In this episode of SPACES, Dimitrius speaks with Michael Bohn, AIA, Partner at Studio One Eleven, about the growing opportunity to convert underused office buildings into housing. As office vacancy rates remain elevated in many cities and communities continue to face severe housing shortages, adaptive reuse offers a powerful path forward—one that can reduce waste, lower embodied carbon, preserve community character, and bring new life to struggling urban districts.
Michael brings more than 35 years of architectural experience and leads Studio One Eleven’s affordable, modular, and adaptive reuse work. His projects span transit-oriented development, urban infill, mixed-use communities, and office-to-housing conversions across Southern California.
Together, Dimitrius and Michael discuss why office-to-housing conversion is about more than filling empty buildings. They explore the practical challenges of changing a building’s use, including floor plate depth, natural light, plumbing, structural upgrades, leases, façades, mechanical systems, and construction surprises. Michael also explains why adaptive reuse ordinances are essential for cities that want to make these projects viable.
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