Santa Barbara, CA – March 21, 2025

Santa Barbara’s housing crisis has long been a pressing issue, with affordability and accessibility posing significant challenges for working families. To address these concerns, Habitat for Humanity of Southern Santa Barbara County (Habitat Santa Barbara) convened a groundbreaking Housing Innovation Event. Bringing together policymakers, architects, developers, and community leaders, this event served as a catalyst for actionable solutions to expand homeownership opportunities in the region.

After more than seven years, reconstruction has begun on the former Hawaiian Village apartment complex in Ventura, which was destroyed in the 2017 Thomas Fire. The new 52-unit project, now named Bella Vita, is expected to welcome residents by early 2027. The first of four buildings is anticipated to be completed by the end of this year. The complex aims to recapture its previous charm, offering beautiful views and modern amenities. The developers hope to attract former residents back to the community.

The Maulhardt-Stiles development represents an exciting step forward in addressing Ventura County’s housing needs while enhancing the Northeast Oxnard community. If approved and developed as envisioned, the project could bring significant economic and social benefits, providing housing opportunities and new amenities for residents.

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?

The 2030 Challenge is not just an aspirational goal—it’s a necessary transformation for the future of our planet. Architects, builders, and policymakers must work together to create a built environment that is both resilient and regenerative.

A passel of recent California laws were supposed to supercharge the construction of desperately needed housing. According to YIMBY Law, they haven’t even come close

In Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix It, urban planner M. Nolan Gray takes a deep dive into the history of zoning, its consequences, and how we can create better cities by reforming or even eliminating it altogether.

Residential architecture continues to evolve, driven by a commitment to creativity and customer satisfaction. The trends shaping 2025 and beyond—from smart technology and multifunctional designs to sustainable practices and age-friendly features—highlight the industry’s adaptability and innovation.

Something remarkable is happening on Santa Barbara’s Mesa. What might have been an ordinary demolition project is instead becoming a model for sustainability, innovation, and community impact. Crews are hard at work on a residential deconstruction project, carefully dismantling a home to salvage reusable materials and divert them from our already overburdened landfills.

The City of Ventura, in partnership with ForeFront Power, has started construction on two solar energy projects at Ventura Community Park and the Police/Fire Headquarters. Together, these projects will deliver 900 kilowatt-DC (kW DC) of renewable energy through solar parking canopies at both sites.

Steven Stenzler, left, and Michael Gunning, center, with moderator Mack Carlson, discuss the issues facing the housing industry in the year ahead. The panel was held at the 2024 Santa Barbara Housing Conference on Thursday, December 5.

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.

Cooperative housing is gaining momentum as an innovative solution to the housing affordability crisis in the U.S. Projects like Seattle's Corvidae Co-op showcase collaborative ownership models that blend architectural creativity with financial inclusivity.

Becoming a Habitat for Humanity homeowner is no easy feat. It’s a path that demands determination, commitment, and an unwavering belief in the promise of a better future. For one Santa Barbara family, this journey is about more than just building a house—it’s about building stability, opportunity, and a brighter tomorrow.

Nestled in the heart of Lompoc at 115 N Street, “The Record” stands as a testament to the city's rich history, blending past legacies with future potential. This iconic ±16,307 square-foot building is more than just brick and mortar; it’s a symbol of the community’s enduring spirit. From its roots as the original site of Lompoc Automotive to housing the esteemed Lompoc Record newspaper in the 1970s, this historic property has long been a cornerstone of local culture and commerce.

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

Santa Barbara is facing the challenge of increasing state housing demands while preserving its unique charm. The city has proposed new design standards aimed at ensuring that new developments harmonize with the local architectural style and community character.

The Yardi brothers plan to transform a downtown Santa Barbara commercial building into housing, aiming to address the city's need for more residential units.

In a city renowned for its picturesque coastline and Mediterranean charm, Santa Barbara is facing a crucial debate that pits housing needs against the demand for hotels.

We are thrilled to announce that four of our residential projects have been featured in the prestigious Dwell magazine.