Architecture-in-Development (A--D) is a not-for-profit network of practitioners that started in the Netherlands in 2011, and is now active in more than 80 countries. We connect local self-build community projects with our global network of 70,000+ architectural professionals, and the resources contributed by our partners, sponsors and donors in order to demonstrate, catalyze and enable other ways of making architecture that reconnects to community, nature and culture.

“Our purpose at A--D is to bring about a paradigm shift in the way we think about and practice architecture in society — from what a client wants, to what humanity needs”.

            Rob Breed, Cofounder, Architecture-in-development

A--D is a platform that provides an alternative lens to understand and navigate the challenges facing the built environment. By showcasing projects that highlight alternative approaches to building, relating, and designing, we emphasize the social and relational aspects of architecture. Our focus is on putting people and communities at the heart of the process, encouraging us to rethink and reshape how we interact with buildings, nature, and the world around us. Through this lens, we uncover new ways of creating spaces that are deeply connected to the people and environments they serve—possibilities that might otherwise remain unexplored.

"Do-it-Together is a new practice that focuses on ‘we’, not ‘me’; celebrates collaboration, not competition; mobilises human connections, not just transactions."

               Changfang Luo, Cofounder, Architecture-in-development

Do-it-Together (DiT) Architecture is a collaborative approach to building that bridges the gap between experts and communities. It focuses on shared power, collective action, and the immense value of local knowledge and expertise.

Expanding on the Do-it-Yourself (DiY) philosophy, which empowers individuals to take initiative, DiT shifts the focus from individual efforts to community collaboration. By working together, communities can drive meaningful and lasting change in their own environments. This approach not only gives people a stronger sense of ownership but also ensures that solutions are shaped by those who understand their unique needs and context.

DiT doesn’t just empower communities; it also creates opportunities for professionals to uncover innovative ideas and solutions that may have otherwise remained hidden. By embracing local knowledge and diverse perspectives, DiT reveals possibilities that only emerge through true collaboration and shared discovery.