Beyond a list of resources for inquisitive designers, this page is an introduction to some of the major actors in the humanitarian design world. Over time we will add an array of vetted organizations, foundations and designers who are actively engaged in humanitarian action.

The current humanitarian ecosystem began after the 1906 earthquake and in the wake of World War I (see History of Humanitarian Design). There were major reforms after World War II and again in the 1990s and 2000s. For the architecture and design world, one of the pioneering organizations Architecture for Humanity ran during this third phase of reform (1999-2015).

Architects and designers were often seen as the 'outsiders' in this system and are often the community advocate or liaison with these larger actors.

Humanitarian action is the interplay between laws, official and non-mandated organizations, systems and processes. Often the affected community is not centered in the response and often contracts are dictated towards external players.