SHHS's purpose to impact
SHHS is dedicated to achieving universal access to adequate housing for all by leveraging innovative design, progressive housing policies, and cutting edge technology to increase high-quality production at a lower cost. SHHS believes social impact will be a result of a housing delivery system that is efficient, cost effective, streamlined, and equitably funded.
Simon Ha Housing Solutions (SHHS) is a forward-thinking consultancy firm committed to tackling the housing crisis through innovative design, development, and policy solutions. With a focus on advancing housing design and elevating living experience for communities, Simon Ha, AIA, has dedicated his career to this mission since 2001. His expertise has guided developer clients through the entire process, from initial concepts to successful implementation, securing entitlements for prominent projects in challenging environments and earning numerous accolades for outstanding designs.
In response to the escalating housing shortage and attainability challenges nationwide, particularly in California, SHHS was founded to collaborate with developers and policymakers. By leveraging 20+ years of experience with research and development in creative design and construction techniques, technology integration, and advocacy for progressive housing policies, SHHS aims to expedite the delivery of high-quality, attainable housing solutions. The firm's vision is to achieve universal access to adequate housing for all.
(image credit - Housing DC)
Simon Ha, AIA, LEED AP : Founder & CEO
Simon Ha's journey in the field of architecture and urban design is marked by a steadfast commitment to housing innovation, housing policy advocacy, and community engagement. With a foundation laid at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, where he pursued urbanization and housing studies, Simon has honed a unique perspective on creating livable, sustainable communities through design and policy.
In 2024, he embarked on a new venture, founding Simon Ha Housing Solutions (SHHS), with the aim to address the housing crisis through innovative design, development, and policy solutions. This initiative underscores his dedication to making high-quality, attainable housing accessible to all, especially in response to the challenges faced in California. SHHS's vision is deeply rooted in advancing housing design and the living experience for communities, emphasizing the integration of creative design, construction techniques, and progressive housing policies.
Simon's career trajectory reflects his passion for impacting urban spaces and communities. Prior to founding SHHS, his roles included Managing Partner and Urban Mixed-Use Practice Leader at Steinberg Hart, where he led the firm in becoming a key player in multi-family and hospitality design in Los Angeles. His leadership and design excellence have been instrumental in navigating complex development processes, securing entitlements for significant projects, and achieving recognition for outstanding designs.
Deeply embedded in the fabric of Downtown LA's community, Simon has served in pivotal roles that demonstrate his commitment to urban development and housing advocacy. These include chairing the Planning and Land Use Committee for the Downtown LA Neighborhood Council, leading the National AIA Housing and Community Development Committee, and serving as the Board Chairman for the Skid Row Housing Trust. His involvement extends to contributions on the Zoning Advisory Committee for the LA Department of City Planning and participation in other community initiatives.
professional I community I civic engagements
Skid Row Housing Trust
AIA California Housing Steering Committee
AIA Housing and Community Development
Board Member & Chairman Emeritus
(2014-present)
The Skid Row Housing Trust provides permanent supportive housing so that people who have experienced homelessness, prolonged extreme poverty, poor health, disabilities, mental illness and/or addiction can lead safe, stable lives in wellness.
Simon joined the board of directors in December 2014 and served as chairman of the board from 2019 to 2022.
AIA Housing and Community Development
AIA California Housing Steering Committee
AIA Housing and Community Development
Advisory Member & Past Chair
(2013-present)
The AIA Housing and Community Development, an AIA Knowledge Community (AIA HCD) tracks housing issues and develops relationships with industry stakeholders to encourage and promote safe, attractive, accessible, and affordable housing for all Americans.
AIA California Housing Steering Committee
AIA California Housing Steering Committee
AIA California Housing Steering Committee
Committee Member
(2023-present)
The Housing Steering Committee serves as a conduit for architects to influence through research and design solutions, initiating new public policy, and supporting member engagement in ways that advance solutions to California’s housing challenges. The committee is comprised of 11 architects from all across California.
DTLA Alliance
Central City Association of Los Angeles
AIA California Housing Steering Committee
Member of the Board of Directors
(2013-present)
DTLA Alliance, formerly known as DCBID, represents over 2,000 property owners in Downtown Los Angeles. For 25 years, we've dedicated ourselves to improving the quality of life in the bustling commercial and residential hub of Downtown Center, including Bunker Hill, Financial District, and Jewelry District. Our services include 24/7 safety and cleanliness, economic development, marketing, and community events. Today, we focus on placemaking, advocacy, and partnerships, fostering a vibrant community of business leaders, merchants, artists, residents, workers, and visitors.
Central City Association of Los Angeles
Central City Association of Los Angeles
Central City Association of Los Angeles
Member & Downtown 2030 Committee Past Chair
(2008-present)
Central City Association (CCA) is the premier advocacy organization in the Los Angeles region and leading visionary on the future of Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). Since its founding in 1924, we have produced meaningful results for our members and the Downtown community. We maximize our effectiveness by leading, convening and collaborating with stakeholders to form strong partnerships and coalitions. CCA represents the interests of over 300 businesses, trade associations and nonprofits from a broad range of industries.
USC Lusk Center for Real Estate
Central City Association of Los Angeles
Central City Association of Los Angeles
Member of Board of Directors
(2024-present)
The ever-changing and complex real estate environment places special demands upon the industry and creates the need for timely interchange and analysis of issues ranging from financial and regional market evolution to changes in the regulatory environment. The USC Lusk Center for Real Estate seeks to provide critical analysis and programming relevant to real estate markets, institutions, and policy. The Lusk Center seeks to foster an exchange of ideas among professionals within the real estate industry and to facilitate interaction and learning among real estate professionals, policymakers, university academics, and students.
Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council
re:code LA, LA Department of City Planning
re:code LA, LA Department of City Planning
Board Member, Planning and Land-Use Committee Member, Past Chair
(2008-2023)
DLANC is a neighborhood organization that represents the interest of it's stake holders, including the residents, businesses, and civic institutions, working in concert with the local government.
DLANC's Planning and Land-Use Committee (PLUC) duties include reviewing all Master Land-Use Applications submitted to LA City Planning within DLANC boundaries and providing input to Council Office, City Planning, LAPD and other pertinent agencies.
re:code LA, LA Department of City Planning
re:code LA, LA Department of City Planning
re:code LA, LA Department of City Planning
Zoning Advisory Committee Member
(2013-2023)
re:code LA was officially launched on June 12, 2013, kicking off the creation of a brand new, more responsive Zoning Code that meets the varied needs of the many neighborhoods that make up the City of Los Angeles. This project was, and remains, one of the most ambitious code overhauls in the country.
The 21 member Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) was formed to provide perspectives from representatives of the different regions and stakeholders of the City of Los Angeles to advise the project team in developing our new Zoning Code.
Metro Charter Elementary School
re:code LA, LA Department of City Planning
Metro Charter Elementary School
Co-Founder and Founding Board President
(2012-2015)
Metro Charter is a parent-initiated public elementary school that originally opened its doors in 2013, serving 85 students in grades K-2. Located at California Hospital in South Park, it quickly gained traction and expanded to accommodate 375 students up to grade 5. Positioned as a walkable educational option for residents and commuters in Downtown Los Angeles, Metro Charter aimed to provide a high-quality, tuition-free schooling experience.