DALLAS WALKS THE WALK NEEDS YOU...YES YOU!

DALLAS WALKS THE WALK NEEDS YOU...YES YOU!

By:

Dustin Ward

BEFORE PHOTOGRAPHY | Aaron Dougherty Interiors Photography

INTRO PHOTOGRAPHY | Lynda M. Gonzalez/The Dallas Morning News (Lynda M. Gonzalez / Staff Photographer)

 

multi-design firm passion project aims to impact historic church

The design community of Dallas is filled with many smart, engaging, and interesting people. The personalities that pepper our industry create magnificent environments in which people live their lives, and have made Dallas an epicenter of style and culture. But one amazing aspect of this beautiful world that many may not know is how truly generous our community is when called upon to be of service. I can think of no better example of this than Dallas Walks The Walk. 

DALLAS WALKS THE WALK LOGO DESIGNED BY THE DOVE AGENCY

Just a little over a year ago, 6 of Dallas' finest design firms banded together with the common goal of transforming the spaces of Oak Lawn United Methodist Church (OLUMC). Layered Dimensions, Yates Desygn, Fonde Interiors, Amy Joyce Designs, Burkle Creative, and Angeline Guido Design recognized a need and committed their time, energy, and gifts to elevating and dignifying a building that is a refuge for many during difficult times. Inspired by the kindness and outreach that OLUMC has brought to Dallas during its 150 year legacy, these designers did not hesitate when called upon to do what they do best, seeing a room for what it can be, not just for what it is. With instrumental support from the leadership at The Dove Agency, Dallas Walks The Walk was born. 

Photo Credit: AARON DOUGHERTY INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHY

OLUMC is at the forefront of community service in Dallas. Among being an affirming church that believes everyone is entitled to respect and love, no matter who you are or what you believe, OLUMC's mission of compassion can be seen through their community clothing closet, their community meal program, and their work with the unsheltered population. I have seen firsthand the warmth and care OLUMC provides on dangerously cold nights, and that experience fundamentally changed who I am.

All of these amazing acts of kindness, hundreds that happen every week, are playing out in the magnificent building at 3014 Oak Lawn Avenue. For over 111 years, the venerable structure at the corner of Oak Lawn and Cedar Springs has stood as a proud testament to history. While much of its legacy is cherished, as with any grand old edifice, time has not been kind to certain elements.

The designers of Dallas Walks The Walk have each taken on multiple spaces and are working to breathe new life into them.

Along with giving the administrative offices a facelift, Layered Dimensions is transforming a former toddler daycare room into the new community clothing closet, ensuring that all who enter feel a sense of dignity and ownership over their experience.

Yates Desygn will be infusing The Pastoral Care Office and Volunteer Center with their unique approach to style and function.

Jen Stevens at Fonde Interiors is bringing her knowledge base of working in historic buildings to converting a small parlor/nursery into a Bridal Suite and Conference Room.

Amy Joyce, known for her brilliant use of color, will bring joy to several 1st floor meeting rooms that also double as shelter spaces on freezing nights.

Javier Burkle of Burkle Creative will be bringing his panache to the Senior Pastor's office and a multi-use meeting room.

And the team at AGD is overseeing the designs of OLUMC's hospitality center, 1st floor corridors, pastors' offices, and the secret bridal hallway.

Over this past year, this passion project has blossomed beyond imagination. Major commitments from Knight Construction, Axiom Builders, and Elyse Design Build will help make the design vision a reality. The first major in-kind donation to Dallas Walks The Walk came from our friends at Benjamin Moore & Texas Paint who committed to donating all the paint needed for the project. Many other in-kind donations from amazing vendors, businesses, and artisans will allow the design teams to furnish spaces to maximize the usage without sacrificing style. 

benjamin moore & texas paints are the official paint sponsor of dallas walks the walk

While this project has become what it has become because of all the people involved, there is still a long way to go. And we need you! Whether you are an artist, a business, a craftsman, or just looking to be a part of this life changing project, there is room for you in Dallas Walks The Walk. 

If you are interested in financially contributing to Dallas Walks The Walk you may donate by using this link or the QR Code:

 Donate - Oak Lawn United Methodist Church (churchcenter.com)

Any funds donated will go directly to helping Dallas Walks The Walk cover expenses needed to achieve its final goals.

If you are interested in being a room sponsor, contributing an in-kind donation, or working with Dallas Walks The Walk in any capacity I would love to hear from you! Please send me an e-mail at dustin@angelineguidodesign.com.

Kindness is the heart of the future, please help us ensure that OLUMC can continue to bring kindness to Dallas for the next 150 years. 

 
Dustin Ward