RMJM’s CEO, Peter Morrison and COO Declan Thomson were part of a 30-strong team (http://www.maasaimarathon.com)
The unusual alliance was carefully orchestrated with the team collectively bringing fundraising, design and organisational planning skills to support the charity set up by Norton - the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT) (http://www.maasaitrust.org). The aim of the effort is to raise $1 million to help conserve the way of life of the semi-nomadic Maasai people and their tribal lands in Kenya, which are threatened by conflicts between people and wildlife, water shortages, sub-division of land and urban migration. To date, the initiative has raised nearly $940,000.
Edinburgh-based RMJM initially met Norton thanks to the firm’s links with Harvard University. In 2008, RMJM launched a $2 million programme for Research and Education in Integrated Design Practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Specifically, RMJM is designing, planning and funding a state-of-the-
RMJM’s CEO, Peter Morrison, who himself ran the marathon, said: “As a global firm, we have a global responsibility to help those who need it most. Quality healthcare is a serious need for the Maasai people as very few clinics exist and, as one of the foremost healthcare design firms in the world, we believe we can make a significant contribution to a healthy and sustainable future for the Maasai. We are thrilled to be working with Edward Norton to put our architects’ skills to work for a fantastic cause.”
“Having RMJM on board on this initiative is incredibly exciting – like a turbo-booster on our efforts,” said Norton. “The capacity and talent they bring in design and architecture are matched only by their enthusiasm to contribute their expertise where it is truly needed most. Conservation, education and healthcare are major priorities for the MWCT. With their help, we’re going to make a major new contribution to the quality of life in this area and show that healthcare and conservation are complementary goals.”
