13 MENDEDESIGN
MendeDesign won a Sappi Paper Ideas That Matter grant on behalf of Public Architecture’s The 1% program, an initiative challenging architecture firms to pledge at least 1 percent of their time to pro bono work. The grant enabled MendeDesign to produce The 1% User’s Manual, intended to reconnect architects with the ideals—such as belief in the power of design to affect positive change—that attracted many of them to the discipline to begin with.

Two transversely bound books were developed, one directed at architects, the other at nonprofit administrators. “Their shared spine and inverted relationship underscores the program’s mutual benefits,” explains Jeremy Mende. The manual highlights case studies illustrating the power of design for public good and includes summaries of how pro bono services benefit both audi­ences. It illuminates the critical role of The 1% in connecting non-profits with design firms and directs interested parties to The 1% website. “Much of graphic design exists in an atmosphere of loose associations, and that absolves designers from having to be specific,” says Mende. “It was a very compelling challenge to develop a real content focus and try to sculpt the messaging accordingly.” Since the launch of the User’s Manual, The 1% program’s membership has increased dramatically. by Dana Rouse

MendeDesign | Art Director: Jeremy Mende | Designers: Amadeo DeSouza, Steven Knodel, Diana Martinez, Jeremy Mende | Copywriters: John Cary, Vinnie Chieco, Jeremy Mende, John Peterson, Jen Pitts | Photographers: Mark Luthringer, Jeremy Mende | Client: Public Architecture | Contact: www.mendedesign.com