Seeking pro bono interior design services for Community Migrant Resource Centre

DESIGN BRIEF

Project Title:  Community Migrant Resource Centre – Multipurpose Community Hub

Background on Organisation:

Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC) is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation established in 1996. CMRC is a leader in the provision of specialised support services to newly arrived refugees, humanitarian entrants and migrants.

CMRC works within a community capacity building framework to encourage individuals and multicultural communities to identify and address their own issues. It works in collaborative partnership with a great number of agencies to provide services which have both an immediate and long-term benefit for the community.

We employ over 60 full time, part-time and casual multi-lingual staff, with a client base of thousands of newly arrived/ migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

The financial support and commitment from all levels of Government, including Local, State and Federal levels is crucial for our ability to deliver. Funding bodies include: Department of Social Services (DSS), Settlement Services International, Department of Family and Community Services, NSW Department of Industry NSW Transport, – Roads and Maritime Services, Mission Australia, City of Ryde Council, & Multicultural NSW.

Project description:

CMRC are undergoing an expansion of our much-needed services in the Northern Region of Sydney. We have just acquired a 5-year lease in a prominent shopfront at Top Ryde City. This is both a significant investment and a strategic opportunity for the organisation. Services Australia will also be moving into the centre, and this proximity will enable us to be more visible to our (often socially isolated) clients.

An attractive existing shopfront opening on to an open-air plaza, will become a prominent, vibrant hub for our clients, who consist of refugees, new migrants, youth and arts program participants, where we will deliver information sessions, referrals, and social supports to individuals and groups.

The interior design and fit out will focus on a mixed-use Community Hub to house CMRC.

  The space is an existing shopfront of 204 m2.  The centre will consist of:

·       1 private office for administration/management

·       an open office space with workstations for 4 permanent staff, plus 3-4 hot desks

·       1 private room for meetings and client interviews

·       a well-defined, but not too enclosed reception area

·       an open group space – flexible use with mobile walls, can be used for exhibition, event, performance space as needed

·       a multimedia arts area containing at least one computer station

·       space for a photographic and sound studio facility, enough area for workshops and training small groups

·       locked space for photographic and recording equipment (away from common areas)

·       An open community kitchen – for staff and groups when they are there

·       storage space for equipment, banners, etc.  

·       comfortable seating area x 2 (one for staff

·       small display area (at front windows)

·       Electrical work will be required for office and multimedia workstations (12)

·       Cladding/design elements to reduce noise – the space is currently tiled and reflects sound.

·       Ceiling and lighting already installed

·       Bathroom located in shopping centre

Budget

We are currently seeking a variety of sponsors to complete the design, the fit out, and supply furniture. The turnaround is tight, as we will step into the office at the tail end of August. We will complete the electrics and networking set up.