THINKING: housing projects

SANDAG Housing Technical Assistance Program Wins APA Award

We’re proud to share that the SANDAG Housing Technical Assistance Program has received the 2025 Best Practice Merit Award from the San Diego chapter of the American Planning Association.

This recognition underscores the impact of coordinated, multidisciplinary support in advancing housing solutions across California. OpenScope Studio was honored to contribute architectural design and technical expertise as part of this groundbreaking initiative, which helps jurisdictions implement their 6th Cycle Housing Elements, adapt to evolving state legislation, and streamline housing delivery.

Led by Ascent Environmental, in collaboration with Civic Solutions, Goldfarb & Lipman LLP, and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), the program provided tailored housing assistance to communities across San Diego County.

OpenScope’s role centered on:

• Advising on site planning, building typologies, and architectural feasibility
• Supporting ADU policy implementation through design templates and code strategies
• Translating housing goals into visual and technical frameworks for local action

We are especially proud to have helped bridge the gap between policy intent and on-the-ground implementation—ensuring that thoughtful, realistic design strategies are a core part of the housing toolkit.

Congratulations to Ascent, our project partners, and the SANDAG Housing Technical Assistance Program team for this well-earned recognition. We look forward to continuing our work helping communities across California build more equitable, livable, and resilient neighborhoods.