Across the Gulf South and nation, the housing conversation is changing, and architects and planners have an opportunity and responsibility to help communities adapt. Infrastructure investment, workforce expansion, and changing population needs contribute to shaping housing demands. Architects can help develop strategies that meet short-term needs and adapt to long-term resiliency strategies for residents.

“We approach housing as a long-term asset to the community,” says Ryan Bertucci, Practice Leader at Manning. “That means thinking about how a building can adapt over time, how it can evolve with technology, and what is the right strategy for the community’s continued vitality and resiliency. Sometimes that involves designing multi-functional buildings, sometimes it means providing a mix of housing types.”

With housing as vital infrastructure for communities to thrive and 40 years of experience, Manning designs a range of residence types, all with the principles of resiliency, equity, adaptability, and sense of place. Manning’s housing portfolio reflects a commitment to community-oriented design in a range of types and densities:

• Student housing at Xavier University of Louisiana - Led by Ryan Bertucci, the 852-bed structure strikes a balance between high density and the integration of multi-use spaces, amenities, and a welcoming living experience that attracts students, supporting Xavier’s enrollment goals.

• Public housing in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana – Our design responds to low-income needs with a redesigned campus featuring multi-family and townhome units, community space, retail, and refreshing green space. Our master planning and design in New Orleans also contributed to the transformation of public housing into mixed-income, walkable neighborhoods.

• Single-family affordable housing – Manning collaborated with Frank Gehry and New Orleans artist Robert Tannen on an innovative prototype for small-scale cottages, focusing on sustainability, affordability, modular construction, and local architectural vernacular.

Great housing design starts with listening. Travis Martin, Manning’s Director of Planning, plays a critical role in our large-scale housing projects through deep community engagement, research, and best-use scenarios for selected sites. “Developing an understanding of the people and the issues they face on a daily basis, connecting with the local culture and uniqueness of a place – these are important components of the planning and design process that help build a successful project,” Martin says after an extended public engagement session. “It’s the beautiful mixture of all that a community is – distinct neighborhoods, schools, parks, marketplaces, community and cultural centers, transportation options – that gives it vitality.”

Bertucci and Martin, along with Manning’s dedicated and creative team, design solutions for long-term impact.

“We're proud to bring four decades of experience, cross-sector collaboration, and a community-first approach to every project,” adds founder, Ray Manning. Good housing is the foundation for stability, belonging, and opportunity. Manning is committed to helping cities and partners design solutions that shape the lives and experiences of people for stronger communities and a resilient future.