Research

We research indigenous building methods, materials, and tools.

Design

Our aim is to apply design knowledge to our research to improve building integrity, quality, and sustainability while preserving cultural heritage.

Educate

We teach innovative building techniques that will allow local craftsmen to advance construction in developing areas.

Our goal is simple: apply design to native building techniques, teach locals how to implement these design principles, then change the course of the construction in rural developing countries.

Using native tools, indigenous building methods, and materials from the regional markets, GoDesign develops solutions for architectural needs while teaching the local tradesmen how to incorporate these solutions into their existing construction processes.

Mission

GoDesign designs hope for the marginalized around the world.

Vision

We see a world where the hopeless find hope, where advancements in design do not just benefit a privileged few, and where design professionals use their talents for the good of the disadvantaged.

We see a world where a well-designed building reminds people that they are not forgotten, that everyone has value, and that hope is available to all.

Scott and Stephanie Jackson

Scott Jackson is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Masters degree in Architecture. Through his studies and research Scott began to develop a passion for design in developing countries. After graduation Scott had many opportunities to travel to developing countries and see first hand the need for design. Returning from these trips Scott, along with Eric McManus and Stephanie Jackson founded GoDesign. Scott is a gifted leader and passionate about the work that is being accomplished. Scott stated, “I love to travel and spend time getting to know the amazing stories of people in these developing countries.” Savannah College of Art and Design (BA in Architecture, 2007 and a MArch., 2009) Stephanie (Jordan) Jackson Director of Finances and Fundraising and Co-founder Samford University (BA in Interior Design 2006) Savannah College of Art and Design (M.A., Historic Preservation, 2007)​

Kevin Chafin

Kevin is currently the Principal and Lead Architect for CEMS Inc., a multi-discipline Architectural and Engineering Firm located in Charleston SC. Kevin is a LEED Accredited Architect who has worked across the United States as well as internationally. Kevin graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a Masters of Architecture in 1996. Kevin is an Elder at Summit Church in Charleston, SC with responsibility overseeing Missions and Administration.

Jeff Hupman

Jeff previously worked as an Investment Advisor Representative with Christian Values Investing. Jeff has been a financial advisor since 2004. He has had experience as a stock broker and office manager with Edward Jones. Jeff is a lay leader for the Crown Financial ministry at Savannah Christian Church.

Melanie Parker Dameron

Melanie is a graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology with a Masters in Civil Engineering. Melanie began teaching at SCAD in 2006. Melanie also works as a structural engineer at Hargrove Engineers.

Ryan Purvis

Ryan is currently the Chief Engineer and Vice President of ICS East Coast which is a Global Heavy Lift Maritime Crane company that specializes in the retrofit, dismantling, installation and transportation of large scale Ship-To-Shore (STS) cranes within the Port Industry. Ryan graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Masters in Civil/Structural Engineering in 2010. Ryan is also a licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states and a Board Member of the Structural Engineering Alliance of Georgia (SEAOG), Savannah Branch. In addition, Ryan is heavily involved in multiple ministries at Compassion Christian Church and other non-profit organizations within the city of Savannah and abroad.

Aschalew Kebede

Aschalew grew up in Ethiopia. He has extensive experience working in Ethiopia and in the United States. He spent 10 years teaching as a professor of religion at Charleston Southern University. In addition to his time at CSU he taught adjunctly and as a visiting professor at the following schools; South Africa Theological School at EFGTC Addis, Ethiopia, Mount Meru University, Arusha, Tanzania, Gospel Evangelical Theological College Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Awassa Bible College, Awassa, Ethiopia, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Southeastern Baptist Seminary at CSU Extension. -Ph.D., Old Testament and Hebrew with a minor in Biblical Archeology from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary -Ph.D Educational Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia -B.A. Biblical Theology from East Africa School of Theology in Nairobi, Kenya.

Haley J. Higgs

Haley is currently a public relations lecturer at Georgia Southern University, where she has taught for four years. Haley teaches courses in communication, public relations and writing. Two years ago, she created the first non-profit communications course at the university. Haley grew up in Soperton, Georgia. She has extensive experience working with nonprofit organizations, such as, The World Hunger Fund and others. Haley graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2011 with a B.S. in Public Relations and a B.A. in Writing. She went on to complete her masters degree in communications, with an emphasis on non-profits and NGOs, from Kent State University. Currently, she is perusing a Ph.D. in communications, focusing on non-profits, from Regent University.

Scott Jackson

Executive Director

Scott is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Masters degree in Architecture. Through his studies and research Scott began to develop a passion for design in developing countries. After graduation Scott had many opportunities to travel to developing countries and see first hand the need for design. Returning from these trips Scott, along with Eric McManus and Stephanie Jackson founded GoDesign. Scott leads GoDesign and it’s work in Ethiopia and Uganda and has traveled extensively to both countries for the past 9 years. ​ Savannah College of Art and Design (BA in Architecture, 2007 and a MArch., 2009)

Timothy Balding

Director of Design and Construction

Timothy joined the GoDesign team in 2018 and is a registered architect with a background in construction; he brings to the firm an interdisciplinary focus on sustainable design, vernacular construction, and humanitarian architecture. In his time with GoDesign, he has worked on several projects through visioning, master planning, architectural design, construction drawings, and construction management. He has coordinated projects in Ethiopia and Uganda, conducting assessments, programming, material and vernacular construction research, and stakeholder management. Most recently, Timothy led the design of a girl’s dormitory in rural Uganda and is currently overseeing the master planning for a primary and secondary school in Uganda. ​ Prior to joining GoDesign, Timothy led an independent practice focused on residential and small commercial architecture. He completed his Master of Architecture professional degree at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Talu Tumiso

Ethiopia Office Director

Talu joined the GoDesign team in December of 2019. After being a friend to GoDesign for 7 years the opportunity presented itself for him to join the team and head up our Ethiopia office. Talu brings extensive experience to our NGO office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We are excited to have him on our team!

Kalkidan Mamo

Ethiopia Program Coordinator

Kalkidan joined GoDesign in January of 2020 after working with GoDesign previously as a translator. Her excitement and passion is an asset to GoDesign.