More than 100 volunteers from across the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry will come together in San Diego on June 10 for AEC Cares’ annual Day of Service. The initiative will focus on a full-scale, single-day renovation of Rachel’s Women’s Center, a facility operated by Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego.
The project is designed to improve the environment for women seeking support services, offering a more welcoming and functional space for those working toward long-term stability, housing, and recovery.
A high-impact “Blitz Build” completed in a single day
The renovation follows AEC Cares’ signature “Blitz Build” model, which concentrates nearly a year of planning into a single intensive day of construction and design work. From 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT, volunteers, designers, and contractors will transform the 4,500-square-foot facility.
Planned upgrades include a redesigned floor layout, refreshed interiors, new furniture, décor, and functional improvements aimed at enhancing how the space is used on a daily basis.
Rachel’s Women’s Center has served San Diego for over four decades as a critical access point for care. The center operates under a women-only, low-barrier, housing-first model, offering case management and tailored support services to address homelessness and instability.
Its programs include essential services such as showers, laundry facilities, behavioral health support, and additional resources designed to help women rebuild their lives.
Industry-wide collaboration and sponsorship support
The AEC Cares initiative is held annually in parallel with the AIA Conference on Architecture and Design, bringing together professionals from across the construction ecosystem to contribute to community-focused renovation projects.
Jennifer Johnson, AEC Cares board president and Chief Product Officer at ConstructConnect, highlighted the collective effort behind the initiative:
“The AEC Cares Day of Service is a testament to what our industry can accomplish when we come together for a shared purpose.”
ConstructConnect, the founding organization behind AEC Cares, is coordinating the 2026 project alongside pro bono support from Stantec and Whiting-Turner.
Financial backing is being provided by companies including YKK AP America, USG Corporation, Sika USA, Rockwool, Andersen Windows, Lumina Datamatics, and Mapei, among others. In-kind contributions are also coming from Hunter Douglas, Shaw Contract, Pittsburgh Paints, VELUX, Wilsonart, and Wolf-Gordon.
Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego CEO Vino Pajanor said the renovation will help the center better reflect the dignity and care provided to women who rely on its services.
A long-standing initiative with growing impact
Founded in 2011, AEC Cares brings together architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to deliver volunteer renovation projects for underserved communities. Its first initiative in New Orleans mobilised more than 80 volunteers to rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
Since then, the nonprofit has expanded across multiple U.S. cities with continued support from ConstructConnect, sponsors, donors and volunteers.
To learn more about the organization and the 2026 project, visit aeccares.com.
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