Design has a strong history of pro bono work, from affordable housing to electioneering, and during these tough times, a helping hand can be especially appreciated. With that in mind, more than a dozen design firms and affiliates from New York are offering their services to those in the community in need as part of a new program called DesigNYC. With the goal of creating “a better New York by design,” the group is currently seeking applicants by the end of the month for help solving a design challenge.

Any design problem will do, and the only requirements is that an applicant be a not-for-profit organization located in New York and game for undertaking a collaborative design process. All design work will be free, though there may be costs associated with implimenting the design solutions. Following the November 30 deadline, the designers will have winnowed down finalists by mid-December, and the whole thing should be underway by the start of next year. Inspired by the service iniatives of the President Obama and Mayor Bloomberg, the ultimate goal is to create a collaborative design network where anyone can come to offer their services or seek out design help. Best of luck to all applicants and to the program as a whole. Those leading the way are:

* Paola Antonelli, Museum of Modern Art
* Karen Auster, Auster*Agency / BKLYN DESIGNS
* Deborah Berke, Deborah Berke & Partners Architects
* Maddy Burke-Vigeland, Gensler
* James Biber, Pentagram
* Majora Carter, Majora Carter Group
* Gideon D’Arcangelo, ESI Design
* Sona Hacherian, New York Magazine
* Steven Heller, School of Visual Arts
* Wendy Goodman, New York Magazine
* Zack McKown, Tsao & McKown Architects
* Michelle Mullineaux, ESI Design
* Margie Ruddick, Margie Ruddick Landscape
* Clay Shirky, New York University, ITP
* Ed Schlossberg, ESI Design
* Lauren Yarmuth, YRG Sustainability Consultants