Someone has been listening. Came across article in Realtor mag.

The way to overcome development opposition is to blend in well with the neighborhood while tapping concessions from private-sector developers and the real estate community to help keep the housing affordable.
Key points:
1.Bought lots targeted for revitalization
2.Recruited architects to donate time to furnish four custom home designs and provide return by compiling a catalog that builders can purchase from @ $500 royalty fee to architect.
3.Tapped into local downpayment assistance programs.
4.Interior designers decorated for a flat fee of $2500.00
5.Resale restrictions were imposed (this is standard with DPA programs - they are considered soft seconds and a portion must be repaid if sold within so many years) In one case with this program, the remaining proceeds went to the program comittee for further lot purchases.

Check out [url href=http://www.artinarchitecture.org]http://www.artinarchitecture.org[/url] for more info - and the house that interested me. I think you will spot it easily.

But question for the architects out there. Would this be enough return for you?
I would think if you provided a construction plan - like nsteel/lavardera's 6040 (but on a much smaller scale - like their ecocottages -hint,hint) or Meyer's Courthouse complete with prepared SIP package from most local supplier - then the architects would be able to profit more and justifiably so.

The idea behind these programs are nice, but they are limiting them to low-income first time homebuyers.

Profile on the house in question:
[url href=http://www.aia.org/nwsltr_yaf.cfm?pagename=yaf_a_020104_orlando]http://www.aia.org/nwsltr_yaf.cfm?pagename=yaf_a_020104_orlando[/url]

ModWalt! Thanks for the posting this. I will definitely be driving out to Orlando for one of the open houses!

Thanks for the great article- It's always nice to see that there are a few good things happening in the design world-

One thing that makes me always laugh is that they discuss the apeal to younger buyers- as if only young people could like contemporary design. In my time as an architect I find while some young people like contemporary design it is most often more mature folks that have done the traditional thing and evolve into lovers of contemporary design. Our company does lots of sleek programs for boomers and octogenarians that have come to resent the baggage of pseudo traditional kitsch.

Good stuff.