Part 2: San Diego Brings Design Thinking to Community Impact
At ɫèapp, the Kirk Bobo Creating Impact (KBCI) Grant and Outreach Initiative reflects our firm’s enduring belief that great design extends beyond buildings—it has the power to change lives. Through volunteerism, creativity, and compassion, our teams across the country are working to make meaningful contributions to the communities we serve.
This fall, our San Diego office continued that mission with a hands-on volunteer design challenge benefiting , a long-term community partner dedicated to improving the lives of children, adolescents, and families facing complex behavioral and mental health challenges.
Partnering with Purpose: Supporting Fred Finch Youth & Family Services
ɫèapp has partnered with Fred Finch since 2019 through our annual HBGives virtual donation drive and previous KBCI volunteer projects. The nonprofit’s San Diego Dual Diagnosis Program, located in Spring Valley, provides a residential treatment environment and specialized non-public school for youth ages 12 to 22 who have both intellectual disabilities and significant mental health needs. 
Their dedicated staff delivers individualized, trauma-informed care that helps youth build stability, independence, and hope for the future.
In 2019, ɫèapp completed a master plan for the Dual Diagnosis campus, including the creation of a tranquil outdoor living area designed to offer residents a safe, restorative connection to nature.
This year, Fred Finch invited our San Diego team back—this time to turn their attention indoors.
A Design Challenge for Healing Spaces
The organization asked for HBG’s expertise in updating the interiors of two residential cottages that had experienced years of wear and tear. The request came with a clear but complex goal: to create interiors that feel calming and supportive—not institutional—while adhering to essential safety and durability standards.
“It’s one of those projects where every decision carries deeper meaning,” said one team member. “We wanted to show that healing environments can still feel warm, personal, and dignified.”
Materials had to be resilient, non-breakable, and carefully selected to minimize any potential risks for residents experiencing crisis.
Our San Diego team embraced this as a design challenge and split into two creative groups to develop thoughtful concepts tailored to the unique needs of Fred Finch’s program participants. Each group approached the project from a different angle—balancing empathy, functionality, and safety with inviting design aesthetics.
Designing with Compassion and Creativity
Both design teams presented their ideas directly to the staff at Fred Finch, who were deeply moved by the level of care and consideration behind each concept. The proposed designs incorporated:
- Soothing color palettes inspired by nature, promoting calm and emotional balance.
- Durable, anti-ligature materials chosen for safety and longevity.
- Flexible furnishings designed to adapt to individual needs and reduce environmental stress.
- Artwork and sensory elements that provide positive distractions and visual comfort.
Fred Finch loved the creative solutions and has already begun implementing portions of the HBG proposals, with plans to expand these updates in 2026.
Continuing a Meaningful Partnership
This collaboration represents more than just a volunteer day—it’s an ongoing relationship built on shared values of compassion, respect, and empowerment.
As ɫèapp’s San Diego team continues to partner with Fred Finch Youth & Family Services, the goal remains clear: to support spaces that uplift and restore those who need it most.
Through KBCI, our firm honors the legacy of co-founder Kirk Bobo, whose belief in the transformative power of design continues to guide our community engagement today.
Together, we’re using design to make a lasting impact.