Social Impact Studio
WestEast Design's Social Impact Studio (SIS) is spearheaded by a licensed master's degree social worker, dedicated to undertaking comprehensive projects in the realm of human service initiatives. Our work includes but is not limited to homeless facilities encompassing emergency shelters, supportive housing options, and transformational campuses. Our commitment to excellence and social welfare drives us to employ a multidimensional approach that addresses diverse societal challenges.
The SIS takes pride in its research-driven designs, particularly in the domain of trauma-informed design (TID). We delve into contemporary literature on TID and actively involve existing consumers of affordable housing in our investigations. We assimilate the valuable consumer perspective through focus group sessions, ensuring that the design and function of these communities resonate with the needs and preferences of their inhabitants.
At the heart of our endeavors lies an ambition to serve as a catalyst in addressing social crises and cultivating thriving communities. By applying our meticulously honed methodologies and leveraging our team's expertise, we aim to effectuate positive change on a significant scale.
The SIS firmly believes that fostering healthy and supportive environments can contribute substantially to the betterment of society as a whole. With an unwavering commitment to social impact, we persistently strive to improve the lives of those we serve and shape a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Expert Knowledge
Program Development & Implementation
- Community Engagement
- Evidence-Based Practices
- Cross-Sector Engagement/Interventions
- Affordable Housing Supportive Services
Consulting
- HUD CoC
- Community Development
- Housing/Homeless Policy
- Homeless Systems of Care
- Strategic Planning
- Organizational Development
Research & Program Evaluation
- Post Occupancy Evaluation
- Regulatory Compliance & Monitoring
- Human Services System Evaluations
- Organizational & Program Assessments
Design
- Trauma-Informed Design
Our Team
Scott Ackerson, LMSW
Director
Scott Ackerson, LMSW is a nationally recognized leader in homelessness systems planning, housing strategy, and human services reform, with more than two decades of experience designing, implementing, and evaluating programs that serve people experiencing homelessness and housing instability. A licensed master social worker, Scott has worked across the public, nonprofit, and consulting sectors, advising cities, counties, states, and Continuums of Care on evidence-based approaches to homelessness prevention, crisis response, and permanent housing solutions. His work emphasizes system integration, data-driven decision-making, and the alignment of housing, behavioral health, and social services to improve outcomes for individuals and families. Scott has played key roles in the development of coordinated entry systems, Housing First and Permanent Supportive Housing initiatives, emergency shelter transformation, and large-scale campus and system redesign efforts. He is known for his ability to translate federal and state policy—including HUD, ESG, CoC, and state housing and homelessness funding—into practical, locally tailored strategies that communities can implement and sustain. Throughout his career, Scott has been a trusted advisor to elected officials, senior administrators, service providers, and community stakeholders, bringing a balanced perspective that combines clinical insight, policy expertise, and operational realism. He is particularly respected for his work in high-complexity environments where homelessness intersects with behavioral health, justice involvement, and long-term poverty. Scott holds a Master of Social Work and maintains licensure as an LMSW. He is frequently sought out for strategic planning, facilitation, system assessments, and executive advising related to homelessness and housing systems transformation.
Learn More
James Andrews, FRIBA, AIA'Int'l Assoc, LEED AP
Vice President
James Andrews, FRIBA, AIA INT'L ASSOC, LEED AP, has over thirty years of Urban Design and Architectural experience. His background includes designing nationally recognized facilities for those experiencing homelessness and suffering trauma. A strategic thinker and consensus builder who understands the myriad of challenges facing communities and stakeholders. He focuses on human centered solutions that strive to bring consensus and are specific to local needs.
Learn More
Stephanie Urigwe, OTD, MPH
Social Impact & Strategic Initiatives Manager
Stephanie Urigwe, OTD, MPH is a licensed occupational therapist with more than a decade of experience bridging public health and clinical practice. Stephanie has a passion for implementing trauma-informed care and design strategies into the built environment. She brings forth her understanding of human-centered practice into informing research and strategy development to address socioeconomic policy, limitations and barriers within communities. Stephanie is devoted to formulating beneficial interventions to impact health and wellness outcomes for communities and society, through community engagement, advocacy, and evidence-based research.
Learn More.jpg)
Katherine Dillard Gonzalez, PhD
Principal Consultant - Ladder Logik
Katherine Dillard Gonzalez is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Ladder Logik, which she established in 2011 to strengthen organizational capacity and drive systemic change that improves community outcomes. With over 20 years of experience working with federal, state, and local governments and nonprofits nationwide, her work focuses on transforming service delivery and fostering innovation. She also serves as a Research Fellow at The University of Texas at Austin and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at UT Health San Antonio. Dr. Dillard Gonzalez holds a Ph.D. in Public and Urban Policy and is fluent in Spanish for professional communication.
Learn More.svg)
