• HIVE 50 CATEGORY: DESIGN


Katie Swenson
Katie Swenson

For over eight years, the Affordable Housing Design Leadership Institute (AHDLI) has worked to help stakeholders in the diverse realm of affordable housing development come together to understand challenges and create aesthetically pleasing projects. A program of Maryland-based Enterprise Community Partners, AHDLI, which itself is based in Boston, connects developers and architects to improve the design, sustainability, and resiliency of affordable housing. Since its founding by Katie Swenson, vice president of design and sustainability at Enterprise Community Partners; Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA, of Brooks + Scarpa; and Maurice Cox, FAIA, director of the City of Detroit Planning and Development Department, the institute has partnered with more than 70 nonprofit and community groups across the U.S.

The designers involved with the institute include more than just traditional architects—they are landscape architects, resiliency experts, sustainability pros, and others. AHDLI runs yearly conferences and two-and-a-half day charrettes and workshops where leaders can share ideas and learn how to provide the best solutions for their communities.