2026 Mid-Year Review: Jonathan Garland, JGE Architecture + Design

What projects, initiatives, or types of work have been keeping your team busiest during the first half of 2026
Affordable housing continues to be a major focus for our team, particularly projects in and around Boston and throughout Massachusetts. The need for thoughtfully designed multi-family housing remains significant, and we are working with clients to create developments that respond to both community needs and long-term affordability goals. We have also gained meaningful traction with nonprofit and mission-driven organizations that are reinvesting in their facilities through renovations, expansions, and, in some cases, full reconstruction. Our work with organizations such as the Animal Rescue League of Boston and Roxbury Prep reflects this growing area of our practice.

What trends or shifts have stood out most to you so far this year within your industry?
One of the most significant shifts has been the increased focus on attainable housing, not only deeply affordable units, but housing that working families and middle-income residents can realistically afford. The industry is recognizing that the housing crisis affects a much broader segment of the population and requires solutions across multiple income levels. At the same time, the rent control discussion is looming as Massachusetts approaches the November ballot. That uncertainty has become a major point of conversation among developers, owners, and housing advocates. There is concern about how potential regulations could affect investment, but the discussion has also reinforced the need to address the root problem by increasing housing production. Ultimately, building more homes and expanding supply are essential to easing pricing pressures and creating a healthier housing market.

What challenges or opportunities have had the biggest impact on your business during the first half of 2026?
The greatest challenge has been continued hesitation within the development community. Developers are increasingly cautious about investing, and architecture firms like ours depend on those projects moving forward. National and local political conditions have added uncertainty, while Boston presents its own challenges. Projects can be costly, politically complex, slow to approve and difficult to finance, discouraging even experienced developers. Well-capitalized groups may instead invest in cities with faster, more predictable processes. The opportunity is to change that perception. Boston and Massachusetts must show stronger support for responsible development through clearer processes, greater predictability and public-private collaboration.

As we look ahead to the second half of the year, what are you watching most closely?
We will be watching our partners, clients, and the broader development community closely to see which housing deals gain traction and ultimately move into construction. There are many projects being discussed, but the most valuable indicator will be identifying the types of deals that are actually securing financing, receiving approvals, and breaking ground. We are looking for patterns that can help clarify what is working in the current environment. The construction market itself will also be an important barometer. Seeing more cranes in the air would signal renewed confidence and activity across the industry. On a national level, interest rates and banking regulations will remain critical. Lower rates and greater access to capital could help unlock stalled projects. The question is whether financial institutions will become more willing to lend or remain cautious.