Issue 06: Inspiring Student Spaces
Inspiring Student Spaces
In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, even COVID could not stop Kimberly Monte’s passion and goal of helping low income communities in Philadelphia. She pulled together her dream team of design and mindfulness educators to help create Peace at Home through a non–profit NGO, called Young Design Philly (YDP). “Students needed a positive and productive environment for homeschooling more than ever before during the pandemic, and I knew I had to help.” replied Kimberly.
Four talented women, Kimberly, founder and principal designer, Maria, design research, secretary and designer, Brianna, treasurer and assistant designer, and Summer, student representative, reached out to help youth between the ages of 13 to 19. Each teen is picked based on their family income and backgrounds. “I was once a student who had a tiny space and shared a room with my parents. It was difficult and I struggled trying to get work done for school, so I understand what it’s like being in that situation.” said Kimberly.
Once a student is selected for a room make over, they are interviewed and designed for, like a client, taking in account everything, from their personality, expressive music style, their fashions sense, their instagram page and any creative inspirational pieces they might have created.
YDP, believes that a visually appealing, multi-functional dedicated work space and bedroom needs to belong to each teen, to showcase their personality and creativity. This in turn provides a focal point for students and improves their performance overall. Kimberly and I chatted at her office in Germantown, Philadelphia and then we visited one of her students, Brianna, who is studying hard to become a nurse in her beautiful new room. We continued our conversation in Brianna’s newly remodeled bedroom, edited with hygge and an uncluttered artistic approach of calm, love, and togetherness.
Kimberley Kleczka is speaking to Kimberly and Marie.
Kimberly, how did you come up with this amazing idea?
While in graduate school I did my thesis on the impact of gentrification and focused on how to develop low income communities without displacing the community members but rather incorporating them into the design. After graduating I entered a competition where I was tasked to develop a startup company and came in second place. I was so passionate about this project that I decided to develop it into a real organization.
Who put this NGO together?
I spent about three years researching and developing ideas for my non-profit business. I was mentored by the founder of the ECO Foundation, Kyle Morris, which really helped me develop the foundation for YDP.
Do you have a special story to share?
I partnered with another organization to help a homeless family get a home. YDP worked on developing both the mother’s and childrens’ rooms. One of the most heartfelt things I’ve heard from this family was, “wow, I have a bed.” These are the types of things that really keep me motivated to help those in need of a better environment. Another impactful moment was at the height of COVID, when one of my students felt they were not able to focus on school work, and really wanted a desk. They were super excited when the desk arrived as they could finally have their own space.
How long does it take to complete each project?
When designing a student room, YDP takes about 2 to 3 months from start to finish of the project, which includes interviews, design selections, ordering furniture and installation.
Where do you find the sponsors for YDP?
We received a lot of our funding from donations; we also partner with different schools to gain funds for an educational program, which allows us to use that funding to help renovate student rooms. We are still seeking grants and are hoping to grow our funding to eventually become a fully functioning nonprofit.
What specialties do each one of you bring to your company?
Brianna brings her financial skills. She helps with a lot of the behind the scenes. She also is a great assistant designer.
Marie is a phenomenal designer, with so many talents! She makes decisions for furniture and finishes that I would’ve never thought of. She helps bring the fine detail to our design projects.
Summer is very skilled at developing lesson plans for our education portion. As a college student herself, she shares her perspective with our high school students.
What was your first project?
My first project was for a student who already had many pieces of furniture that we could work with. Since we were on a tight budget of $500, we had to re-use a lot of the existing furniture. We faced many challenges such as understanding time frames, working with limited resources, and of course being safe with covid.
What are you all working on at the moment?
At the moment we are working on developing our education course for the spring. We are continuing our collaboration with The ECO Foundation, an after–school program which has activities for students 7 days a week. We also have our in–school partnership with Big Picture Philly, a non–traditional school that has internship opportunities for students. We also have a furniture giveaway for students who do not necessarily need a full room makeover, just need specific items. And of course, we are working on our next student room renovation.
Who drives the design decisions?
As a team we all decide on the final design decisions but I primarily lead the design initiative, as a principal designer.
Can anyone come to you or do they need to be a student?
With us being a nonprofit that primarily supports low income students, there is a strict criteria to qualify for a room makeover. We would love to expand and give all of our students makeovers but our primary mission is to provide our neediest students a complete room makeover. However, students from all backgrounds and statuses are welcome to join our education program.
What have been some of your biggest inspirations?
The students themselves.. seeing their excitement when they get picked for a room renovation! Our inspiration always comes from the students and their passion to want to learn and grow.
Is there a specific time schedule you work with on each student?
We work with our students primarily during school hours within the educational program, but some programs are on the weekends. Times can vary when we are working on the room designs. We progress through stages of the design process, and schedules vary based on the stage we are in.
Who is Kimberly?
I love creating and dreaming which is why I am also a visual artist. I paint inspirational images of women and body positivity. I also paint images of food façades and flowers. The way I manifest my dreams are with vision boards. I think of all the things I want to do, write them down, pin them up, and get them done.
One of my goals and dreams is to have YDP as a fully funded non–profit organization. I would also like to be able to pay my team, as they currently volunteer their time and expertise now. My ultimate goal is to help as many students as possible by providing a free, well designed space, as well as educating and exposing them, at a young age, to a potential career in interior design.
Contact information:
@youthdesignphilly
@kmontes_art
https://www.facebook.com/YouthDesignPhilly
Web
https://youthdesignphilly.org/
https://kimberlymontes.com/
