A Business Model For Architects: Filling Gap Financing With Crowdfunding To Develop Mid-rise Affordable Housing On O'ahu

Abstract

With the ever-rising prices of fee simple homes, providing more rental housing for Hawai'i residents who fall under the 80% area median income is a step in mitigating the housing shortage in Hawai'i. The finances for such a market require the knowledge of seasoned developers who are adept with amassing funds that include government subsidies, bank loan, and other types of financing. Architects focus on the quality of designs and are not usually trained in understanding the finances of development. Such a topic is often overlooked, resulting in the initial design of projects to be greatly compromised to fit the developer’s needs. Therefore, it is important for designs to be guided by the total cost of development. This dissertation is a guideline to create a business model which incorporates a crowdfunding method to help give architects more opportunities to create desirable and well-designed affordable housing projects in Hawai'i. This business proposal will connect surrounding communities by encouraging participation in future developments while providing more homes to low-income households.