Let's talk

Start a conversation.

Tell us what you're working on. We respond within two business days to talk through whether and how we can help.

Tell us about your project

Whether you have a specific scope or just a challenge you're trying to figure out — start here. No polished brief required.

We typically respond within two business days.

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Thank you for reaching out. Loren or Judi will be in touch within two business days.

Common questions

Before you reach out, some answers.

What kinds of organizations do you work with?
We primarily partner with county departments, government agencies, and nonprofits working on housing, homelessness, workforce development, health, and community equity. We work best with clients who see lived experience as a genuine asset to their work — and want to build that into how decisions get made.
Do you work outside Contra Costa County?
Yes. While Dalbert Design's primary partnerships are in Contra Costa County, CivicMakers has worked with agencies across California — San José, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and beyond. We also take on remote engagements for the right projects.
How does the partnership between the two organizations actually work?
We operate as a genuine collaboration, not a subcontracting arrangement. Depending on your project's needs, the engagement may be led by Dalbert Design, CivicMakers, or both together. We're transparent about who's doing what and why.
What does a typical engagement look like?
Every engagement is different — some are short-term diagnostics (6–8 weeks), others are multi-year implementation partnerships. We start with a conversation to understand what you're working on, then propose a scope that fits your actual need and budget. No boilerplate packages.
How do you handle lived experience compensation?
Compensation for lived experience advisors is non-negotiable for us. We help clients build appropriate compensation structures into their budgets and contracts. This includes preparation time, participation time, and follow-up — we won't design engagement that extracts community knowledge without fair return.
Are you available for speaking or training engagements?
Yes. Both organizations offer workshops, training sessions, and speaking engagements on lived experience integration, human-centered design, co-design methods, and trauma-informed practice. Use the form above or reach out directly.