Open Call for Pilot Projects
Every building tells a story of humanity – either of dignity or exploitation. Design for Freedom is a movement to remove forced and child labor from the building materials supply chain.
Pilot Projects are an opportunity to be at the forefront of a transformative movement in architecture and construction. Each project harnesses the power of the built environment to uphold and support human rights by demonstrating responsible and ethical supply chains.
To date, there are over a dozen Design for Freedom Pilot Projects currently in design or completed across three continents. Project Teams contribute to the transformation of procurement practices and supply chain transparency by specifying materials to reduce the risk of embedded forced and child labor while adding to the industry’s body of knowledge.
Proposal Submission Process
Grace Farms invites you to participate in the Design for Freedom Pilot Project Program. For project guidelines and more information on the submission process, download the RFP:
Deadlines:
The 2026 Open Call launched October 29, 2025.
Proposals will be accepted through December 5, 2025 at 11:59pm ET.
For questions regarding the RFP process:
- Email [email protected] by December 1, 2025 at 5:00pm ET. Questions will be assembled and distributed to all project teams on December 2, 2025.
- Attend Office Hours hosted by the Design for Freedom team on November 13, 2025 and December 4, 2025.
FAQ
What is a Pilot Project?
Design for Freedom has developed a Pilot Project Program that is a tangible example demonstrating ethical supply chains in completed works. Each Pilot selects at least ten building materials to examine. Selected products are traced as far back as possible for provenance and labor inputs in order for project teams to make an informed decision when specifying and procuring products. Through this process, each Pilot Project brings awareness to project partners, contractors, designers, engineers, manufacturers, suppliers, owners, occupants and consumers on the risk of continued exploitative practices and initializes institutional and civic responses.
How can I integrate responsible sourcing into my practice?
Read the Design for Freedom International Guidance and Toolkit to understand the scope of the problem, critical issues, and challenges facing the eradication of forced and child labor from the built environment. For actionable solutions, read more about inherent qualities of at-risk materials within the built environment and related certifications. Utilize the following tools to integrate responsible sourcing into daily practice.
- Project Team & Supplier Outreach Letter – initialize conversations about ethical sourcing.
- Ethical Design Requirements, CSI Division & Sample Specifications – require contractors to meet ethical sourcing standards across the project by material type or by spec division. Sample of wood specification included for reference.
- Self-Assessment Questionnaire – request supply chain information from product manufacturers and suppliers to encourage organizations to assess progress, elevate internal dialogue and promote external discussion.
- Ethical Material Tracking Schedule – utilize resources within the tracking schedule to identify regions at high-risk for exploitation and identify responsible supply chain certifications.
- Responsible Certifications, International Frameworks and Standards –filter relevant certifications by material or product type, third-party verification, industry focus, prerequisites and other differentiators.
Is there a fee associated with initiating a Design for Freedom Pilot Project?
There is no fee to submit the RFP or participate in the Pilot Project Program. Project teams participate in the program understanding each product investigation adds to the industry’s body of knowledge and adds value to the overall project. Grace Farms acts as a facilitator to project teams. Grace Farms with Pilot Project partners dedicate time and resources to develop industry-wide responsible sourcing practices through aligned partnerships and collaboration.
How many Design for Freedom Pilot Projects are there?
There are over a dozen Design for Freedom Pilot Projects currently in design or completed on three continents, with a range of typologies. To learn more about the Pilot Project process, materials examined and outcomes read the Pilot Project Case Studies.
Are there any geographical restrictions for pilot projects? Can it be international?
Currently, Design for Freedom Pilot Project are located in North America, Europe, and Asia. We hope to continue to represent a diverse number of countries, cities, and communities throughout our portfolio of Pilot Projects. We encourage submissions from outside the United States.
Can I submit a confidential project? Will Grace Farms sign an NDA?
Yes, you can submit a confidential project under an NDA. We will work together to identify a public announcement date for a specific project. All selected projects will be announced on March 26th at the 5th Annual Design for Freedom Summit at Grace Farms.
How many projects will be selected? How many proposals can I submit?
We select the projects that most align with our mission and advance the movement. We invite project partners to submit only one proposal annually.
Are pilot projects inclusive of all design typologies, such as community spaces, commercial offices, public or private, non-profit, or government projects?
Absolutely! We are eager to share how Pilot Projects demonstrate ethical supply chains across programmatic typologies and welcome a diverse array of owners, partners, and project types.
Will my project receive Design for Freedom certification?
Design for Freedom is not a certification. The Pilot Project Program is a unique opportunity to conduct research at the forefront of the Design for Freedom movement and gain insight into the process of supply chain transparency within the built environment. Although we do not consider the projects ‘certified’, each project is considered an official Design for Freedom Pilot Project because it meets requirements to provide significant documentation into the labor practices of an identified number of building materials while revealing new outcomes.
What is the process of a Pilot Project?
Grace Farms works alongside project teams to develop innovative research tailored for each project. The Design for Freedom team meets regularly with project teams to identify materials for investigation and to support the integration of ethical sourcing. The Design for Freedom team facilitates discussions with industry experts, suppliers and manufacturers to support informed decision making.
Each Pilot Project will conclude with a Design for Freedom Pilot Project Case Study developed by Grace Farms to highlight the unique approach, relationships and outcomes produced by every project. Additionally, project teams may have the opportunity to participate in education outreach, speaking engagements and material research projects.
