The IMPACT of Good Design
Meet Cora. She celebrated her 9th birthday with a gift made just for her … a redesigned bedroom space courtesy of Christie Hausmann Design, a Savvy Giving by Design Pop-Up Designer, and Make-A-Wish®. Cora is nonverbal and totally reliant on her caregivers, as she needs to be constantly monitored. Because of this, her bedroom is the open living area near the kitchen and her family wanted a room for her that felt more like a living space. A room where family and guests can spend time with her without feeling like they are in a play area or medical facility.
Cora had been sleeping on a play mat with bumpers on each side, so the first priority was to find a more comfortable bed for her to sleep in. Her mom requested a Montessori type bed that is totally enclosed and low to the ground so Cora couldn’t roll out. An Etsy vendor brought this vision to life, modifying a bed they made to be fully enclosed and more functional for Cora’s needs. The addition of two storage units for her clothes and medicine, a huge area rug, sofa, artwork and accessories pulled the space together beautifully. It felt like a place family and friends would want to hang out … a place they could be and be with Cora.
What a Difference a [Room] Makes
“Doing this design for Savvy Giving made me appreciate how good design can help people in so many ways,” shared Christie. Upgrading that room had a huge impact on the entire family. Cora’s mom, Nai, sent a thank you afterward to let us know Cora has been sleeping longer and waking up later. She attributed that to her new bed and mattress. “Cora hasn't slept through the night since she was born, so this was an incredible thing to hear,” said Christie. “As a mom, I can't imagine how sleep deprived Nai must be, so to be able to help even a little bit is pretty amazing.”
More Opportunity for Impact
Since our first pop-up design collaboration back in 2018, we have primarily focused on establishing full chapters across the country. When the pandemic hit in 2020, like everyone else we pressed pause. Then last year, we officially re-launched the Pop-Up Designer Program, with Savvy-trained designers in Fort Worth, Boston, the Bay Area, Long Island, and the greater Philadelphia area ready to do local and digital designs. These designers further extend SGBD services by facilitating partnerships with Make-A-Wish® in neighborhoods where we don’t yet have a chapter. And that means more children are enjoying the health benefits of well-designed healing spaces.
“It was a really wonderful experience partnering with Savvy Giving by Design. I look forward to working with your organization on future room makeover wishes to create an amazing space for our wish kiddos! ”
“The stress-free experience we strive to provide our families on a wish was possible because we worked with Christie, shared Ana Maria Vallarino, senior program manager at Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area. “She really listened to the needs of Cora, took measurements, sourced the items (prioritizing the necessary function with what would look great in the space too), received the items, transported and assembled them, installed and presented the room to Cora and her family.”