Architect Developer: The Maslo - Housing with an Impact

Abstract

The traditional delivery method of an architectural project as we know is a lengthy, linear process. A client has a vision or parcel of land to develop, and they rely on an architect to make it come to life. The architect works with the client on a regular basis to ensure the vision they had in mind is the end result. While this is a viable process, it may ultimately lead to a forfeiture in design quality and social or environmental impact. Architects are in a position that relies on other entities to include them in the process of designing buildings. Due to the architect’s commitment to the greater good of the general public, a self-led development has the potential to create value in ways a traditional developer may not. An emphasis on the social return on investment can create equitable communities that benefit all stakeholders of a project. This thesis will demonstrate the architect pursuing their own work as a developer through the design of a mixed-use commercial and affordable housing development in Los Angeles, California. Mixed-method research conducted in this thesis will include the origins of the architect-developer model, current architect-developer processes, architectural delivery models, the commercial real estate process, the current state of housing and homelessness in Los Angeles, and social return on investment.