Project: Santa Maria

Quick back story:

When I was living in Austin in my early twenties, prior to taking my first design gig, I hopped in an Uber and my driver was feeling particularly chatty. Instead of a casual, ‘how is your day going?’ or ‘are you from around here?’ — he cut straight to the heart:

“If you could do anything for a living, and money was not a factor, what would you do?”

I didn’t have to think about it. I immediately spat out: “I would design spaces for people who need it the most.”

I’ve been drawn to design work for many reasons, but the biggest reason is because I believe in its power to really change things and that our surroundings have a profound effect on us in big and small ways.

Surely there are many needs in this world, far greater than a well designed space. But it has always been a dream to someday, somehow use whatever gifts and resources I have at my disposal, to do a little good with them (preferably within the realm of design ;).

And as we are closing out 2023, an opportunity has fallen right at my feet. Would you look at that little God wink!

Koukla Co. will be designing TWO Group Therapy & Family Rooms at Santa Maria, a non-profit treatment center for women in recovery for substance abuse, many of whom are mothers or preganant.

I have a big heart for women and mothers in recovery for many reasons, but mainly because I am one myself. So to have this opportunity to help this group of women by designing a few spaces that will help them feel more at peace feels like the ultimate way for me to be able to give back.

I’ll break down the details below, including where you can come in (if you’d like)!

Who: Women & Mothers in Recovery

Santa Maria is a non-profit treatment center for women in recovery for substance abuse, and one of a very few that offers a full continuum of services for women who are pregnant or parenting. You can hear more about them and their stories below:

What: Designing Two Rooms at Santa Maria’s Treatment Center

There are a handful of spaces on one of Santa Maria’s main campuses that need a little (ok, a lot) of love — some place the women can gather for their group therapy, drink a cup of coffee, read a book — without the buzz of fluorescent overhead lighting and sterile white walls. So we’ll be tackling two of the main rooms that the women utilize to meet in group therapy settings, have some personal time to themselves, and have their kiddos come over to visit them.

When: This Month!

Like many of you, I can’t imagine the thought of spending Christmas in a treatment center away from my children. So we’re moving quickly to put together some design plans for these spaces so they can be used as soon as possible this holiday season for the women and their families.

Why: No Matter How Temporary, We All Deserve a Peaceful Home

Whatever your personal beliefs are, I believe Love came down at Christmas. And because gifts aren’t meant to be kept, they are meant to be given, and this is the best way I know how to use some of my gifts to give back to women in need. They deserve a safe, warm space to feel temporarily at home during a challenging transitional time in their lives.

How: Our Time, Resources & Donations

Koukla Co. will be designing, purchasing and installing all needed items for these two rooms. Me and my leading lady Elizabeth will be utilizing all the resources available to us to tackle this project. KCo. will be funding this project out pocket, and to put it simply, we’re hoping to pool together some additional financial resources to pull this off. If you feel heart nudged at all to help us in any way, we would be grateful for any kind of donation you can provide towards this project.

KCo. x Project Santa Maria GoFundMe

If you have any questions or ideas about our plan of action, how funds will be allocated, or just want to send a note of encouragement - I would love to hear from you!

It’s a busy season indeed, but also one that reminds us of what matters. So I’m honored and grateful - both for your continued support, and for opportunities like these.

With Gratitude,