Joseph Ahmadi, AIA, is the founding principal of J&N Arch Studio and a licensed architect in over 15 states, specializing in urban design, master planning, and adaptive reuse. His work spans multifamily, student housing, and active-adult communities, with a consistent focus on integrating design with development realities. Joseph’s background also includes advanced academic research on the emotional and spatial dimensions of place attachment, which informs his commitment to creating meaningful, connected urban environments.
Courses
Office to Home Conversions: Adaptive Reuse in Suburban Markets
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 3-4pm ET
As remote work transforms the commercial real estate landscape, architects face unprecedented opportunities to address the affordable housing crisis through innovative adaptive reuse strategies. This course explores how underutilized office buildings in suburban markets can be transformed into vibrant residential communities. Our expert panel will examine current office vacancy trends and their implications for conversion opportunities, while diving deep into practical design strategies that navigate stringent zoning challenges and building code adaptations essential for structural health and safety. Participants will discover the complexities of adapting essential infrastructure, particularly the requirements for updating mechanical, electric, and plumbing systems to ensure adequate sanitation. These design challenges also include addressing issues such as the potential need for seismic retrofits in certain areas and determining the usability of existing structures, such as existing circulation and floor slabs. Beyond addressing housing shortages, these conversions offer substantial environmental benefits by extending building lifecycles and reducing construction waste. Join us to explore cutting-edge approaches that transform vacant commercial spaces into thriving residential neighborhoods while supporting sustainable development goals.