Why support Tribe Rising? In the interview below, Chris Dorman, of the architectural firm Dorman Associates, told us a little about how Tribe Rising’s project of educating the children of Gurap speaks to his heart. Check it out!

What impels you to support Tribe Rising? And why should other people care about what Tribe Rising is doing?

I am very much drawn to the vision and mission of Tribe Rising. I try to incorporate some level of support and energy into many different organizations that take individual contributions and magnify them to create a lasting difference. I can contribute to that by providing architectural services to childcare buildings for immigrants and housing for the working poor, and I’m thrilled to see the incredible impact that Tribe Rising can have on generations of students and families.

Was there someone or something in high school that influenced you as a student, or set you on a career path?

When I was in high school, an architect came to speak in my art class. I had no real idea about the profession of architecture beyond knowing that they create buildings. The speaker showed me images of a Cathedral in Barcelona that had been under construction for over 100 years, the vision that it took to create that amazing building, and the spirit that it brought to people who visit it from all over the world. Learning about
the Sagrada Familia, which is now close to completion, and is truly an uplifting experience, helped me to dream about what a possible future profession could be, and how I might attain that for myself by providing a place for students to gather and learn where there wasn’t one previously, Tribe Rising offers exposure to worlds that the children wouldn’t otherwise know about. That is the legacy these buildings provide and the reason I’m a contributor.

What was the best trip you have ever taken?

I did finally make it to India, so I was able to understand a little about the place that these schools inhabit and the people who benefit.

What is one thing you’d like to share with the Gurap students?

Use your time at school to learn from your mind. What are you good at? What do you struggle with? And be open to finding a path that works with your skill set, whatever that might be.