All members of the firm are deeply committed to balancing the practice of architecture with a commitment to the community through volunteer activities. Both partners participate as guest critics at local universities, and have served on award juries for various state chapters of the American Institute of Architects. The firm has donated significant pro bono services to Habitat for Humanity, Philabundance and the Philadelphia Senior Center. In 1996, the partners were recognized by Seven Arts Magazine as Rising Stars. In March of 2003, Philadelphia Magazine identified the firm as one of twelve leading design firms in the city.
Rachel Schade has been on the faculty of the Department of Architecture at Drexel University since 1986, and is currently a senior thesis advisor. She served as a Director for the Trinity Center for Urban Life, the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Fine Arts Alumni Association. She holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania. As a recipient of the Charles Peterson Award, she researched urban colonial out buildings for the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Rachel was named "Young Architect of the Year" by the Philadelphia AIA in 1996.
Kiki Bolender is a member of the City of Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority Advisory Committee of Design. She is co-chair of the Philadelphia AIA Urban Design Committee. She is a delegate to the Schuylkill Navy, the country's oldest amateur athletic association. She served as a Director for the Friends of Schuylkill River Park, and was a member of the Center City Residents Association Zoning Committee review board. She holds a Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University. She completed the "Architecture and Sustainability" professional seminar at Harvard University. Kiki is a LEED Accredited Professional.
