redefining affordable housing
through architecture & design
education and awareness
As a strong advocate for competent and socially responsible building practices, CDS is committed to expanding public awareness and support for housing programs through education, non-political advocacy and assisting residents and neighborhoods to participate in the community design process. CDS partners with universities and other community design centers to advance awareness and knowledge of green building practices and sustainable architectural design.
CDS has a particularly strong relationship with the Virginia Tech Architecture + Design College in Blacksburg, Virginia, where CDS staff are regularly invited by professors to participate in various classes on Building Systems, Sustainable Design, Community Seminars, Landscape Architecture, and Professional Practice. CDS team members also frequently attend student presentations and provide professional feedback.
homeowner's manual
In 2006, CDS worked with Dr. Annie Pearce of the Virginia Tech Construction Science Department to compile a homeowner's manual for the Roanoke- Lee Street Duplexes. Dr. Pearce and her students interviewed the members of CDS and the CHP Construction division to compile an online database of reference materials to aid each owner keep their new home in great shape. (Click here to view the manual). Since that time, CDS has made it standard practice to create customized manuals for CHP-designed homes, as well as a resident's manual for CHP-owned or managed multifamily properties.
