Step Up Housing Receives National Recognition for Community-Centered Design

BOSS is proud to share that Step Up Housing has been selected as one of the 2026 Award Recipients by the American Institute of Architects San Francisco (AIA San Francisco) — marking the project’s second major design recognition in less than a year.

In November 2025, Step Up Housing was also honored by AIA East Bay as the Best Multi-Family Project of 2025.

The recognition highlights more than architecture. It reflects a growing understanding that housing design directly impacts dignity, wellness, safety, and long-term stability for residents transitioning out of homelessness and instability.

At BOSS, supportive housing has always been about more than providing shelter. The spaces people return to each day shape how they heal, rest, reconnect with family, and rebuild their lives. Thoughtful design plays a critical role in that process.

Step Up Housing was created with that understanding at the center.

The project reflects what becomes possible when housing is designed to support both individual stability and community connection. Shared spaces, intentional layout, accessibility, and resident-centered planning all contribute to an environment where people can begin rebuilding routines and envisioning long-term futures.

Recognition from both AIA East Bay and AIA San Francisco signals an important shift in the broader conversation around housing. Supportive housing is increasingly being recognized not simply as emergency response infrastructure, but as essential community development work deserving of investment, design excellence, and public support.

For BOSS, the award also reflects the power of partnership — bringing together architects, advocates, housing professionals, service providers, and communities committed to creating spaces rooted in dignity and possibility.

Housing changes lives. The environments surrounding that housing matter too.

As housing instability continues to impact families across the Bay Area, projects like Step Up Housing demonstrate what thoughtful, community-centered development can look like when people are placed at the center of the process.

We extend gratitude to every partner, designer, advocate, and community member who contributed to making Step Up Housing possible — and to the residents whose stories continue to shape the work moving forward.

Support housing that is designed with dignity, stability, and community at the center.

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