Real Estate Professional
Lucrezia DeLeon is a visionary leader at the intersection of real estate development, architecture, and social equity, whose 17-year career reflects an unwavering commitment to community-driven, sustainable housing. Rooted in Santa Barbara, California, she has been a dynamic force in affordable housing, civic development, and urban revitalization, consistently pushing the boundaries of what design can achieve in addressing deeply rooted societal challenges. As a Senior Project Manager and Designer, she has helped raise over $200 million for the acquisition, entitlement, and development of more than 1,000 properties—an achievement that underscores both her financial acumen and community-first mission.
Informed by a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Arizona and an academic foundation in sustainable design, Lucrezia DeLeon approaches every real estate project with a lens shaped by both environmental consciousness and policy insight. Her undergraduate thesis, which examined the demographic determinants of health through the built environment, explored systemic issues like redlining and the socio-economic cycles perpetuated by housing policies. This early research continues to inform her work today, guiding decisions that aim to close the housing gap while fostering healthier, more inclusive communities.
Throughout her career, Lucrezia DeLeon has directed projects ranging from single-family homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to multifamily housing complexes and civic infrastructure. Her ability to manage developments from initial concept through construction administration has made her a trusted name among architects, city agencies, developers, and community stakeholders alike. In every project, she brings a multidisciplinary approach that bridges design excellence with real-world impact—especially in regions facing acute housing crises like California’s Central Coast.
In the world of entitlement coordination and regulatory compliance, Lucrezia DeLeon thrives. She is adept at navigating complex municipal landscapes, obtaining approvals, managing consultant teams, and aligning design with public interests and policy frameworks. Her expertise is particularly crucial when working with city councils and planning departments to secure community support and funding for affordable housing projects. These skills have proven invaluable in accelerating project timelines while ensuring that each development meets the needs of both current and future residents.
As a board member of Hillside Housing and the Chief Financial Officer of Santa Barbara Beautiful, Lucrezia DeLeon extends her influence beyond the drafting table. She actively contributes to conversations around equitable development, urban beautification, and community resilience. Her advocacy underscores her belief that real estate must do more than generate profit—it must create dignity, foster belonging, and restore trust in systems that have historically excluded vulnerable populations. Her leadership in these nonprofits complements her professional work, further amplifying her impact in the housing and design sectors.
Whether collaborating with leading architects or mentoring junior planners, Lucrezia DeLeon demonstrates a rare combination of technical precision, visionary thinking, and people-first planning. She’s as comfortable with financial modeling as she is with zoning code interpretation, and her fluency in both spheres makes her a vital asset in public-private partnerships. Her approach ensures that developments are not just structurally sound and financially viable, but also culturally sensitive and community-centered.
Beyond the boardroom, Lucrezia DeLeon is a hands-on leader who believes deeply in the potential of local communities to influence their own futures. Her work often includes community outreach initiatives that involve residents in the planning process—whether through feedback sessions, public charrettes, or long-term stewardship programs. These efforts help ensure each development fits into the fabric of the neighborhood, enriching rather than displacing what already exists.
With a personal life grounded in family and a love for California’s coast and mountains, Lucrezia DeLeon maintains a strong connection to the environment and the people who inhabit it. She can often be found cheering at her sons’ games, snowboarding in the mountains, or enjoying quiet moments by the beach. These lived experiences continually reinforce her dedication to creating housing that is not only functional but meaningful—spaces where families can grow, communities can flourish, and the future can take root.
