The Boston Architectural Center is a fully accredited, degree-granting institution with two complimentary community service functions. A studio for advanced students provides an opportunity to offer existing skills and talents to the community. CDC faculty members meet with the clients, determine the applicability for the studio setting, and if appropriate, assign students to the problem.
Students work with the clients during the semester, with studio review to direct the student.
By the end of the semester a presentation is made to the client, presenting one or more design solutions. The client is then able to use the design study to seek funding for development, or gain approvals to proceed. The Center is developing an expanded technical assistance program. It has been important to serve as a noncompetitive entity in the professional community, the expansion of demand for the CDCs capacity building services has grown include direct development services. Projects are initiated by volunteer professionals with administrative, overhead and funding support of BArC. Grant funding is sought to support project expenses, which may include client contributions.