The 2017 Build Small Live Large Summit was a first-of-its-kind event, drawing the national leaders in accessory dwelling unit (ADU) development to share their experiences and prime the market to build more small homes. We want to thank everyone – from speakers to participants – for their involvement. The Summit was successful precisely because of the great mix of professions, geographies and perspectives in each session and at each event. In this wrap up to the 2017 Summit, we want to share a glimpse of the proceedings and tell you how you can visit or revisit the content now that much of it is online! The Summit Experience The 2017 Summit drew participants from Oregon, Washington and California, as well as from 11 other states and two other countries. Architects, designers, planners, policymakers, builders, developers, elected officials, realtors, lenders, housing advocates and academics were all in attendance. This professional mix was vital to the success of the event because ADU development is a collaborative, cross-sector process, and everyone plays an important role. Throughout Friday’s professional conference, participants learned how the political context affects the regulatory landscape, which affects the options for design and construction – and how homeowners can’t afford... Read More
PAD was founded by Dee Williams, tiny home pioneer and author of The Big Tiny, and is co-owned by Joan Grimm, who knows small building from multiple angles. As a tiny house host, ADU owner, and creator of a pocket community in her own (shared) backyard, Joan is an active participant and leader in Portland’s small housing community. We asked her why PAD is sponsoring Build Small Live Large 2015.
Little houses have piqued America’s interest as an antidote to the McMansion-style housing boom, but they’ve also become an intriguing option for providing affordable temporary and transitional housing for the homeless. One true expert on this trend is Andrew Heben, Build Small Live Large speaker and author of Tent City Urbanism: From Self Organized Camps to Tiny House Villages.