Supporting Direct Relief Through Collaboration & Innovative Design
At DMHA, we recognize that the realities of climate change are reshaping the world we live in. Natural disasters exacerbated by climate change have the power to overwhelm communities in a matter of minutes, leaving people without access to basic medical care and essential supplies. In response, Santa Barbara’s very own Direct Relief—a top-rated humanitarian organization—provides lifesaving assistance to survivors around the world. Their work has been especially urgent after recent catastrophic flash floods in Nepal claimed the lives of more than 1,400 people, while major earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia devastated communities.
Designing Direct Relief’s headquarters
Our team was honored to design the organization’s headquarters and play a role in supporting Direct Relief’s critical efforts. The 155,000 SF facility and distribution center is far more than a building—it’s a place where compassion is transformed into action and where urgently needed medical supplies are gathered, organized, and sent to vulnerable communities.
Recognized with the Green New Building Design Award by the U.S. Green Building Council, the project embodies principles of resilient design by prioritizing sustainability, adaptability, and long-term community impact. The experience was a collaborative effort, made possible by the expertise of landscape architect Courtney Jane Miller of CJM:LA, civil engineers at Stantec, and general contractor ARCO Design-Build. Together, we transformed a 7.99-acre former airport runway into a thriving, drought-tolerant landscape. Through an integrated bioswale and stormwater management system, the site actively recharges local groundwater while reducing runoff, showing that thoughtful choices can help restore and enhance natural ecosystems alongside built environments.
At the heart of the facility’s resilience is its cutting-edge solar technology, paired with a Tesla battery system, enabling the building to operate entirely off-grid for up to six months in an emergency. As one of the first nonprofit microgrid systems in the U.S., this project demonstrates how forward-thinking design and technology can create buildings that withstand environmental challenges and remain fully operational when it matters most. The Direct Relief facility was envisioned with an ambitious 100-year service life, speaking to one of DMHA’s core tenets: a truly successful building continues to support its mission, strengthen its community, and touch countless lives for years to come.
“Direct Relief is a world-class humanitarian organization that transforms compassion into meaningful action, providing lifesaving medical assistance, free of charge, to people facing disasters, poverty and extraordinary hardship throughout the United States and around the world. We were deeply honored to serve as the Design Architects for its new headquarters and distribution facility here in Santa Barbara. Seeing this building support such an extraordinary mission reminds us that architecture, at its best, can become a lasting framework for hope, healing and service to humanity.”
The facility also continues to serve our own community in meaningful ways. Hatch Hall regularly welcomes local nonprofit and community service organizations, and recently, members of our team had the privilege of attending the 2026 Spirit of Small Business Awards there. As recipients of the Small Business Award in 2023, we find this event particularly meaningful. It was inspiring to be invited back to experience the building filled with people who share a commitment to service, generosity, and positive change.
Seeing the headquarters we helped create become an enduring instrument of humanitarian service is one of the most powerful and rewarding experiences we can have as architects.
Give to direct relief
To learn more and support Direct Relief’s invaluable work, you can visit their website.