As a social impact designer one works often for customers who can't pay for the services of the designer. Why then actually, does the designer do the work? To save the world? To get a project built for acting as effective marketing for a starting office?
The motives behind pro bono work are under continuous discussion. It is also a hot topic within the South of North -collaboration of Nordic architects, who have been working on community projects in developing countries.
One explanation that I've come to think of, is that social impact design is actually very selfish business. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, It fulfills the designers highest need of self actualization when the designer is "able to use one's professional skills for common good."
But then, does it really matter what the motives are, as long as the end result is a positive one (such as completing a youth center to Cambodia for the use of two ngos).
These are thoughts that I will continue to examine further and especially in relation to the discussions on Do What You Love -work and if the provided development aid really responds to the greatest need.
(Picture of Maslow's hierarchy of needs stolen from www.21stcentech.com)