Affordable Housing, Advocacy & The Path Towards A Newer Hopeful Architecture with Kelsey Wilson, AIA

What does it really mean to design with dignity—and how can architects play a meaningful role in affordable housing and community development?

Sponsor Link here: https://iamthestudio.thinkific.com/bundles/i-am-the-studio-pro/?coupon=januarydesignpro26

In this kickoff episode of Season 4 of Architecture Beyond, host Brandon Gibbs sits down with Kelsey Oesmann Wilson, AIA, Principal at Nelson Community Partners, for an honest and practical conversation about affordable housing, advocacy, and the evolving role of architects beyond traditional practice.

Kelsey shares her journey into affordable housing, what it actually takes to deliver high-quality, community-centered projects, and how architects—especially students and emerging professionals—can explore whether this work aligns with their skills, values, and long-term goals.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

What “designing with dignity” really means in affordable housing
How affordable housing projects come together—from design to development and partnerships
How architects can explore impact-driven work without needing all the answers upfront
Practical advice for students and young professionals looking to get involved

This episode is especially valuable for architecture students, emerging professionals, firm leaders, and designers interested in community impact, equity, and meaningful practice.

Learn more about Nelson Community Partners here.

Related Architecture Beyond Episodes

If today’s conversation resonates, continue exploring these connected discussions:

🎙️ Designing Business For Architects with Rachel Gresham
A deep dive into mentorship, leadership, and navigating growth in architecture.
🎙️ Strengthening Community Through Equity, Architecture & Service with Dillon Dunn
A powerful conversation on advocacy, representation, and strengthening communities through design.

These episodes build on the same themes of purpose, responsibility, and expanding the architect’s role.

Sponsor: Iamthestudio

This episode is supported by Iamthestudio, a premier course platform for architects and designers focused on real-world workflows and practical skill development.

If this conversation inspired you to strengthen your skills, you can get 50% off Iamthestudio courses with the code:

januarydesignpro26

💬 Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask an architect?
We’re inviting listeners to submit their questions for our upcoming Ask an Architect 2026 edition. The first 10 submissions will receive a special year-end prize bundle from Architecture Beyond and Iamthestudio.

👉 Submit your question now at:What does it mean to lead with design, serve the community, and build a practice with lasting impact?

https://forms.gle/jDeaDEuLJkTzwj4F7

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