Case Studies in New Classical & Traditional Design: Excellence in the Design of Affordable Housing

A panel discussion with recipients of the Gindroz Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing

By ICAA

May 27, 2026

The Case Studies in New Classical & Traditional Design series explores the design and execution of new contemporary classical and traditional work from the practitioner’s perspective. Each session explores a unique project or building type to demystify the complexities of how challenging projects successfully come together.

In November 2025, the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) hosted the inaugural Gindroz Symposium on Affordable Housing. The half-day symposium brought together past recipients of the Gindroz Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing at the ICAA’s national headquarters in New York City. In this final portion of the symposium, the full slate of speakers convened to address questions about the challenge of developing high quality affordable housing.

In this panel discussion, the winners of the Gindroz Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing speak about the challenges they faced in designing and building their affordable communities, and offer potential solutions for how architects and city officials can face the housing crisis.

For the discussion, the ICAA was pleased to welcome:

Recipients of the 2022 Gindroz Award: Rob Fredericks, Executive Director and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara; and Christine Pierron, Partner at the Santa Barbara-based Cearnal Collective
Recipient of the 2023 Gindroz Award: Donald Powers, Founding Partner at Union Studio in Providence, Rhode Island
Recipients of the 2025 Gindroz Award: Phil Mason, Strategic Director of Sustainable Growth & Development at the Cornwall Council; Ben Bolgar, Executive Director ‑ Projects Team at The King's Foundation; Hugh Petter, Director at ADAM Architecture and ICAA Board Member, and Peter James, Project Manager at the Duchy of Cornwall

The discussion was moderated by Delma Palma, Market Leader for Housing and Private Development at LSE Architects.

Ray Gindroz, co-founder and Principal Emeritus of Urban Design Associates and co-founder of the Marilyn and Ray Gindroz Foundation, delivered closing remarks celebrating the tremendous accomplishments of the past and present Gindroz Award winners. He also spoke to the enormity of the challenge that lies ahead if we are to tackle the affordability crisis while at the same time delivering housing that is beautiful, dignified, and enduring.

This is the final recording from the event, following Learning from Nansledan and Neighborhoods of Affordable Housing.

Learning Objectives

Examine approaches to planning and design for housing for persons with limited incomes that are financially viable and maintain urban design excellence.
Learn how each firm's projects have been implemented with respect to resident needs and aspirations; sustainable materials; local codes and regulations; and precedents.
Learn how traditional buildings and neighborhood precedents can inform the design of affordable housing that provides safe and supportive environments and regional architectural character.
Discuss strategies for reducing car dependency and making neighborhoods more walkable in order to promote environmental sustainability, street safety, and resident health.

Assessment & Credit

Viewers may receive 1.5 AIA CES Learning Units|HSW and 1.5 credits towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture (Elective) by watching this video course and subsequently scoring at least 70% on a summative assessment that tests your understanding of the material. For more information on Continuing Education credit, please email [email protected], or call 212-730-9646 x 112.

The assessment is available here.

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Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites required for this course.

AIA Continuing Education Provider Information

Please click here for additional AIA Continuing Education Provider Information:

Course Delivery Type: On-Demand e-learning Program

Program Level: Introductory

AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: May 18, 2029

Provider Number: G193

Provider Statement: The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number G193. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.