Twenty local builders, engineers, architects and interior designers upcycled to create “haute” dog houses for the sixth annual Design for Dogs competition on Feb. 21 at Facings of America Showroom in Scottsdale.
The competing professionals each designed, built and donated a swanky, functional pet palace to the Design for Dogs event, where the homes were displayed and auctioned off to benefit the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL).
The money raised at this event helps AAWL put a roof over more than 4,000 homeless pets’ heads every year at the state’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter. The Arizona Animal Welfare League receives no tax or government funds, relying on community support to continue their crucial mission. Community support at Design for Dogs by Facings of America has raised more than $100,000 for AAWL. This helps the nonprofit provide above and beyond medical care, behavioral enrichment, and a positive place to allow for families to meet their potential dog or cat.
In keeping with eco-friendly efforts, three main concepts that were at the forefront of many designs were reusability, durability, and waste reduction.
-The Pawsecco from Deutsch Architecture Group and The Weitz Company upcycled a wine barrel for its design. It creates a beautiful side to their wine bar themed doghouse.
-The Sonoran Summerhouse by Allen + Philp Partners used materials from other projects that were originally considered “waste.” The blue Plexiglas panels were cut off from a larger project, the wood slats are repurposed fence posts, and the metal supports were remnants of materials from previous projects.
-The Downtown Dogtainer by Mackenzie Collier Interiors and Structurology used the cut-off pieces from other parts of project materials for the corrugated metal to create their “shipping container” look.
-Paradigm Shift Design used poured concrete and tempered glass, along with coated steel, for its main structure. The durability of these materials will ensure this doghouse will last for decades, and not create more waste in a landfill every few years due to planned obsolescence.
-The LUX Lounge from FORM180 and Yamwood Foundry is made entirely out of powder-coated steel instead of wood. Wood will eventually rot, but powder-coated steel will last decades without having to be replaced.
-The Canine Cubed by Ware Malcomb & Sharp Construction only sourced wood from a local lumberyard that participates in hardwood reforestation for sustainable logging.
“We can only keep our doors open when our community believes in our mission and supports AAWL through events like Design for Dogs and community partners like Facings of America and the design teams,” said Michael Morefield, marketing and communications director at AAWL. “Facings of America donates their time and money, and all design teams donate their projects, so all proceeds go directly back to AAWL.”