The ADU Academy

Connect. Learn. Build.

The next ADU Academy dates and location will be announced by June, 2023

The ADU Academy was an invaluable experience. The Academy provided a comprehensive understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding ADUs, and the various options available for financing, designing, and constructing ADUs.  The curriculum was well-structured, engaging, and covered all aspects of ADU development, from conceptualization to occupancy.  The instructors were experienced professionals who shared real-life examples and best practices, making the academy's content easily applicable to my work as an ADU enthusiast.  Overall, the ADU Academy was a valuable investment in my professional development as an urban planner.  I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to gain a thorough understanding of ADUs and their potential to increase affordable housing options in California.

Michael Fossati, Sr. Planner, City of Milpitas, CA.

The ADU Academy provided comprehensive insight into this growing segment of the housing industry. Presenters provided a basic overview for those just entering the arena as well as more in-depth information on current trends, legislation, successes and lessons of professionals in the industry. I would highly recommend it to newcomers and seasoned professionals alike.

Holly Knoeller, Sun Valley, Idaho

ADU Academy

The ADU Academy is a one-day intensive for professionals seeking in-depth, cutting edge education on the ADU market taught by experienced industry practitioners.

Join us for the most comprehensive information available in the country and connect with a national network of ADU professionals.

Attendees are eligible to earn the nationally-recognized ADU Specialist designation.

Why Should You Attend?

The ADU Academy is the only one-day conference in the country focused on the emerging ADU industry and customized for designers, builders, lenders, real estate agents, appraisers, municipal leaders, and developers.

Attending the ADU Academy will prepare you to:

  • Excel in the rapidly changing and growing ADU market

  • Receive in-depth education about ADU issues that will set you apart as an ADU practitioner and professional

  • Expand your ADU network, client base and business opportunities

  • Gain an edge on the competition by gaining the nationally recognized ’ADU Specialist’ Designation from Earth Advantage

ADU Specialist Designation

Attend the event and become eligible to earn the ‘ADU Specialist' designation in order to join the professional network over 450 ADU Specialists across 15 states.

The designation will lend valuable credibility to your business so you can tap into this growing market with the backing of an organization that has trained and credentialed thousands of professionals across the country.

Learn more about the designation

Why California?

The Academy has been delivered in Portland, OR -- the epicenter of ADU development in the U.S. -- since 2019.

Since the passage of ADU legislation beginning in 2017, California has demonstrated a strong commitment to the creation of ADUs and their growth has been explosive, providing living proof of their potential when they’re unleashed. California is taking the lead on ADU and middle housing legislation, and we will be hearing directly from those whose advocacy is pioneering their legislative process. CA is making moves in the world of small development for big impact.

ADUs will remain a popular trend and will grow in many cities and states across the country. Daily, new legislation concerning ADUs and other housing types is being passed across the country addressing the need for small, diverse dwelling types.

If you are already an ADU professional, or looking to deepen your knowledge of design to valuation of ADUs, join us! Come get inspired at the ADU Academy.

ADU Academy event workshops are designed to provide detailed and expert-level insights about ADU development from top industry practitioners who have first-hand experience in this growing sector within leading US markets for ADUs.

8:30 - 9:20 AM

Plenary - Welcome Session

Morning Sessions

Design Workshop

  • Site Design

  • ADU Design

  • ADU Structural Types

  • Utilities

  • Client Services

Real Estate Workshop

  • ADU Consultation

  • Development models

  • Market Forces

  • Investment Scenarios

  • Integrating ADUs into your business

12:00PM - 1:00 PM

Catered Lunch

Afternoon Sessions

Build Workshop

  • Working on site with homeowners

  • Design/build process

  • Setting expectations

  • Specializations: Garage conversions, basement conversions, internal ADUs

  • Potential Shared assets

  • Utilities

Financing &

Appraisial Workshop

  • Financing Options

  • Lending Concepts & Challenges

  • Innovations in ADU Financing & Development

  • Appraisal Theory

  • What makes ADU appraisals different and challenging

  • Techniques to valuing homes with ADUs

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Breakout Groups

Plenary - Afternoon Session

Closing Remarks

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Exam + Social Hour + Networking

Meet the Instructors

The ADU Academy is delivered in partnership with:

Testimonials for the ADU Academy

  • If you are need to learn about ADU development on the West Coast, this is the venue to find the information. It would take months of searching on an individual basis to find the experts collected in this one place. The information is comprehensive, and presented clearly by professionals who know their topics, and have proven experience in the field.

    -Jeff Andre – SecondLook Design, Happy Valley, Oregon

  • I left excited and armed with fresh ideas to implement in my Twin Cities market.

    -Juley Speed, Edina Realty, Minneapolis, MN

  • You are learning from the very people who have helped to foster a movement in housing!

    -Rachel Ginis, Lilypad Homes, Marin Country, CA

  • I am a residential designer who traveled from Seattle to go to the ADU Academy and it was so worth it! A great group of presenters who were very knowledgeable in their specialties. I know design and was there to learn about everything else. Which was a lot!

    -Val Sporleder, 1AD Studio LLC, Seattle, WA

  • Really appreciated the exposure and education through presentations backed with so much expertise and experience. Practical examples and knowledgeable leaders in the ADU movement. Thank you.

    -Janice Lundy, Berkshire Hathaway Northwest Real Estate, Pleasant Hill, CA

  • If you want a comprehensive overview of all things ADU – this is the place. There are not many places in the US that combine ADU theory and practice with a track record. ADU Academy does that and more. An additional bonus is the group of people who sit with you in class. Overall, it has been a most positive and educational experience.

    -Olesia Chikunova, Home WiP, Los Altos, California

Click image to download a shareable ADU Academy PDF