Justin Kearnan is the Managing Partner at City Collective, where he brings a forward-thinking approach to the development of housing and mixed-income communities. With a deep understanding of urban design and development, Justin has become a leading figure in the creation of vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods that serve the diverse needs of residents while promoting long-term economic sustainability.
Throughout his career, Justin has been instrumental in delivering innovative housing solutions that integrate design, construction, and planning into cohesive, thriving communities. His expertise spans from large-scale, mixed-use developments to community-driven affordable housing projects, ensuring that each initiative not only meets the immediate needs of its residents but also strengthens the broader urban fabric.
As a strong advocate for mixed-income housing and public-private partnerships, Justin believes in the power of equitable, diverse communities to drive social mobility and economic opportunity. His approach to city-building emphasizes the importance of integrating affordable housing with market-rate development, fostering inclusive neighborhoods that promote social interaction, economic diversity, and sustainable growth.
With a background in urban design, city planning, architecture, and development economics, Justin challenges stakeholders to rethink how we approach housing policy and urban development. His experience with global leaders in the field—such as SOM, Elkus Manfredi, and AECOM—has shaped his unique ability to navigate the complexities of housing at every scale, from neighborhood revitalization to regional urban planning.
Through his leadership, Justin continues to inspire innovative housing solutions that balance the needs of communities with the broader goals of city-building, creating spaces where people of all backgrounds can live, work, and thrive.
Speaking at
Tue Feb 25
3:30 PM — 4:30 PM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time
Hilton Atlanta, Grand Ballroom B, Level 2
New Product Types in the Market: Missing Middle, Modular, and Manufactured Housing
Design innovation can find better housing solutions for the evolving homeowner or renter; while traditional single family detached homes and apartments dominate the market, other product types have emerged to cut costs, design for different needs, and add density without high rises. This panel will feature a presentation on manufactured housing, modular housing, and other housing typologies, dispelling the myths on what each of these designs look like, how they are designed and delivered, and what are the challenges facing their ability to scale.