A child born in Compton is expected to live 10 years less than a child born in Beverly Hills. 6 of those 10 years are decided by one factor: zip code. Families' health, economic, and educational opportunities are all but determined by the design of their neighborhoods.

But why are some neighborhoods more resource-rich than others? Why is South LA full of liquor stores and fast-food chains, but not grocery stores or parks? It's not an accident; cities like Los Angeles were designed on foundations of segregation and racist lending policies, the effects of which are still felt today. We call this intentional deprivation of both people and neighborhoods Spatial Injustice.

Today, people of color and low-income still do not have power over what is constructed in their neighborhoods. And without a voice– or access to architectural services– new construction continues to limit their opportunities. Architecture + Advocacy is here to change that. Our mission is to empower residents to un-design the spatial injustices affecting their neighborhoods. At the very least, people deserve a voice in the architectural decisions that determine their futures. Because everyone deserves to live in a neighborhood that sustains their needs, supports them in their endeavors, and envelops them in a sense of belonging.