HLW’s 2025 Philanthropy Journey: Continuing Our Commitment to Community

As another year unfolds, we’re reminded that some of the most meaningful work we do happens outside our studio walls. Across our offices, HLW team members came together around a shared belief: that supporting our communities is an essential extension of who we are as a people-first firm. Through fundraising, hands-on participation, creative collaboration, and personal acts of courage, our teams supported organizations that empower individuals, families, and communities to live more independent, connected, and fulfilling lives.

Here’s a look at how our teams made an impact in 2025.

Our Los Angeles office proudly supported Canine Companions for Independence, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing expertly trained service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities. By championing an organization that changes lives through partnership and trust, our LA colleagues helped advance independence and confidence for those who rely on service animals every day.

The LA team also brought their competitive spirit to the sand at the 38th Annual Broker Challenge in Santa Monica, organized by the Los Angeles Commercial Realty Association (LACRA). HLW team members showed up strong to support families impacted by the Palisades and Altadena fires — proving that teamwork, energy, and community care go hand in hand.

In Connecticut, our team rallied behind Abilis, an organization that provides early intervention, customized therapies, and family education to help individuals reach important developmental milestones. As individuals transition into adulthood, Abilis continues its support through life skills development, employment programs, recreational opportunities, and residential options. HLW’s CT office was honored to support work that meets people where they are — and walks alongside them as their needs and goals evolve.

Our New Jersey office supported The Seeing Eye, whose mission is to enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye® dogs. By contributing to this long-standing organization, the team helped further access, mobility, and opportunity for individuals navigating the world with vision loss.

In New York, philanthropy took on a distinctly creative and collaborative spirit. HLW was proud to participate in DIFFA’s Threads for Impact event at the Steelcase showroom, where Quilt Studies, designed by HLW and contributors, raised $3,600 in support of DIFFA’s mission. Led by Mike Iovinelli, Design Director in our New York headquarters — who has been part of the sustainable quilt auction for many years — this year’s piece carried that legacy forward. Crafted from salvaged upholstery fabrics, each mini quilt explored color and pattern while modernizing tradition and celebrating community and craft. We’re grateful to DIFFA for bringing the design community together to make a meaningful impact through creativity.

The New York team also supported Variety NY, organizing a lively fundraising event where staff donated artwork, plants, and baked goods in exchange for pledges. A friendly competition between the north and south sides of the floor — complete with a puzzle challenge — helped push the team past their goal. Thanks to these collective efforts, HLW was able to fund a brand-new adaptive bike for a child, a tangible reminder of how small moments of generosity can create lasting joy.

Across the Atlantic, our London office continued its strong tradition of community engagement. The team supported Daisy Chain, an award-winning charity empowering autistic and neurodivergent children, young people, adults, and their families. Interior Designers Rachel Khoo and Claire Hunt visited the Daisy Chain farm and attended a gala where HLW was named a sponsor, helping advance inclusion, wellbeing, and acceptance — values that resonate deeply across our global practice. The team also continued a meaningful holiday tradition, making Christmas donations to Home Instead Camden, marking our seventh consecutive year of support. We were especially touched to receive a lovely thank-you note from the Home Instead Camden team (see PDF below), acknowledging HLW’s long-standing commitment and continued partnership.

This year also brought an extraordinary personal challenge from within our London studio. Interior Designer Savanah Watts took on a relay swim across the English Channel alongside industry peers Steve Henigan, Ryan Powell, and Paul Harris. Braving cold waters, nighttime conditions, and unpredictable tides, the team completed the crossing in an incredible 13 hours and 17 minutes, raising £7,446.68 for Carers Trust, Ataxia UK, and The Peel. Their achievement reflects not only physical endurance and teamwork, but a deeply personal commitment to causes that support carers, fund neurological research, and strengthen local communities. We couldn’t be prouder of Savanah and the entire team.

Adding to the momentum, London colleague Harry Barnsley completed the Brighton Marathon, raising £1,039 for Prostate Cancer Research with generous support from HLW teammates. His effort is another powerful example of how individual determination can ripple outward into meaningful impact.

HLW team members remain incredibly grateful for the passion, generosity, and creativity shown by our colleagues, as well as the support of our clients and partners who continue to champion this work alongside us. Each effort — whether a fundraiser, a creative contribution, or a physical feat — reflects our shared belief that design is ultimately about people.

We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together and energized by what’s ahead. As we continue our philanthropy journey, we look forward to deepening these relationships, expanding our impact, and continuing to put people first in the communities where we work and live.

A Recap:

• HLW Los Angeles supported Canine Companions for Independence and participated in the LACRA Broker Challenge to aid families impacted by local fires.

• HLW Connecticut supported Abilis, advancing early intervention, life services, and long-term support for individuals and families.

• HLW New Jersey supported The Seeing Eye, promoting independence and confidence through guide dogs for the blind.

• HLW New York supported DIFFA through Threads for Impact and Variety NY, funding life-changing programs including a new adaptive bike for a child.

• HLW London supported Daisy Chain and Home Instead Camden, celebrated Savanah Watts’ English Channel swim benefiting Carers Trust, Ataxia UK, and The Peel, and cheered on Harry Barnsley at the Brighton Marathon for Prostate Cancer Research.