19. From Global Housing to Backyard Builds: Brian English on ADUs

What if the solution to America’s housing crisis could be built in your backyard? In this episode of Housing Matters, host Matt Pouliot sits down with Brian English, founder and CEO of Origin Studio, to explore how modular accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are reshaping affordability, multigenerational living, and community development. Brian brings a global perspective—from leading post-disaster housing recovery in the Caribbean to urban slum upgrading in India—with lessons now applied to high-design, factory-built ADUs in the U.S. Through Origin Studio, he’s proving that small, scalable solutions can make a big impact. We dive into: Why ADUs are uniquely positioned to address affordability, aging in place, and intergenerational living How off-site construction and modular design create faster, more predictable housing solutions The permitting, financing, and workforce barriers that must be solved for ADUs to scale nationally Origin Studio’s commitment to dignity, sustainability, and design—without sacrificing attainability What public-private partnerships and pre-approved ADU catalogs could mean for the future of housing supply If you’ve ever wondered whether ADUs are just a trend—or a real pathway to solving housing shortages—this conversation will give you answers. 🔗 Learn more about Origin Studio: originstudio.design 📺 Watch on YouTube + subscribe for full video episodes 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts