Time spent alongside trusted non-profit partners, including Revolved and Wild Hope, experiencing the meaningful work being done on the ground.
Impact that reaches beyond the room.
The first layer of impact at PowerHouse SMART® happens inside the community itself. Members engage in rooms designed for trust, respect, and meaningful exchange—where people are known by name, conversations are thoughtful, and collaboration replaces competition.
Impact shows up through shared knowledge, honest dialogue, and the willingness to support one another across roles, disciplines, and experience levels.
From principals and senior leaders to emerging voices, members contribute to an environment where growth is mutual and excellence is reinforced through relationship, not ego.
This internal culture sets the foundation for everything PHS does beyond its walls.
PowerHouse SMART® exists to elevate the industry—not through volume or visibility, but through example. Members regularly collaborate on real projects, share insight across disciplines, and contribute to conversations that improve how work is done and how people are treated within the design, construction, and real estate ecosystem.
By bringing together builders, architects, designers, developers, manufacturers, and aligned partners in curated environments, PHS helps raise the standard for professionalism, leadership, and integrity across markets.
The result is a ripple effect—better collaboration, stronger outcomes, and a more connected industry.
At PowerHouse SMART®, giving back is not an initiative — it is part of who we are.
Across every city, every event, and every connection, we are committed to elevating humanity through meaningful partnerships, philanthropy, and purpose-driven collaboration.
We are proud to align with nonprofit partners whose missions reflect our own belief in the power of design, community, and collective impact.
Design as a tool for dignity, healing, and transformation.
For nearly 20 years, PowerHouse SMART® has been a proud supporter of Designs for Dignity — a nonprofit dedicated to transforming spaces for those in need through the power of design.
Through thoughtful design interventions, Designs for Dignity creates environments that uplift, restore dignity, and support healing for individuals facing crisis — from domestic violence shelters to community service organizations.
Founder Wendy Cohen’s personal involvement runs deep, having served on both the Board and Executive Board, as Vice President, and as Co-Chair of the Gala twice. This long-standing partnership reflects a shared commitment to using design not just for beauty, but for meaningful human impact.
Global community development, sustainability, and long-term human impact.
PowerHouse SMART® is honored to partner with Revolved, a global nonprofit committed to creating sustainable change through community-led initiatives across Africa.
This partnership was introduced through the inaugural PowerHouse Africa Impact Trip and continues to grow as a cornerstone of our global giving efforts. Revolved is the benefactor of our Luxury Conferences in Chicago and Minnesota, as well as local events — including the upcoming MN Luxury Conference on November 4, 2026 — and will be the 100% benefactor of our second PowerHouse Africa Impact Trip in 2026.
Through Revolved, we are supporting initiatives that empower communities, foster long-term sustainability, and create opportunities for growth, education, and well-being.
PowerHouse SMART® believes meaningful impact begins locally. Across cities and regions, the community engages in efforts that strengthen local design and build ecosystems and the people within them.
This includes supporting local education initiatives, partnering with charitable organizations, highlighting trades and vendors who elevate the work, and encouraging leadership and service within each market. Events and gatherings are designed not only to connect professionals, but to contribute positively to the cities that host them.
Local impact is not a side effort—it is woven into how the community shows up.
PowerHouse SMART® is committed to impact that reaches beyond local markets and into the global community. Through long-standing partnerships with organizations such as Revolved and Wild Hope, PHS integrates philanthropy, service, and relationship-building into the heart of its work.
This commitment comes to life through the PowerHouse SMART® Africa Impact Trip—an annual, invitation-based experience designed to bring members together for meaningful business connection, hands-on philanthropic engagement, and life-changing perspective.
The second PHS Africa Impact Trip is planned for early November 2026, continuing a growing tradition of purpose and partnership across continents. This exclusive, ten-day, all-inclusive journey blends:
Relationship-building with Africa-based design and build leaders through values-driven conversation and shared learning and experience.
Time spent alongside trusted non-profit partners, including Revolved and Wild Hope, experiencing the meaningful work being done on the ground.
Immersive travel experiences, including Victoria Falls and safari, designed to foster reflection, gratitude, and renewed purpose.
The experience is made possible through partnership with Love for Africa, ensuring thoughtful planning, cultural respect, and a high level of care throughout the journey. Pricing details will be announced at a later date.
This trip reflects the broader philosophy of PowerHouse SMART®—that leadership carries responsibility, and that business communities can create lasting impact when aligned around purpose, humility, and generosity.
At every level, PowerHouse SMART® approaches impact as a responsibility, not a marketing message. Whether through local engagement, global partnerships, or the way members support one another day to day, impact is lived out through action, generosity, and leadership with intention.
This is a community for people who believe that success is stronger when it is shared—and that the work we do should contribute to something greater than ourselves.
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