Youth architecture program helps build homes for Veterans

Next Great Architects leads K-12 through tiny house-themed charrette

Next Great Architects (NGA) has announced the launch of this year’s Career Exploration Charrette with Sanctuary Indy. The camp is set to take place from July 22 to July 26 at OfficeWorks in Fishers. Two sessions will be offered.

NGA, in partnership with Sanctuary Indy – a non-profit developing veteran housing on Indianapolis’ far eastside, will focus this year’s program on tiny homes for the unhoused.

“Architecture is a great career that engages creativity and critical thinking to solve spatial problems. NGA Founder and CEO Kionna Louise Walker. “It is the STEM activity that is normally forgotten.”

“There are currently almost 1,600 homeless individuals on our city’s list for needed housing,” Sanctuary Indy Founder and President Michelle Shelburne. “Sanctuary Indy may not solve our homelessness crisis, but we will be a part of the solution for our most vulnerable unhoused neighbors.”

Sanctuary Indy collaboration

Sanctuary Indy is a Christ-centered community, serving to provide refuge, validation, and vital resources for chronically homeless individuals. The non-profit organization is working on developing its first micro-community of tiny homes on the far eastside of Indianapolis, which will prioritize veterans. A portion of the registration fees for the Career Exploration Charrette will be donated to the efforts of Sanctuary Indy. The experience will allow the students to engage in a mission-driven STEM activity.

For more information about Sanctuary Indy, visit sanctuaryindy.org.

Camp schedule & registration

The camp will be divided into two sessions daily during the week of July 22 to 26:

• Grades 6-12: 1 to 3 p.m.
• Grades K-5: 4 to 5:30 p.m.

OfficeWorks has been a tremendous supporter, offering a welcoming environment for both parents and children. While kids engage in the camp activities, parents can relax and enjoy the facility’s coworking space, Wi-Fi, and amenities.

Registration for the camp is available at afterschoolhq.com/NextGreatArchitects1.
Parents are encouraged to sign up their children early to secure a spot in this creative STEM experience.

Project details

Sanctuary Indy’s Tiny Homes project will involve the construction of 27 dwellings:

• 24 homes designated for unhoused veterans
• 3 missionary homes
• 1 community/resource clubhouse

This project marks the third year of the NGA Career Exploration Charrette, which has progressively grown in scope and impact:

• Year 1: Hosted by Ball State CAP Indy Center and focused on exploring hobbies/passions and desires through architecture.
• Year 2: Hosted by OfficeWorks in Fishers and focused on the Norwood Neighborhood and using entrepreneurship and architecture to save neighborhoods.
• Year 3: Hosted by OfficeWorks in Fishers and dedicated to the mission of Sanctuary Indy and the development of tiny homes for unhoused veterans.

About Next Great Architects
Next Great Architects is a teaching studio that introduces architecture to children as early as kindergarten and nurtures them through college and licensure. Since its inception, Next Great Architects has positively impacted over 6,600 students through its diverse programs in schools, libraries, non-profits, faith-based community organizations, juvenile centers, colleges, and Universities.

For more information and media inquiries, please contact Kionna Louise Walker, AIA, NOMA via email at kwalker@nextgreatarchitects.com or by phone at (317) 937-5780.