Practice is excited to welcome Raeven Flores, AIA as Housing Director, reinforcing our dedication to designing holistic, community-oriented housing solutions. With nearly three decades of experience in architecture and a shared passion for accessible, high-quality design, Raeven brings additional depth to our studio’s housing leadership and vision to effect social change.
A Career Built on Purpose-Driven Design
A thoughtful and community-centric approach to architecture defines Raeven’s career. Before joining Practice, she served as Principal Architect at Abode Communities’ Architecture Studio, responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of affordable mixed-use developments and community-serving spaces. Her skills in delivering high-quality architectural design through challenging budget and schedule constraints have made her a widely respected leader in the field. Prior to Abode, Raeven held roles at Moule & Polyzoides, Mia Lehrer Landscape Architect, and Lehrer Architects, giving her a well-rounded background that spans market-rate housing, high-end residential projects, and permanent supportive housing. A licensed architect in California, she holds a Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic State University and an Associate of Art from Pasadena City College.
A Reconnection with Familiar Faces and Shared Values
A significant draw for Raeven in joining Practice was the opportunity to work alongside long-time colleagues and collaborators. She shares a deep professional history with Partner Ali Barar, who hired her early in her career at the LA Community Design Center. Past working relationships with Partner Staci Nesbitt, Edward Lam, Mitch Deans, and other Practice team members reflect a foundation of trust, shared values, and a commitment to mission-driven work.
As part of a recent conversation, Raeven explained: “I was drawn to Practice not just because of its reputation for community-based architecture but also because of the people. I’ve worked with many of them before, and our relationships have always been built on a shared passion for thoughtful, inclusive design. Joining Practice is an opportunity to apply my skillset in a leadership role that allows our collective group to raise the bar on affordable housing design.”
Expanding Partnerships and Scaling Impact
As Housing Director, Raeven is poised to utilize her experience and relationships to address the evolving landscape of affordable housing. For needs that arise from a variety of sources—economic pressures, environmental concerns, and shifting policies—she and the Practice team see strategic partnerships as key to expanding Practice’s impact.
As Ali Barar, Partner and Housing Specialist noted, “I am delighted to be once again working alongside my dear friend and long-time colleague, Raeven Flores. Her depth of expertise with the development process, planning, design, and construction of affordable housing projects is truly remarkable and a significant addition to our firm. It is however, Raeven’s character, heart, and dedication that set her apart as a true leader. We could not be happier to welcome her to our Practice family.”
Raeven added, “I am excited to bring new potential for collaboration with developers and organizations focused on the ‘whole’ life experience—particularly in early education, wellness, and community development. Practice has a proven ability to bridge the gap between housing and broader community needs, and I’m eager to build on that momentum.”
Ultimately, Raeven brings both expertise and optimism to her new role. “The challenges in housing today are immense, but having the right team and mindset—one that listens, questions, and discerns before rushing into solutions—will be essential in driving real change. Practice is modeling this approach, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
