PCBC ’24: Multifamily Play-Off

PCBC serves as a celebration of our industry as teams from all trades gather to collectively learn about the latest design trends that will be affecting the developments of tomorrow. Held in Anaheim, this year’s conference allowed our WHA team to engage in inspiring conversations provoked by the Expo Floor and leading-edge panels, one of which was presented by WHA’s very own. Vice President of our Los Angeles office, Rick Aiken partnered with Paul Brady of Godden | Sudik Architects, Inc. to discuss how we can apply multifamily design trends for today’s market and ever-evolving consumer needs.

Their multifamily play-off analyzed 10 impactful design trends: Micro Units, Luxury Units, Unique Solutions for Tough Sites, Townhomes, Community Amenities, Rethinking Parking Solutions, Modular Homes and ADUs, and Elevations – Forms, Materials, and Murals.

Part of the Multifamily Trends tract, Rick and Paul offered insight on the tactics, challenges they encountered, and design solutions they incorporated into their projects. As multifamily projects shift, teams must understand how to unlearn old approaches to design and adapt to new technology and resources to find solutions for today.

While Paul showcased his firm’s work and inspirational projects from Colorado, Rick discussed projects throughout California. Regardless of location, they are both adapting and relearning multifamily design with every new development that comes across their desk. From parking lifts in Newport Beach to solar trellises in Boulder, the end goal is to always provide a unique housing solution that not only stands out in design and amenities but offers residents a cozy home to retreat to at the end of the day.

It’s always a pleasure collaborating on such innovative topics for panels where we can reach a national audience who hopefully feels inspired to leave a positive impact on the homebuilding industry. We certainly left PCBC this year motivated to leap forward into the innovative designs that will house the next generation!