Simon Ha's journey in the field of architecture and urban design is marked by a steadfast commitment to housing innovation, housing policy advocacy, and community engagement. With a foundation laid at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, where he pursued urbanization and housing studies, Simon has honed a unique perspective on creating livable, sustainable communities through design and policy.
In 2024, he embarked on a new venture, founding Simon Ha Housing Solutions (SHHS), with the aim to address the housing crisis through innovative design, development, and policy solutions. This initiative underscores his dedication to making high-quality, attainable housing accessible to all, especially in response to the challenges faced in California. SHHS's vision is deeply rooted in advancing housing design and the living experience for communities, emphasizing the integration of creative design, construction techniques, and progressive housing policies.
Simon's career trajectory reflects his passion for impacting urban spaces and communities. Prior to founding SHHS, his roles included Managing Partner and Urban Mixed-Use Practice Leader at Steinberg Hart, where he led the firm in becoming a key player in multi-family and hospitality design in Los Angeles. His leadership and design excellence have been instrumental in navigating complex development processes, securing entitlements for significant projects, and achieving recognition for outstanding designs.
Deeply embedded in the fabric of Downtown LA's community, Simon has served in pivotal roles that demonstrate his commitment to urban development and housing advocacy. These include chairing the Planning and Land Use Committee for the Downtown LA Neighborhood Council, leading the National AIA Housing and Community Development Committee, and serving as the Board Chairman for the Skid Row Housing Trust. His involvement extends to contributions on the Zoning Advisory Committee for the LA Department of City Planning and participation in other community initiatives.