Conversations around housing are continually evolving with an increased understanding that addressing community needs goes beyond units built. The most effective housing developments today are designed for belonging. They connect communities and residents to healthcare, education, social spaces, and economic opportunity.
As funding structures shift and communities grow, the firms leading the way are those that embrace housing as an integrated, long-term investment in people and place. Some of the most successful housing solutions offer gathering spaces with choices, provide vital resources to residents and communities, and adapt to long-term needs.
At Practice, we’ve always believed that housing must be part of a broader, connected ecosystem. Now, as we expand our expertise with new leadership, we’re exploring conversations shaping the future of housing and reinforcing our ability to develop holistic, community-driven solutions.
Housing developments without consideration for how they integrate into the communities they serve are limiting. The recognition that housing and the needs of larger communities must interconnect increases possibilities to serve individuals and the collective.
- We’re seeing Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) being incorporated into housing developments. There are large benefits to developments that integrate healthcare. Responding to the needs of the community, whether through medical or dental care, these spaces offer residents and their neighborhoods much-needed services.
- Early childhood education is becoming increasingly relevant. Many communities are experiencing an influx of housing developments. Along with that growth comes the need for integration of early childhood education to ensure families have access to quality childcare and learning environments close to home.
- Public spaces within housing developments need to be flexible and adaptable. Creating spaces that respond to the distinctive needs of each community is essential, as we plan developments.
Housing Director Raeven Flores says about FQHCs, “Integrating healthcare into housing developments provides tremendous benefits. Both my and Practice’s experience really complements that, and we’re excited to deepen our work in this area.”
Recognizing that none of these solutions are one-size-fits-all is a central piece of the conversation. Every project must be designed with an awareness of how it fits into the surrounding community fabric.
At Practice, creating and nourishing connections have been central to our work in housing, and more broadly.
The spaces we live in shape how we interact with others. Housing can’t only be designed for private living, but must encourage people to gather, interact, and build relationships. Living through a time when loneliness has become a health crisis, housing offers an opportunity to develop choices for social connections.
Strong communities require:
- Well-designed shared spaces that encourage natural interaction.
- Neighborhood integration that ensures housing developments feel like part of the broader community.
- Adaptable public areas that evolve alongside community needs.
This thinking has been part of Practice's work for decades. Across our housing, civic, and education projects, we regularly collaborate internally. This cross-sector approach to projects ensures we bring a community-focused point of view.
With the addition of Raeven Flores, AIA, as Housing Director, and Edward Lam in a senior leadership role, along with other key recent hires, we’re reinforcing our ability to develop housing that is intentional and rooted in long-term resilience. Having worked together for over 20 years at Abode Communities, Raeven and Edward bring extensive experience in community-focused housing design.
Raeven is especially excited to be part of a group that leads as much as they’re willing to learn, and vice versa. She says some of the richest experiences she’s had are with colleagues pursuing a common goal.
“Edward and I have worked together for two decades, and one of the reasons I’m most excited to be here is continuing longstanding relationships with people at Practice like Edward, Staci, and Ali. We have a strong history that influences our work and ability to collaborate.” says Raeven.
As housing needs evolve, the industry is shifting toward solutions that prioritize long-term resilience, social well-being, and deeper community integration. We see several key trends shaping that future:
- New sustainability standards are transforming how housing is designed and built. Influencing everything from energy use to material choices and long-term operational costs, these shifts mean sustainability must be embedded in projects from the start. Through leadership of Casey Castor and others at Practice, we are integrating these efforts across our market sectors in ways that aren’t just reactive, but intentional.
- Mental health is a growing consideration in housing projects. There’s increased recognition that mental health and crisis care must be part of our housing solutions. From integrating services to the way spaces are arranged, housing can serve not just as shelter, but play a critical role in fostering well-being and stability.
- Cross-sector collaboration will define the next generation of housing. No single discipline can solve today’s housing challenges alone. The best solutions will come from collaborations across housing, healthcare, education, and other areas to ensure developments meet the full spectrum of community needs.
At Practice, our team is built for this future. A foundation of long-term collaboration, diverse expertise, and a deep commitment to community impact position us to both respond to these shifts and help shape them.
As Housing Director Raeven Flores says, “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 to creating real change. Practice is modeling this approach, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.”
To learn more about our housing work or further discuss what matters in housing today, reach out to Practice Housing Director Raeven Flores.
