Housing represents one of the greatest challenges we face within the architectural profession and society as a whole. Innovative design is essential to the evolution of the multi-family housing market. Architects and designers are a big part of the solution—designing new buildings and reimagining existing ones in beautiful, sustainable, and cost-effective ways. Housing for the formerly unhoused can and should be beautiful—a goal that was often cost-prohibitive in the past but is now within our reach.

In this Studio Session, ARCHITECT Editor-in-Chief Paul Makovsky discusses a range of projects that exemplify architectural ingenuity in affordable housing with David Baker, founder of David Baker Architects, and Russ Naylor, co-founder of BŌK Modern. One of the highlighted projects—Blue Oak Landing in Vallejo, California—features architecturally striking modular sunscreen/rainscreen walls. Developed by BŌK Modern, these architectural solutions enhance both the projects' aesthetics and the residents' sense of community, which Baker emphasizes as a crucial aspect of sustainability. "Happy and healthy living makes for a more sustainable culture," he says.

David Baker founded David Baker Architects in 1982 and is considered an industry leader in urban housing design. David was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 1996, and in 2009 received the Hearthstone BUILDER Humanitarian Award honoring the 30 most influential people in the housing industry of the past 30 years. Along with his partner, Yosh Asato, he is a founder of StoreFrontLab, a participatory space in San Francisco that explores the storefront as a place of community, creativity, and local industry. He is a co-author, with Amanda Loper and Daniel Simons, of 9 Ways to Make Housing for People.

Russ Naylor is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience as a licensed architect and contractor. After earning his Master's in Architecture from UCLA, he worked in Los Angeles and San Francisco with firms like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and Ai+Architecture before becoming a partner at NC2 Studio. Now, as a co-founder at BŌK Modern, along with Heddie Chu, Russ is a leader in redefining architectural metal systems, blending his expertise and innovation to shape the future of design.

Show Notes

This Studio Session is underwritten by BŌK Modern. Click here to see more of ARCHITECT’s Studio Sessions.