A'22 - How architects are advocating for ADUs in high-cost urban areas

RICO QUIRINDONGO, AIA, RICHARD MOHLER, FAIA, AND MATT HUTCHINS, AIA DISCUSS HOW ARCHITECTS CAN ADVOCATE FOR INCREASED ADU PRODUCTION AND MAKE THE PROCESS EASIER.

ADUs are one piece of America’s “missing middle” housing puzzle.

In the United States, home prices rose nearly 20% last year, reaching record levels. In light of a lack of supply, neighborhoods zoned for single-family housing are being re-examined by urban planners – and architects – looking for creative ways to address density.

In Seattle, where the cost of living is 53% higher than the national average, the pinch is particularly severe. Local architects and city officials hope that ADUs – or accessory dwelling units – could provide some relief.

On Day 2 of AIA’s Conference on Architecture 2022, a group of five panelists from Seattle discussed how architects can advocate for increased ADU production and make the process easier. Code reform, public outreach, financial incentives, and online tools all play a role.