​In a time when housing challenges are at the forefront of urban conversations, creative solutions are more important than ever. That’s why we were excited to take part in UCLA CityLab’s Small Lots, Big Impacts design competition; an initiative focused on transforming overlooked urban spaces into affordable housing opportunities. Here’s what we learned and why it matters for California communities.

​While CEQA remains a vital tool for environmental protection, its misuse has hindered efforts to address California's housing crisis. Reforming CEQA to prevent its weaponization, while preserving its core environmental safeguards, is essential for the state's future. By streamlining the environmental review process for urban housing projects and curbing frivolous lawsuits, California can promote sustainable development that meets the needs of its growing population.

As our population ages, the desire to remain in one's own home, commonly referred to as "aging in place", has become increasingly prevalent. Recognizing this trend, the 2022 California Residential Code (CRC) introduced Section R327, titled "Aging-in-Place Design and Fall Prevention," to ensure that new residential constructions are equipped to accommodate the evolving needs of residents as they grow older.

Housing affordability and availability remain critical challenges in California. With the enactment of SB 684 and the upcoming implementation of SB 1123, new avenues for small-scale residential development are opening up, promising to bring much-needed relief to homebuyers and the broader community. These laws streamline the entitlement process for small "starter" home developments, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and allowing for more efficient housing production. But how exactly will these changes impact California as a whole?

Santa Maria, CA – March 27, 2025

The Santa Maria Valley Housing Summit served as a critical platform for industry leaders to confront the multifaceted challenges of housing development in California. Through collective efforts and innovative approaches, there is hope for a more efficient and responsive housing development process that aligns with both environmental stewardship and the pressing need for affordable housing.​

When disaster strikes, rebuilding offers a chance to not just restore what was lost, but to create something better. In the wake of the devastating Pacific Palisades fire, which destroyed more than 5,500 homes, a heated debate has emerged: Should rebuilding efforts include more affordable housing, or should the affluent enclave remain exclusive?

Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive bipartisan housing package to build on California’s long-term strategy to help address homelessness and housing scarcity.

SB 4 is now law, allowing faith-based organizations & non-profit colleges to build affordable homes on their land.

In this week’s Radio Real Estate, Ellen talks with Mark Schneidman and Tom Oschner about the upcoming AIA ArchitecTours, Santa Barbara’s plans for State Street, and more. Bildsten Architecture and Planning will have a project, Modern Farmhouse Remodel, featured in this year’s tour which takes place on October 1st, 2022.

We were asked to contribute a tip to Redfin’s article 14 Expert Tips to Consider Before You Build an ADU. The article is full of interesting insights from other professionals who work regularly with ADU design and construction. See our tip below, or click here to read the whole article.

By signing Senate Bill 9 into law, Newsom opened the door for the development of up to four residential units on single-family lots across California.

The Santa Barbara City Council has voted 7-0 to create a master plan for State Street and established a committee to oversee it. State Street, a hallmark of downtown Santa Barbara, has undergone many changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the question of where it will head next is on many people’s minds.

The Santa Barbara chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIASB) just concluded its 2020 Design Charrette where members of the design professions and the community at large gathered virtually over the past six weeks to consider this year’s theme to "re-invigorate, re-invent, re-imagine, and re-purpose downtown Santa Barbara for the future".

Santa Barbara City Council adopted the following amendments to the AUD Multi-family Housing Program in the Central Business District (CBD) effective September 3, 2020

In 2020, it became easier than ever to build Accessory Dwelling Units in California, thanks to changes in state ADU law.

On May 19th, Ellen Bildsten of Bildsten Architecture and Planning moderated a workshop on Evolving Transportation Trends in Vibrant Communities at the all-day conference hosted by the Coastal Housing Coalition. Formed in 2005 in response to the region’s critical housing shortage, the CHC works to promote affordable housing for the local workforce by communicating with communities and their decision-makers, shaping housing policy and endorsing well-designed and appropriate residential projects.

The annual housing conference held on May 13, 2016 discussed our record-setting low vacancy rates along with continued escalating rental prices in Santa Barbara County. The keynote speaker Dan Parolek emphasized the importance of providing more affordable community-based living as well as efforts to create higher density housing of the local workforce.

On Friday, April 10, leaders and community members came together at the Coastal Housing Coalition’s Santa Barbara Housing Conference to discuss the significant issues affecting workers county-wide. The South Coast has become a difficult place for many citizens to both live and work in…