About the lab

We are a team of professionals with many years of experience in the building design and construction industries. We've complied with owner requirements, solved design dilemmas, tackled construction issues, and the everyday 9 to 5... all to figured out that we love mostly sharing what we know.

More importantly, teaching it hands-on.

"Think Global. Act Local."

We have founded 26LAB, NFP a not-for-profit organization in Chicago to foster youth year round in our neighborhood, Bridgeport.

...we use architecture, engineering and construction education to help youth ages 14-18, and others, develop their critical-thinking, communication & interpersonal skills. Also, we help them better express themselves, develop & express their ideas, all while helping others & their community.

>> 26LAB online

Did you know math, science, and creative skills... are all in use when one designs and builds?

We want to provide a culture and environment where collaboration is key and creativity is encouraged.... and we want to enable our students to tackle issues that will have significant local and universal impact (ie: disaster relief design, emergency shelter innovation, sustainability & planning issues, accessibility issues, etc)

What we hope

We hope this effort ultimately sparks a certain need for others to also foster youth in other positive ways.

... we want our students to understand the power of their work and creativity, and their abilities and capacity to make a life-changing impact on another.

The students will get a chance to do real work, solving real problems, and making real change.

We need your help to make all of this happen.

In the case our funding goals of this campaign are not met, we will still aim at our April 1st deadline of opening doors, and we will still have perks for those of you who contributed; you will also keep our undying gratitude.

Your help = We get + You get = Win Win!

Here is the deal:

We have a lease in place, but this lease in conditional, and we need seed funding to finish renovations, acquire furniture & equipment, and begin operations.

Without sufficient funds we cannot begin operations.... and cannot open doors. As simple as that.

We need your help to get those chairs, tables, new carpets, paint, installations, and some start up money for everyday expenses and supplies.

In exchange for your very kind contribution we have set up various very cool perks, there on the right of your screen.

Help in many ways...

If you cannot contribute to our funding campaign, please do pass on the word. Please tell someone you know about our effort, about the lab.

We do have a pilot program running March-April, free of charge (though seating is limited) for those interested in the professions, in partnership with IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology).

>> 26LAB iit pilot

We thank you for your time...

~ 26LAB team