Laverton Community Centre + Neighbourhood House

LCCNH is a not for profit Neighbourhood House managed by the local community. It offers family support, social and educational activities to all sectors of the local community, especially disadvantaged community group.

LCCNH  applied for a community grant to assist them in upgrading their current premises.  They currently operate from a small house with minimal storage and inadequate space for their 5 staff members.   The rear of the house contains classrooms where adult training is provided. Courses include cooking, English language and computer skills. 

A pro bono service provider was required to assist LCCNH with their grant application. Architects for Peace Pro Bono assisted in matching two applicants, Brad Hooper & Brooke Thorne, to assist with the grant application.  Brad Hooper (director of Brad Hooper Architect) and Brooke Thorne (interior designer & lecturer at Swinburne University) formed a team and worked with the client to produce initial concept drawings and an opinion of probable costs for the project.

The client was then able to incorporate these documents into their grant application.  The grant application was submitted at the start of March 2009 and we are awaiting a response. 

The team that was formed between Brad and Brooke was a great example of how architecture & design firms can team up with graduates and students to support each other and help provide pro bono services.  The skills of both service providers complimented each other.  As well as being an architect, Brad's previous experience as the Chair of the Management Board at the Port Melbourne Neighbourhood House meant that he understood the complexities of such projects and organisations.  Brooke's passion for pro bono work, interior design background and drawing skills assisted in providing design input and relevant drawings to the client.