As with many states, California is experiencing a lack of affordable housing, with 1.8 million homes needed by 2025 to satisfy the state’s housing needs. At present, the median home price in California has risen above $800,000, while more than 100,000 residents sleeping outside or in cars every night, prompting both legislators and designers to explore increasingly innovative solutions.

Last week, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill which will allow for multi-unit development on suburban lots previously reserved for single-family dwellings, putting an end to a 100-year practice of single-family-only zoning in the state. In June, meanwhile, a law was introduced to streamline large building developments in the state, particularly infill residential-led projects, by reducing judicial review requirements.

These legislative efforts are joined by architectural proposals aimed at producing efficient, quality, affordable housing. Earlier this year, we reported on the growing prevalence of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in cities such as Los Angeles, resulting in a portfolio of preapproved housing plans which can be constructed in previously unfeasible sites, such as backyards.

A renewed interest in innovative design solutions has also given rise to new design companies. One such example is Workbench, a Santa Cruz-based develop+design+build company dedicated to solving California’s housing crisis. To them, this means “creating housing and community places that are affordable, more equitable, and well-designed for both human well-being and environmental sustainability.” The company is fulfilling this aim through the design and construction of single-family homes, ADUs, and larger multi-family projects.

The company is currently seeking both an Architectural Studio Director and a Junior Architect to join their Santa Cruz team. While the Studio Director will take responsibility for overseeing all architectural services, from deliverables to invoicing, the Junior Architect will assist lead architects in developing construction document sets, and collaborate in the studio’s design charrettes, among other responsibilities. More details on both positions are available over on our jobs board.

Workbench offers one example of architectural companies reforming their business outlooks and structures to support innovation in homebuilding. In our recent feature on the future of modular architecture, we reflected on the fate of housebuilding startup Katerra, while also speculating on the potential for a paradigm shift in residential architecture to embrace principles of industrial design. 

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As part of Archinect's job highlights series, we recently showcased an opportunity to work as a Senior Architectural Model Maker at Gemmiti Model Art, a Preservation Architect for AYON Studio, and a Global Retail Designer for Nike's Jordan Brand. 

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