The Center for Communities by Design manages the Design Assistance Team (DAT) program, which brings together architect-led multidisciplinary teams to identify ways to encourage desirable change in a community. The DAT approach—which can address social, economic, environmental, political, and physical issues—offers communities a tool that mobilizes local support and fosters new levels of cooperation.  The DAT program is offered to communities as a public service of the AIA.

Since 1967 the Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team (R/UDAT) program has used a grassroots, charrette-style approach to help create livable communities. R/UDATs combine local resources with the expertise of professionals from across the nation. The team conducts an intensive four-day workshop onsite, engaging all members of the community in creating a vision for the future.

The Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program was introduced in 2005.  Modeled after the R/UDAT program, SDATs provide communities with broad assessments to help frame future policies and design solutions in the context of sustainability.  SDATs work with local stakeholders and community members to forge a sustainable relationship between humans, the natural environment, and place. To download the 2010 SDAT RFP, please follow this link.

The DAT program can additionally craft technical assistance based upon specific needs that do not fit into the R/UDAT or SDAT programs.  Please contact Erin Simmons, 202-626-7492, for more information.

Related Links
About R/UDAT
About SDAT
American Red Cross Disaster Services