design: Ensure our designs are fair and inclusive. Avoid biases and consider diverse perspectives so everyone feels represented and respected.
• Ethical Choices: Choose materials and methods that are good for people and the planet. Avoid exploiting workers or harming the environment.

Generosity and Support:

• Mentorship: Share our knowledge and skills with others, especially those who are just starting. Help them grow and succeed.
• Pro Bono Work: Occasionally, offer our design at a reduced cost to those who can’t afford them but really need them, like charities or small community groups.

Collaboration and Community:

• Team Spirit: Work together with our colleagues, supporting each other and sharing credit for successes.

    Why Tzedakah is Important in Design

• Impact: Your work can make a real difference in people’s lives.
• Reputation: We want to be a studio known for its fairness, generosity, and community focus.
• Fulfillment: Knowing our work contributes to a better world brings a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose.

Applying tzedakah in our design studio means creating with heart. It’s about ensuring our designs are fair, helpful, and supportive, making the world a little better with each project we engage on.



KAVOD
Kavod is a Hebrew word that means "respect" or "honor." It’s about valuing and treating others with dignity. In Judaism, kavod involves recognizing the worth of every person and acting in ways that show this respect.
Here’s how the value of kavod influences our work:
Respect for Colleagues:

• Team Collaboration: Listen to everyone’s ideas and opinions. Value each person’s contribution, whether they’re a junior designer or a senior manager.
• Positive Work Environment: Foster a supportive and respectful workplace. Avoid negative behaviors like gossiping or belittling others.

Respect for Clients:

• Understanding Needs: Take time to understand our clients’ needs and goals. Show that we value their input and want to help them succeed.
• Honesty and Integrity: Be honest in our communications and dealings with clients. Deliver what we promise and handle any issues with transparency.

Respect for Users:

• User-Centered Design: Create designs that are easy to use, accessible, and considerate of all users, including those with disabilities or different cultural backgrounds.
• Privacy and Security: Protect user data and privacy.

Respect for Yourself:

• Professional Growth: Value our own skills and knowledge. Keep learning and improving so we can do our best work.
• Work-Life Balance: Respect our own time and well-being. Don’t overwork ourselves; balance our professional and personal life.

   
Why Kavod is Important in Design:

• Better Collaboration: A respectful environment encourages open communication, creativity, and teamwork. Everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.
• Higher Quality Work: When you respect the needs of your clients and users, you create better, more thoughtful designs that truly meet their needs.
• Positive Reputation: A studio known for its respect and integrity attracts more clients and talented team members.
• Personal Satisfaction: Treating others with respect and being treated respectfully in return creates a more fulfilling and enjoyable work experience.

BRIDGES OVER LADDERS
​Climb the Corporate Ladder or build a Bridge together? Imagine you're in a tall building with lots of floors. Each floor represents a different level in a company, with the entry-level jobs on the bottom floor and the top bosses on the highest floor.

To move up, you have to climb the ladder.

• Hard Work: Climbing a ladder takes a lot of effort and can be really hard and require an imbalance in work and life.
• Competition: There might be other people trying to climb the same ladder, so you have to compete to get higher.
• Risk: If you don’t get to the next level, you could feel like the effort was a waste, like you have to start over.
• Isolation: You're mostly focused on your own progress, and it can be lonely.

Now, think about building bridges instead.

• Collaboration: When you build bridges, you work with others. You connect with people, share ideas, and help each other.
• Support: Bridges provide support. Instead of climbing alone, you have a solid path to walk on with others by your side.
• Opportunities: By building bridges, you create new paths and opportunities. You can reach different places and help others do the same.
• Stability: Bridges are strong and stable. They don’t collapse easily, so you can trust them to help you and others move forward.

    Why we build Bridges

•     Teamwork: We get to work with others, learning and growing together.
•     Relationships: We build strong connections with people who can support us and whom we can support in return.
•     Innovation: Together, we can come up with new and better ideas, creating more opportunities.
•     Security: Bridges are less risky. We have a stable path, and if one route doesn’t work out, there are others to explore.

This represents our studio culture internally as well as our approach to our clients externally. It's about collaboration and mutual support, professional development and constant learning. We believe this approach leads to more meaningful, stable, and enjoyable partnerships.



SLOW DESIGN
Slow design is about creating things thoughtfully and carefully, rather than rushing to finish them quickly. Here are some key points:

• Quality Over Speed: Instead of making something as quickly as possible, slow design focuses on making it well. This means spending more time on each part to ensure it’s the best it can be.
• Sustainability: Slow design often uses materials and methods that are better for the environment. This could mean using recycled materials or making things in a way that doesn’t harm nature.
• Thoughtful Process: Taking time to think about how and why they are making something. They consider who will use it, how it will be used, and how it will impact the world.
• Unique and Personal: Because slow design isn’t rushed, each item can be more unique and special. It’s not just another thing off an assembly line, but something with character and story.
• Connection and Enjoyment: Both the creator and the user can feel a stronger connection to the project. The designer enjoys making it, and the user appreciates its quality and uniqueness.

Think of it like cooking a meal from scratch with fresh ingredients instead of just heating up a microwave dinner. The home-cooked meal might take longer to prepare, but it's usually healthier, tastier, and more enjoyable to eat. That’s the essence of slow design.

The design field is notorious for encouraging workaholism and burnout. This approach to business and creativity is not sustainable and leads to poor results for clients, the built environment and nature.

Learn more about this movement here.

Contact: [email protected] | 612-791-9093
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