Wishes Came True with Donated New Playhouse

Listen to MacKenzie's talk about her new Playhouse

Just like any other frustrated homeowner, six-year-old Mackenzie Dent knew her environment needed to change. When she won a playhouse in a local radio contest, she grabbed that opportunity to draw up some specs (in crayon) and tell someone her dream. "She was just like an adult client," marvels Chris Stebnitz. "She knew what she wanted to feel in the end, and she actively participated in our design meetings. We employed our Procedural Listening process to help her translate that dream into her own private retreat."

During the design meetings, it became clear that what Mackenzie really needed was a retreat from her big brother and the usual sibling rivalry, a place to whisper secrets to her dolls and friends, a place to hang a sign that warns, "No Boys Allowed." "We use these design meetings as a place to diagnose whats really bothering people about their homes. Until we uncover, together, the issues, we cant begin to propose an effective design," explains Chris. "Mackenzie was clear in her needs and we documented them for her and her parents approval before we started the final plans."

According to Chris, "At our first project meeting, she brought in sketches and shared her color preferences. She requested paint color, 'like reddish-bluish, like purple. Its my favorite color,' she told us. We knew shed be paying close attention on the job site!"

Playhouse construction finished April 28. Volunteer craftsmen from Stebnitz Builders using materials donated by Barker Building Supply, designed and constructed the little house in just three workdays. Mackenzie herself joined the work crew to help out. Mackenzie plans to use her new house for sleepovers and campouts with her three best friends.