How This Architect is Revolutionizing California Housing

California infill housing is changing fast, and Jamileh Cannon is helping lead that shift. In this episode of EntreArchitect podcast, Jamileh shares how she moved from architecture school into development and co-founded Workbench to create scalable housing solutions across California. She explains how her team balances design quality, zoning demands, and long-term resilience in today’s difficult housing market.

Along the way, Jamileh discusses the realities of multifamily housing, ADUs, and entitlement challenges in the Bay Area and Santa Cruz. She also explains how performance-driven design can help projects move faster while staying financially viable. As regulations continue to evolve, her firm focuses on workflows and systems that keep projects efficient and adaptable.

Jamileh shares insights on building strong teams, navigating shifting market conditions, and designing housing that supports both people and local economies. Her practical approach offers valuable lessons for architects interested in development, urban housing, and sustainable infill strategies. This conversation is both forward-thinking and grounded in real-world experience.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, How This Architect is Revolutionizing California Housing with Jamileh Cannon.

Learn more about Jamileh at Workbench, check out the podcast The Infill Insiders, or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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