Paul’s Place exemplifies how architecture can transform the lives of individuals and communities. I noticed a significant increase in Davis, CA’s unhoused population a few years ago. As an architect, I wanted to understand the issue better and see how I could help. I listened to individual stories and met with the local experts who supported them on their journeys. While each individual’s history was unique, themes emerged: strong connections to local family and friends and a need for day-to-day assistance.

I co-founded Davis Opportunity Village (DOVe) with like-minded Davis residents to find innovative local solutions. We met weekly, and the Paul’s Place concept—a vertical village in a building combining housing, services, and community support—took shape. I volunteered to design the building, built for Davis Community Meals and Housing, and in 2023, with incredible backing from the community and private donors, Paul’s Place opened its doors.

I am excited that this project is now a case study for other towns and cities. More than just a building, Paul’s Place is a novel architectural typology coupled with on-site services that tackle the complex problem of housing the unhoused. It embraces the connective power of community while balancing individual needs for privacy and self-expression.