Designing for Hope and Social Impact | Jose Jordan, DLR Group

In my conversation with Jose, I was struck by his deep compassion and belief in design as a force for social good. As Principal at DLR Group, Jose has become a leader in the field of civic and justice design. He believes thoughtful, human-centered design can foster rehabilitation over punishment and empower communities.

Justice Spaces as Places of Hope
Jose sees tremendous potential in civic architecture to rehabilitate and heal. One inspiring project Jose highlights is a juvenile detention center in Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham was once a booming steel production hub, its mills churning out metal that built cities across America. Jose and his team latched onto steel as a metaphor for the young people moving through the detention system.

"They get taken, they get broken down, and they go through a fire of sorts. And at the end, they are extruded into something with a new potential, a new future."

By connecting youth to this forgotten history, the renovated center helps young people see their own strength and capacity for growth and change.

Advice to Emerging Designers
For aspiring architects and designers interested in social impact work, Jose stresses the importance of caring deeply and letting that passion shine through.

"If you care enough about something, it shows. And it’s contagious."

Jose encourages staying open to other sectors and perspectives to gain new skills, then bringing insights back to create better designs.

He also emphasizes that "the grass isn’t always greener" and to consider finding fulfillment wherever you are planted rather than bouncing around, especially early in your career.

Listen to the full podcast episode below.