Is a practice founded in 2000 that focuses on responsibly designed-built community projects. aC+a operates as a collaborative comprised of principal Robert Michel Charest, former student associates and current student apprentices. Our approach encourages designers to participate in a project’s fundraising and community building as much as in its architectural conception. In addition to designing—or partnering to design—every aspect of a commission, our studio fabricates all case goods and product at our workshop. aC+a has recently completed the Shirley Frye YWCA Greensboro headquarters, a project that involved the rehabilitation of a 20,000-square-foot mid-century print shop into program spaces, a shelter and corporate offices. aC+a was responsible for scouting the site, programming, architectural/interior design, product design/fabrication, signage, art work, project management, grant writing and site supervision.