Clifton Burt

Rural Studio is a design-build program in the School of Architecture at Auburn University in Alabama. It was established to instill students with the values of socially conscious design and to provide hands-on educational experiences.

Based in the impoverished Hale County, Rural Studio works within local communities to identify an area of need, then develop an appropriate design solution, raise funds and, ultimately, build the architectural project. Since it was founded in 1993, the Studio has designed and built over 100 projects in the region, educating over 800 students in the process. The program has gained worldwide attention and awards for sustainable architecture. In partnership with the Office of Clifton Burt, Rural Studio is applying its grant toward developing an awareness campaign that includes a brochure, newsletter, poster and website.