Rooted in Legacy, Built for Tomorrow: Building a Non-Profit Website for a Global Network of International Houses

International House Association

Written by Andy Sprague, Co-Founder, Luma Digital

Non-Profit

Web Design

UX Design

Accessibility

Delight

Visit

Client

International House Association

Industry

Non-Profit / International Education

Challenge

Creating a digital presence that connects a global network of International Houses while honoring 100+ years of history

Solution

Mission-driven website design that prioritizes accessibility, storytelling, and community connection on a non-profit budget

The Results

Mission-Aligned Design

Website that authentically represents IHA's values while serving diverse stakeholder needs

Improved Accessibility

WCAG 2.1 AA compliant design ensuring the site is usable by visitors of all abilities

Sustainable Infrastructure

Built for long-term stability and easy maintenance by a small non-profit team

Global Reach

Design system that scales across the entire IH network while honoring local distinctiveness

The Mission

The International House Association represents a global network of residential communities dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and lifelong international friendship. For over 90 years, International Houses have provided students and scholars from around the world with more than just housing; they've created communities where future global leaders live, learn, and grow together.

When they came to us, IHA had an established brand identity but needed a digital presence that could match the scale and significance of their mission. As a non-profit organization, they needed a partner who understood that every dollar spent on the website was a dollar not spent directly on programs and students.

Understanding Non-Profit Constraints

Designing for non-profits requires a fundamentally different approach than commercial work. Budget constraints aren't just financial limitations—they're part of the organization's values. Every design decision needed to balance impact with sustainability, ensuring the website could serve the organization not just at launch, but for years to come.

We approached this project with deep respect for IHA's stewardship of donor resources. Rather than building custom features they might not need, we focused on thoughtful design, strategic content architecture, and leveraging existing platforms effectively. The goal wasn't to create the flashiest website—it was to create the most effective one.

Design Challenges & Solutions

Making History Feel Relevant

With 100+ years of history, IHA has incredible stories to tell. But for prospective residents and donors, the past only matters if it connects to the present and future. We wanted to show how IHA's founding mission still remains urgent and relevant today. We designed a historical timeline intended to balance historical accuracy with a moment of delight, making it feel like a story rather than a dry history lesson.

Multi-Audience Navigation

The site serves dramatically different audiences: prospective residents looking for housing, alumni seeking to reconnect, researchers interested in IHA's model, donors evaluating impact, and staff managing programs. We created clear pathways for each audience without overwhelming any single visitor with irrelevant information.

Accessibility as Imperative

For an organization built on inclusion and international connection, accessibility wasn't optional. We designed with WCAG 2.1 AA standards as a baseline, ensuring the site works with screen readers, supports keyboard navigation, and maintains readability across languages and devices. Accessibility isn't just compliance, it's living the mission.

Content Strategy for Impact

The best non-profit websites don't just inform—they inspire action and build community. We worked closely with IHA to develop a content strategy that moves visitors from curiosity to connection. Every page is designed with clear calls-to-action that feel authentic rather than pushy: learn more, get involved, share your story, make an impact.

We also built flexibility into the content management system, knowing that non-profit teams are often lean and priorities shift with funding cycles. The site structure allows non-technical users to easily update content, add new stories, and highlight current initiatives without needing developer support for routine changes.

Building for the Long Haul

Unlike commercial projects where websites often get redesigned every 2-3 years, non-profit sites need to last. We chose technologies and hosting solutions that prioritize stability, security, and maintainability over cutting-edge features that might become support burdens. We documented everything thoroughly and provided training to ensure IHA's team could confidently manage the site independently. This wasn't just about launching a website, it was about building digital infrastructure that serves the mission for years to come.

"Luma Digital understood that we weren't just building a website—we were creating a digital home for a global community. They respected our budget constraints while never compromising on quality or our mission. The result is a site we're proud to share with current residents, alumni, and supporters worldwide."

Shaun Carver

President, International House Association

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