In celebration this year of ten years in practice directors of Snell David Architects, Richard David and James Snell, decided that the practice would prefer to support a worthy charity rather than celebrate in 'party-style'.

With unanimous back-up from other staff, they decided to dedicate the practice's architectural skills and time to design and procure a new building for people less fortunate than the practice's normal clientbase.

The practice took inspiration from local charity organiser, Sonia Waters, who set up the charity Malawi Dream to help disadvantaged inhabitants of Likoma Island on Lake Malawi.

Snell David's timely offer of help was well-received by Sonia who was desperate to help the
islanders erect a new community building, providing both a centre for the blind and a workshop for less academically-minded local youths.

Snell David designed a simple building for this purpose and made direct contact with new and past clients, contractors, consultants and suppliers to see if they would contribute and help make the project possible. The response has been heart-warming - a combination of cash contributions, words of encouragement and even offers of help with the building work!

As a result of this impressive support a commitment to start has now been made. A site has been found for the building and has been cleared for work to commence. To help the local economy on Likoma island, all labour and as many materials as possible are being procured 1ocally, while other more scarce materials (including bags of cement!) will be ferried in from mainland Malawi. Some specialist items, including hand-tools donated by UK contractors for the workshop, will be shipped by container from the UK.

It is with great pride and excitement that Snell David are able to announce that the centre should be completed and operational during 2011. However this does not mean that further donations are unnecessary - additional contributions will allow the building to be fitted-out internally with kitchen facilities and, if possible, with photovoltaic roof panels to generate its own power.

How you can get involved:
Cheques payable to Malawi Dream can be sent to Snell David Ltd at 73 Lightermans Walk, Point Pleasant. Wandsworth, London SWI8 1PR - these will be enthusiastically received and passed on to Sonia - every penny goes to this very worthy cause.



October 4, 2011