St. Margaret's House
Fostering a community-led vision for a safe, healing, and beautiful space.
Located in South Bend, Indiana, St. Margaret’s House is a day center dedicated to uplifting women and children experiencing economic poverty. They offer hospitality in a safe, nurturing environment where guests can find resources for food, clothing, and community.
Recognizing that their current physical space was limiting their ability to serve their community, St. Margaret’s House partnered with Paradigm Park to reimagine a space that reflects their mission. Together, we're designing a space that enables the provision of trauma-informed care, an expansion of needed programs, and a deep sense of ownership and belonging for guests.
Note: Images showcasing the vibrant St. Margaret’s House community are included with approval, reflecting the spirit and connection of those we serve.
Project Type
Physical Space, Nonprofit
Health Topic
Social Determinants of Health
Status
In Design
Services
In January 2023, Paradigm Park began collaborating with St. Margaret’s House to support their growth as a trauma-informed organization. Recognizing that their existing physical space wasn’t meeting the mental, emotional, and social needs of the community, they sought clarity on how to best serve those they support. This included everything from room sizes and configurations to specific sensory features, all aimed at creating an environment that nurtures and uplifts every guest.
Deep Dive Interviews
Observational Studies
Community Workshops
Needs Assessment
Space Program
Strategic Vision
Mood-boarding
Concept Development
Fundraising Materials
Our Approach
To uncover a design direction that could address both explicit and unspoken needs, we embarked on a multi-faceted approach rooted in deep listening, observation, and community engagement. Our aim was to build a comprehensive understanding of the space’s impact on the community’s daily experiences and broader mission. By integrating insights from team interviews, observational studies, and participatory art activities, we developed a roadmap that aligns St. Margaret’s House’s unique identity with the healing, supportive environment they envision for the future.
Kind Words
“This is incredible, and absolutely stunning. Your insights and observations are so thoughtful and reveal a deep understanding. You were just here for a few days, yet it sounds like you have known us forever. I am so excited!”
Staff Member
St. Margaret’s House
Community Engagement
Imagining possible futures through community-led art activities.
Recognizing that traditional design methods might overlook essential nuances, community art and design workshops were particularly impactful in integrating guest voices and perspective, helping both guests and staff to envision a space that embodies the community’s spirit, integrating beauty and identity with functional needs.
The Impact
Towards a national model for trauma-informed design.
After months of listening, planning, and engaging in design workshops, we’ve crafted a strategic framework for the future of the St. Margaret’s House space. Paradigm Park’s comprehensive design principles and supportive fundraising materials have catalyzed the largest donation in the organization’s history, paving the way for a transformative new space that truly embodies the community’s spirit. This collaborative effort is not only setting the stage for a brighter, more supportive future for all who walk through their doors, but also aims to serve as a model for trauma-informed, healing-focused spaces that can inspire similar centers for women and families nationwide.
Project Status
Paradigm Park’s collaboration with St. Margaret’s House is still ongoing. Together with the organization’s architectural partner, we’re leading the creation of community-integrated interiors, ensuring that final design choices reflect both the organization’s strategy and the unique identity of the St. Margaret’s community.
We’re excited to see this project unfold, with completion expected by December 2026.
Kind Words
“This is remarkable. This vision for our space is way more approachable and welcoming to our guests. What does that say to them? ‘You deserve this’.”
Staff Member
St. Margaret’s House
