DESIGNWORKS 2022

Veteran’s Bridge Home

Charlotte, NC

Little Diversified Architectural Consulting – Charlotte

The Veterans Bridge Home connects Veterans and their families, in any state of transition, to the community. No matter the need, VBH looks at the whole Veteran connecting them to resources to be successful and thriving leaders in our community. As the organization grew, its dream was to create an inviting space to facilitate vulnerable, honest conversations, personal development, and foster community among those who have served and those wanting to give back.

An incredible partnership between Lowe’s Home Improvement, Carolina Panthers, GC, Design Firm, and Furniture Dealer resulted in the completion of VBH’s Salute to Service Lounge. Through supply donations, resourceful uses of materials, and creative solutions, the project construction, which was budgeted at $250,000 was delivered for $100,000. The space was built with as many veterans as possible, including 35% of the onsite workers as well as veteran-owned millwork, signage, and carpet vendors.

Design elements within the space include a millwork wall inspired by military challenge coin displays, a ceiling feature using veteran donated parachutes, and “conversation walls” hosting cherished artifacts and an interactive map where veterans can pin their service locations. Careful consideration was taken to ensure the design solution would help ease the transition from Military to Civilian life.

As part of teambuilding during the project, almost 100 challenge coins, which are historically awarded by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement, were presented to everyone engaged on the project as a token of thanks for going above and beyond to make this project possible.