Impact DesignHub is a collaborative platform where design meets purpose. We are committed to fostering cross-cultural dialogue through art and design while building meaningful partnerships with organizations worldwide. Our mission is to amplify the work of nonprofits by creating visual communication solutions that raise awareness around key social issues—such as race, gender, poverty, homelessness, and the systemic injustices faced by marginalized communities.

At IDH, we empower students to design for social change. In our program, top university students work alongside nonprofit partners for a full 15-week academic term, tackling high-level projects that drive positive impact. Our approach blends design thinking with real-world application, where students use problem-solving skills to create innovative branding, campaigns, and materials that help organizations build social capital and amplify their message. Through this hands-on experience, students gain a deeper understanding of how design can be a catalyst for social responsibility and change.

Paula DiMarco, Ph.D.
Creative Director

With over 30 years of experience in both the commercial and nonprofit sectors, I bring a wealth of expertise to my role as Creative Director at Impact DesignHub. My passion lies in guiding design projects from concept to completion, ensuring that every piece reflects a thoughtful, collaborative process. At IDH, I work closely with students and nonprofit partners, facilitating a human-centered design approach that prioritizes community needs and social impact. By blending creativity with purpose, I help create design solutions that not only resonate but also drive meaningful change.

Purpose.
Causes.
Change.
Partnerships.
Community.
Designers.
Impact Makers.
Citizens.
Humans.

As a cooperative design studio, Impact DesignHub welcomes collaboration with faculty, professionals, and community activists. The following individuals have played a key role in shaping our past and future partnerships:

Vesna Petrovic [VESNA DE3IGN]
José Luis Benavides [Professor CSUN Journalism]
John Ignatczyk [Chief at LAFD]
Rico Gross [Captain II at LAFD]
Domenica Castillo [Curator & Director of the Museum of Social Justice]