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The South Design Research Studio

The South Design Research Studio bridges community with power and capital for meaningful impact. We're a bilingual storytelling and research collaborative supporting organizations designing programs, policies, and services for communities they're not embedded in — across the U.S. South, Latin America, and the Caribbean.This is where we share stories, tools, and ideas for building more just, community-driven futures across The South. Join us.

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A tiny green seedling growing between rusted metal rods.
Featured Post

Stories, connections, and updates from The South

The South Design Research Studio is a collaborative research and storytelling agency. We focus on sharing authentic stories and insights from diverse communities in the American South, Latin America, and the Caribbean to positively influence the design of community services, policies, and products. Here, we share tools and ideas from those doing aligned work across the region. Note from the Founder Over the past few months, I’ve been in conversation with leaders across the Caribbean, the U.S....

7 months ago • 3 min read
Teardrop-shaped marker reading “S&S Domino Parlor” in front of an abandoned brick building in Houston’s Third Ward, part of the Animating History public art project.

Borderless South Newsletter of The South Design Research StudioSharing stories of The South, reimagined by community Hi there — It’s been a little while since I’ve written. Thank you for being here! I’ve been reflecting on what I want to bring to this virtual space and to this moment in time. I continue to be in that phase, but I wanted to start to share some things on my mind lately! 🌍 What’s shifting around us If you're reading this around the time that I first send it, you're witnessing...

about 1 year ago • 3 min read
Three Indigenous people in traditional clothing share a joyful moment while holding flowers during a cultural gathering outdoors.

Thank you for being part of this journey! Over the past few days, we’ve shared our vision of building authentic, community-driven social change across the Southern U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. Now, I want to hear from you—and I'm excited to work alongside you as we bring this vision to life. Here are 4 ways you can get involved today: 🗣️Book a 30-minute Chat Have a business or idea focused on social impact? Let’s chat. Whether you’re working on a new initiative or need strategic...

over 1 year ago • 1 min read
Two dancers in traditional regalia perform in a sunlit courtyard during the Cultural Dance Program at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, NM.

Cultural Dance Program in Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, NM “But, why the South?” Since I began to share the vision for The South Design Research Studio, this is often one of the first questions I get and, understandably so. Honestly, there are too many reasons, from personal to professional, for me to ever answer succinctly. But, to narrow it down to the top three: I love the surprising diversity of communities. Despite what is shown in most popular media, communities in the...

over 1 year ago • 2 min read