History of Project Redesign

 

The idea for Project Redesign sprang from a volunteer job some of our founders participated in following Hurricane Katrina. Given the opportunity to furnish a Nashville apartment for a New Orleans family who lost everything, these women solicited their friends, families, and community for furniture and household items. They were astounded by what they were able to collect, and the result was a beautiful home for a family who had experienced the unthinkable.

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In the few years that followed, our founders (Karen Moore, Allison Douglas, Suzanne Snyder, and Ellie Billington) explored how they could repeat this experience for Nashvillians. In 2008, they approached the Martha O'Bryan Community Center in East Nashville and installed furniture and other items in the James Cayce Homes (Nashville's largest and most at-risk housing development). They started out storing collected furnishings in their personal garages and had volunteers help them move furniture in their Tahoes and pick-up trucks. They collected furniture, art, lamps, accessories, bedding, and rugs. It wasn't easy, but they were hooked. Eventually, the women rented three garage-size storage units off of Charlotte Avenue in Nashville and hired movers.

 

It soon became apparent that other non-profit organizations needed their services. In 2011, Project Redesign obtained its 501c3 status and became a non-profit organization in its own right. The women and their team of volunteers began working with the Salvation Army, YWCA, Domestic Violence Center, Magdalene House (now Thistle Farms), Mending Hearts, Safe Haven, and many others. They furnished homes for individuals or families who were coming out of homelessness or treatment and trying to get back on their feet. They also took on large communal spaces in non-profit centers and schools and have donated everything from room air conditioners to mattresses to those in need.

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Today, Project Redesign is proud to partner with 12 different nonprofit organizations, installing eight homes or apartments per month. Project Redesign takes great pride in the rooms we deliver, and we are always grateful for the opportunity to tailor our furniture installs to the needs of our partners and clients in order to make houses into homes.