Project Spotlight:
Bridges for Brain Injury
At Edge Architecture, we know that thoughtful design can do more than serve a function—it can foster dignity, empowerment, and belonging. Our partnership with Bridges for Brain Injury brings that belief to life.
Bridges is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting adults with traumatic brain injuries and disabilities through life-skills training, personalized care, and nature-based therapy. In 2024, the organization purchased a 25-acre former horse farm with a powerful vision: to create a fully accessible campus where individuals are not only cared for—but called into purpose.
What makes Bridges truly unique is their nationally recognized Wildlife Rockstars program.
This one-of-a-kind initiative blends rehabilitation with wildlife and conservation education. Program members are trained to care for native and exotic animals, birds, reptiles, and more—while also learning to share their personal stories of recovery. Through school visits, community events, and public programs, they inspire others with both their knowledge and their resilience. It’s a powerful model of healing through connection—with animals, with nature, and with people.
This new campus isn’t just a site—it’s a sanctuary. For many participants, it's their third space—a second home where they find routine, connection, and pride. That emotional depth is reflected in the project’s aesthetic direction: warm, modern design with subtle rustic and farmhouse elements, including heavy timber detailing and natural finishes. The goal? To make something truly beautiful and welcoming for a community that deserves nothing less.
Design considerations include:
A new Day Program Building that prioritizes both function and feeling—featuring sensory-friendly zones for independent skill-building, group interaction, and restorative quiet.
A Wildlife Education & Conservation Center, home to over 40 species and the heart of the Wildlife Rockstars program, where participants educate the public alongside live animal ambassadors.
Bridges’ Barnyard, a fully accessible petting zoo and agricultural learning area.
A Greenhouse and Sustainable Garden, where members grow food for animal care—fostering responsibility, rhythm, and purpose.
Accessible pathways, clear wayfinding, and material choices that reduce visual and auditory overwhelm—making the entire campus intuitively navigable for people with cognitive or sensory challenges.
Designing this space has been deeply personal—for the client, and for us. Each element is crafted with care, knowing that the individuals who use this space rely on it as part of their daily lives.
The project is also shaped by the realities of nonprofit funding. Bridges for Brain Injury is building this vision piece by piece, supported by grants and donations. That means each phase of design must be intentional and flexible—prioritizing impact, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
It’s an honor to help frame this vision—designing not just buildings, but opportunities for growth, connection, and second chances.