Laz Ayala – Founder & Developer, KDA Homes

Laz Ayala is a visionary real estate developer, community builder, and one of the largest private landholders in Southern Oregon. As the founder of KDA Homes, his work is guided by a belief that strong communities are built through thoughtful planning, responsible land stewardship, and meaningful partnerships.

Laz’s journey began when he came to the United States from El Salvador in search of safety from the war. As he built his life in Southern Oregon through hard work and determination, he developed a deep appreciation for the meaning of home—not just as a place to live, but as the foundation of belonging, connection, and community. That experience sparked a lifelong desire to create neighborhoods where people feel rooted, supported, and truly at home.

He began his career as a Realtor, working closely with families, first-time buyers, and longtime residents. This gave him a unique window into how people choose where to live, how they move through neighborhoods, and what makes a place feel right. It shaped his belief that great communities start with homes designed around real life—walkable streets, shared spaces, and thoughtful planning that brings people together, not just buildings that fill a lot.

From there, Laz transitioned into land development, assembling and stewarding significant land holdings across the Rogue Valley. Rather than focusing on individual houses, he began planning entire neighborhoods that prioritize sustainability, green building, long-term livability, and a strong sense of place.

Through KDA Homes, Laz works closely with cities, architects, builders, and local partners to deliver communities that support workforce housing, environmental responsibility, and regional planning goals. Developments like Beach Creek reflect this collaborative approach—blending energy-efficient homes, smart design, and neighborhood-scale planning into places that naturally belong.

Today, Laz continues to shape Southern Oregon with intentional communities that support people, the environment, and the cities they call home.

John leads project financing, capital planning, project management, and day-to-day operations for KDA Homes; and commercial leasing and sales for Ayala Properties. He has over 20 years of management experience in finance, product development, and marketing, and was previously a Vice President in Wells Fargo's Commercial Real Estate Group. John holds a Bachelor's degree with honors in Economic Development and Econometrics, an MBA from U.C. Berkeley Haas School of Business and a Graduate Certificate in Real Estate from the Fisher Center for Real Estate & Urban Economics. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and serves on The City of Ashland Planning Commission, and Housing and Human Services Subcommittee.