San Diego Team Supports Habitat for Humanity Playhouse Project

As part of PGAL’s 80th Anniversary Give Back Days, employees from our San Diego office partnered with Habitat for Humanity of San Diego to design, build, and decorate a custom children’s playhouse for a local veteran family.

Inspired by the family’s request for an outer space theme, the team transformed the playhouse into a one-of-a-kind place for adventure. The exterior drew inspiration from the iconic X-wing starfighter, while the interior features a playful galaxy complete with hand painted stars, friendly aliens, planets, and imaginative details designed to inspire years of exploration.

The project was completed as part of Habitat for Humanity of San Diego’s Playhouse Program, which brings together volunteers, local businesses, and community partners to create imaginative play spaces while supporting families throughout the region. The program reflects Habitat’s broader mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope through affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and volunteer service.

For our team, the project was an opportunity to put our professional skills to work in a playful way. What began as a simple design challenge quickly became sketches, drills, paint, and plenty of creative brainstorming as employees worked side by side to bring the family’s vision to life. It was a chance to step away from our day-to-day projects, embrace the joy of creating, and be reminded that thoughtful design, no matter the scale, has the power to spark curiosity, bring people together, and create lasting memories.

The playhouse is one small example of how design can enrich lives beyond the built environment. By combining creativity, collaboration, and community service, the project reflects the spirit of PGAL’s 80th Anniversary Give Back Days and the belief that thoughtful design can make a meaningful impact at every scale.