Building homes that create vibrant communities.
We invest in, develop, design, and build impactful housing and community spaces that are equitable, sustainable, and healthy for all. Our integrated approach has created hundreds of homes and we currently working on 30+ projects with 2,000+ homes in various stages of development. Let’s get to work together.
Featured Projects
Community engagement and housing need bring multifamily infill project with ground floor commercial and a modern nod to mission style.
A location, steeped in history, revived to support more innovators and the next generation of Santa Cruz.
We’re innovating from start to finish.
Our concept-completion approach combines decades of policy, investment, architecture, development analysis, and construction expertise to maximize each project’s success.
Insights & News
Part 2 of 3 explains how developers use Floor Area Ratio (FAR) as the controlling density measure, how to conduct a base density study to convert FAR into a unit count, and how density bonus law then multiplies that count.
Part 1 of 3 Focuses on parcels where density is expressed in units per acre, walking through the full calculation from general plan designation through density bonus law and multifamily ADU provisions.
Aaron Ekhouse, the Local and Regional Policy Program Director for California YIMBY, returns to discuss SB 79, California's landmark transit-oriented housing upzoning bill, passed in 2025 after eight years of legislative attempts. The law requires certain jurisdictions to allow mid-rise apartment buildings (typically 4-7 stories) near major transit stops.
Sibley and guest Aaron Ekhouse, the Local and Regional Policy Program Director, California YIMBY dissect California's groundbreaking new CEQA exemption for infill housing development. This legislation represents a major shift in how California approaches environmental review for dense, climate-smart housing projects in urban areas.
Sibley meets with Clay Toombs, Senior Development Manager at Workbench, to discuss SB-330 pre-applications. We talk about what submitting the application really means, our top tips for getting it right and when to resubmit one.
The Infill Insiders break down the highly complex process of infill housing development in California. Hosted by Sibley Simon, Workbench principal and impact development executive.
Workbench wins two AIA Monterey Bay Citation Awards for completed design build projects.
Proposed Clocktower Center will create over 260 housing units and enhance pedestrian experience in downtown Santa Cruz.
Churches are looking to use their real estate assets to address the growing housing affordability crisis and their own need for financial sustainability. Congregations are talking, and millions of homes are possible. New Way Homes, a non-profit that runs an impact investment fund for affordable housing development, and Workbench, a develop-design-build firm, have partnered to create a new development model.
Workbench is pleased to collaborate with Plumas County on their state grant funded SB2 pre-designed ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) program.
We want everyone to live in a healthy home. A healthy home provides good indoor air quality (IAQ) through the types of interior materials chosen and how the interior spaces are ventilated. Here are some suggestions for materials for your ADU that are low-emitting materials that do not release significant pollutants and support a healthy indoor environment.
Workbench wins two AIA Monterey Bay Citation Awards for completed design build projects.
Workbench is pleased to collaborate with the County of Monterey on their pre-designed ADU program. Workbench designed 3 unit sizes; a one-bedroom 750 sq.ft unit, a two-bedroom x sf and a three-bedroom, two bath 1200 sq.ft. unit. Home owners also have the choice to select two different styles, 'Ventana Ranch' and 'Mediterranean Modern'.
Lookout Santa Cruz mentions Workbench ADU predesign project in process with the City of Capitola and its impact on housing in Santa Cruz County.
Lookout Santa Cruz interviews Doug Wallace, owner of our 1130 Mission Project about the upcoming community meeting.
“It’s too expensive to build in California.” “It takes too long to build anything here.”
As designers and builders, we hear these problems. Today we’re taking a significant step toward step to counter the narrative.
We are proud to announce that Workbench and Envision Housing are joining forces to be a combined develop-design-build team.
Archinet Article Discusses Changes To Meet California’s Housing Shortage and Features Workbench Jobs
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), also known as “in-law unit” or “granny unit” is a small habitable unit built on your property that serves as a second house. They allow for increased density without needing to divide up parcels. These can be used to house family members and guests, or used to rent out for some extra income.
Many homeowners find that they have space for their immediate family, but then circumstances change, and they need a little something more. From kids wanting a space of their own while attending college, to elderly parents wanting a nice place to stay close to home, an ADU is a wonderful way to keep family close, while still allowing them the autonomy of their own place.
A bright bit of news for the Workbench team- our founding partners Jamileh Cannon and Tim Gordin have been named Entrepreneurs of the Year at the 2020 NEXties!
Workbench's Jamileh Cannon recently joined local podcast Zoom Around Town, which focuses on sharing the stories of local Santa Cruz businesses during this unprecedented period of history. When asked how the local community can offer support, Jamileh offers a simple call to action- support housing.
Building a stronger community together.
This is our home and we are working to make it more resilient and enjoyable for all.