Workshop Summary

Through a case study of Agrihood, Santa Clara’s first-of-its-kind sustainable, intergenerational, community-based affordable development, panelists will trace the success story of creating a transformative new design deeply rooted in its community. Bringing over 180 below-market-rate units to an area strapped for affordable housing, the project remains true to the values of the community, respects its past and looking to the future, complete with an urban farm, accessible green spaces, and housing for the growing senior population.

Moderator and Panelists

Moderator – Ismar Enriquez

Director of Sustainable Housing, Steinberg Hart

Ismar has been practicing for close to two decades and is now the Director of Sustainable Housing Design at Steinberg Hart – AIA California’s 2023 Firm of The Year. His mission focuses on ending the housing crisis by creating places that foster social, equitable, and sustainable communities. He has led initiatives such as the 2×8 Student Scholarship and Exhibition, a 20-year program that has awarded over $250,000 in scholarships.  Ismar has led discussions at many conferences addressing the housing crisis, climate change, and equity and inclusion. As a leader in sustainability in California, Ismar also led and addressed issues for carbon neutrality, resiliency, climate justice, and equity. In addition to the sustainability initiatives, Ismar is involved in government policy change and advocacy efforts across California.

Panelist – Lara Hermanson

Co-Founder, Farmscape

Lara is a co-founder of Farmscape and runs the northern California branch. She is a licensed landscape contractor and has worked as an organic farmer, landscape designer, and project manager since 2010. Farmscape, a truly unique player in the development space, proposing sustainable urban farms and gardens that provides an alternative to traditional landscaping. It shares a personal and pointed immigrant’s perspective on serving and connecting with diverse communities.

Panelist – Katia McClain

Partner/Cheif of People, Steinberg Hart

As Steinberg Hart’s Chief People Officer and Partner in the San Jose Office, Katia plays a major role in the success of many of the firm’s largest and most complex projects. With close to three decades of experience leading large-scale projects, she is a recognized thought leader and is well-known for her innovative and highly sustainable projects across California. Katia has worked with clients and diverse communities designing complex civic, hospitality, commercial, and housing projects in the US and Mexico. By emphasizing collaboration among key design team partners, she creates powerful environments that have a positive impact on the people who use them. In addition to being active with AIA, NOMA, and the Design-Build Institute of America, Katia is a deeply committed member of the Silicon Valley and San Jose community, serving as the Board President of the San Jose Downtown Association, a Board member of the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, a member of the SJ Downtown Design Committee, and a founding member of the Women in Architecture Committee for AIA’s Silicon Valley chapter.