Opticos Design

Let’s return to basics and define what exactly is Missing Middle Housing: The concept of Missing Middle Housing was created by Opticos Design, Inc.⁠ ⁠ Its simple; Missing Middle Housing is house-scale buildings with multiple units in walkable neighborhoods. They are compatible in scale and form with detached single-family homes and include duplexes, fourplexes, cottage courts, courtyard buildings, among others. ⁠ ⁠ They are considered “missing” because they have typically been illegal to build since the mid-1940s and “middle” because they sit in the middle of a spectrum between detached single-family homes and mid-rise to high-rise apartment buildings, in terms of form and scale, as well as number of units and often, affordability.⁠ ⁠ What questions do you have about Missing Middle Housing? Let us know in the comments.

Here’s a quick guide to the diverse housing options provided by Missing Middle Housing types. Swipe through to learn about each type and then click the link in bio to learn about the typical and ideal specifications. ⁠ ⁠ These house-scale buildings fit seamlessly into existing residential neighborhoods and support walkability, locally-serving retail, and public transportation options. They provide solutions along a spectrum of affordability to address the mismatch between the available U.S. housing stock and shifting demographics combined with the growing demand for walkability.⁠ ⁠ The majority of Missing Middle Housing types have 4-8 units in a building, or 4-8 units on a lot in the case of a cottage court. Most Missing Middle building types are 2 to 2.5 stories in height, with the exception of the cottage court at 1.5 stories. They have a maximum of one off-street parking space per unit.⁠ ⁠ Upper Missing Middle Housing types typically have 12 units per building, with a maximum of 19 units. These are typically deeper buildings, and 3-4 stories in height. These buildings should be treated as a separate category of Missing Middle, and used very carefully in low-to-moderate intensity neighborhoods or more liberally in higher intensity neighborhoods. ⁠ ⁠ Which types would fit into your neighborhood? ⁠ ⁠ How do you think Missing Middle Housing types would benefit your development projects? ⁠

We see that there is sometimes conflation of the terms Missing Middle Housing and Middle Income Housing. While there is indeed overlap, they are not the same. ⁠ ⁠ Understanding the difference between the two will clarify why form and scale are critical attributes in the application of and conversation around Missing Middle Housing.⁠ ⁠ Learn more about why form and scale matter so much in the MMH conversation, click the link in bio.

CNU Charter Awards 2025 – Region, Metropolis, City & Town Sacramento’s Citywide Missing Middle Housing Strategy has been recognized by the CNU Charter Awards. This nationally significant initiative addresses housing affordability, displacement, and equity through inclusive, context‑sensitive zoning reform. The strategy legalizes small‑scale multi‑unit housing (Missing Middle Housing) in every neighborhood and upper Missing Middle Housing nearer to transit, expanding housing choice while supporting walkability and neighborhood character using a “form-based” approach. Opticos is proud to partner with the City of Sacramento and a strong multidisciplinary team on a strategy shaping a more equitable housing future. @CityofSacramento , @CascadiaPartners , UnseenHeroes, CollaborativeDesignInnovation@ #cnu34

Design‑Led Analysis Leads to New Ordinances to Expand Housing Choice In Delray Beach, our Urban Design team partnered with the City and the Community Redevelopment Agency to explore how ADUs and Missing Middle Housing could fit into an established, diverse neighborhood without compromising character. The ADU + Infill Housing Study tested seven prototypical lots and over 20 development scenarios, evaluating ADUs alongside duplexes, fourplexes, and cottage courts within the City’s R‑1‑A and RM zones. The work identified zoning barriers, illustrated what’s spatially feasible, and delivered data‑backed recommendations to support predictable, neighborhood‑compatible infill. The study helped build strong local support for ADUs, and culminated in the adoption of a new ADU ordinance and other ordinances that make it easier for generational owners to develop their land and remain in the neighborhood.

The @cnu_newurbanism (CNU) Charter Awards 2025 – The Neighborhood, The District & The Corridor The Northern South Park Neighborhood Plan + Code has been recognized by the CNU Charter Awards. Led by Opticos Design, this project establishes a clear vision and new zoning for a 225‑acre site at the southern edge of Jackson, Wyoming, under Teton County jurisdiction. The plan combines urban design and financial modeling to meet town and county housing goals, while remaining viable for property owners. The result is a framework for walkable neighborhoods and more attainable housing in a high‑cost resort community. Opticos is proud to collaborate with @tetoncounty , the @townofjacksonwy , and an outstanding consultant team on a plan built for implementation. @cascadiapartners , Crabtree Group, Inc. CharlierAssociates, Cambridge Systematics, Inc.#cnu34

May is National Bike Month! Promoted by the League of American Bicyclists, this month celebrates the role biking plays in creating safer streets, connected communities, and a healthier planet. At Opticos Design, we champion these values through walkable, bike-friendly communities like Culdesac Tempe in Arizona. Will you tag along for the ride? Learn More Here: [link in bio]

The Sacramento Citywide Missing Middle Strategy uses a sliding-scale FAR system to spur affordable housing development. @opticosdesign won a 2026 CNU Charter Award in the Region: Metropolis, City, and Town category. *Link in Bio for article*

Congratulations to @opticosdesign , 2026 CNU Charter Award winner in The Neighborhood, District, and Corridor category! . . The Northern South Park Neighborhood Plan and Code is providing desperately needed affordable housing in Jackson, Wyoming. . . Link in Bio for full article.

Join us in welcoming Sakshi Nanda, our new Designer II in the Berkeley office! Sakshi is an urban designer and licensed architect in India and is passionate about the intersection of history, architecture, and people‑centered public spaces. Shaped by her experiences living and working in India and the United States, her work spans historic urban landscapes, master planning, and transit‑oriented projects, with a strong focus on the public realm and everyday places that foster connection and belonging. Prior to joining Opticos, Sakshi worked at ZGF Architects in Portland, supporting master planning and transit‑related projects grounded in community context. She brings a research‑informed, human‑scale approach to addressing city‑scale challenges. Outside the studio, you’ll find her photographing streetscapes, exploring local markets, or cooking traditional North Indian cuisine. We’re thrilled to have her perspective and thoughtfulness on the team. Here’s Sakshi’s MyFive: 1️⃣ Favorite tradition Celebrating birthdays and anniversaries together, even across cities and time zones. 2️⃣ Favorite meal to cook Palak Paneer and Pav Bhaji (friends and family say it’s superb!). 3️⃣ Advice for designers/architects Keep the passion alive, keep making mistakes, and keep learning, it’s a long, beautiful journey. 4️⃣ Design inspiration Walking and exploring neighborhoods and cities, experiencing places on foot reveals details you’d otherwise miss. 5️⃣ Favorite city visited Prague for its rich history, diverse architecture, and urban form shaped by the Vltava River. Fun fact: one of her favorite Indian films, Rockstar, was shot there.

Congratulations to Roger Foreman, for his recent promotion to Associate I! Since joining Opticos in 2019, Roger has worked across nearly all project types, building broad expertise and a strong reputation for design excellence. Driven to create more beautiful, humane, and sustainable cities, he brings a thoughtful, community‑informed approach to walkable, people‑centered places. Congrats again, Roger!

📣 We’re back with a second installment of my newly launched series “City Talk.” LINK TO ONLINE WEBINAR ➡️ https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83862664724#success This Earth Month edition focuses on how we sustainably plan and construct our buildings in the age of climate change. My guest will be Tony Perez, Senior Associate at Opticos Design, a distinguished architect and urbanist with deep knowledge and experience across Southern California. Join us ONLINE on Tuesday, April 7 at 7pm to explore more sustainable ways of living with fewer carbon emissions: missing middle housing, form-based codes, transit-oriented development and placemaking. #EarthMonth #Sustainability #CityCouncil #Pasadena CA