Learning from Design Principles: The Power of Beauty and Impact – Wayne Centrone

Following up on a short blog post regarding the new Jorgen Chavez Airport in Lima, I am writing about the philosophical underpinnings of our work. I want to provide a glimpse into what helps us to keep our focus and strengthen our resolve. A resolve focused on ensuring every child we work with has the opportunity to build the life they deserve. A life based on health, home, hope, and thrives within a community that values their dignity.

Design is a powerful force that shapes our world, influencing everything from the products we use to the spaces we inhabit. At its core, design is about solving problems and creating meaningful connections. However, there are two distinct schools of thought within the design world—each with its purpose, focus, and impact.

On one side, we have impact-driven design. This design camp focuses on utility and functionality, with its influence extending into areas such as marketing, public relations, and product development. Here, the purpose of design is clear: to serve, to solve, and to meet the needs of our societal and practical constraints. It’s about producing consumable goods, ensuring a product’s usability, and delivering solutions that make life easier, faster, or more efficient. It’s the kind of design that is deeply rooted in utility—its success is determined by its ability to meet specific goals, whether it’s increasing sales, improving communication, or addressing a pressing need.

On the other side, we find aesthetic design. This school of thought is fueled by the pursuit of beauty and its transformative power. Aesthetic design encompasses art, fashion, and architecture, particularly the kind of space of intersection that stirs emotions, inspires awe, and elevates the human experience. The goal of aesthetic design is to create beauty in all aspects of life, connecting us to deeper feelings and fostering a sense of emotional involvement. It asks us to slow down, to reflect, and to appreciate the profound impact of beauty in ways that go beyond the surface.

While these two schools of design may seem distinct, there is a powerful intersection between them. This is where designing within the box comes into play—a heuristic that balances the utility of design with the inspiration of aesthetics. It’s a philosophy that guides much of our work at HBI, where we strive to create designs that are not only functional but also profoundly beautiful. Because here’s the truth: beauty has an incredible impact. It’s a beauty that may not always be visible at first glance, but it exists in the almost unseen moments. It’s the kind of beauty that emerges when we choose to seek it out, when we turn inward to reflect on our deeper connections, and then outward to create something that resonates with others.

This is the kind of beauty we witness every day in the lives of the boys we are privileged to serve. It’s found in the way they participate in cultural immersion at their schools, demonstrating pride in their heritage and a commitment to honoring their roots. It’s found in the strength they show in challenging situations, as they step up to support their brothers with resilience and courage. This beauty is not simply decorative—it’s transformative.

The beauty of design—whether it’s impact-driven or aesthetic—has the power to change lives because at its core is connection. For the boys we work with, this beauty emerges from thousands of moments of deep, meaningful connection we make with them day after day. It ensures they know they are treated with love and in a nonjudgmental manner. It’s the strength that comes from transforming the countless “no’s” they’ve heard in their lives into a single “yes” that opens the door to possibility and a brighter future.

But this transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s not a “one and done” experience. It requires consistent nurturing, attention, and care. It involves the commitment of partners like you, who believe in the power of design to make a difference in the world. Together, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the immediate work we do, impacting lives in ways that are both tangible and deeply meaningful. At HBI, we believe in designing for impact and beauty. We believe in creating solutions that serve a purpose while also inspiring and uplifting those who encounter them. Whether it’s through the utility of a well-executed plan or the emotional resonance of a beautiful experience, design has the power to shape our world for the better.

So, as we continue to learn from design principles, let us remember the importance of both utility and beauty. Let us strive to create work that not only meets the needs of today but also inspires the possibilities of tomorrow. And let us never underestimate the power of a single moment of connection, a single act of beauty, or a single “yes” to change a life. For me, design is more than just what we create—it’s how we choose to see the world and engage with it. Whether it’s through impact-driven solutions or aesthetic inspiration, design teaches us to look closer, think deeper, and connect more meaningfully. That’s the kind of design that transforms lives—and that’s the kind of design worth striving for.

Thank you for continuing to trust our work. Because of you, children who once faced abandonment now have homes, health care, and education. Your gift builds more than bridges—it builds futures filled with possibility