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AIASD Member News: Carrier Johnson + CULTURE Honored by Community Choice as “Most Admired” San Diego Business
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE Honored by Community Choice as “Most Admired” San Diego Business
Voters online choose global architecture-and-interiors firm to receive Malin Burnham Award for business with “greatest philanthropic impact” in the region.
SAN DIEGO, CA, May 25, 2017 – With a longstanding commitment to the betterment of its home city and places far beyond San Diego, the global architecture, interiors and branding firm Carrier Johnson + CULTURE has been selected a winner of the 2017 Malin Burnham Awards for their philanthropic activities in the category of “Most Admired Business/Corporation.” The recognition this week comes from the community at large, with Carrier Johnson + CULTURE being selected by popular vote from a list of San Diego’s most prominent companies and corporations to receive the Malin Burnham Award for the most admired.
Gordon Carrier, AIA, NCARB, design principal and one of Carrier Johnson + CULTURE’s founders, attended the awards presentation event at the University of California-San Diego Tuesday night. “It’s a tremendous honor and a humbling one,” says Carrier. “For decades Malin Burnham’s reputation throughout the region has been as San Diego’s most highly regarded businessman and philanthropist. To receive this award with his name—and to know that area residents and business leaders voted for us—carries a lot of weight.”
“There are not sufficient words to express our gratitude,” adds Carrier.
The Malin Burnham Awards are sponsored by the nonprofit organization Reality Changers, a group devoted to transforming young people’s lives “by providing youth from disadvantaged backgrounds with the academic support, financial assistance, and leadership training to become college graduates.” The award program takes its name from the real estate developer and accomplished sailor who became widely known in the San Diego area for his business acumen and extensive charitable work. Reality Changers created the awards program to recall Burnham’s continued and generous support and to celebrate people and groups in Southern California who embody Burnham’s motto, “Community Before Self.” In this spirit, all award recipients are selected by community vote. Other nominees for the Most Admired Business award included AT&T, San Diego Gas & Electric, Swinerton Builders, and UBS Financial Services and eleven other companies with distinguished records of significant local philanthropic activity.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE distinguished itself for this honor in large part because of a longstanding commitment to both charitable giving and volunteerism, fostered actively among the firm’s leadership and staff. In fact, a number of architects and designers with the firm volunteer directly with Reality Changers. In addition, the firm is well known for a focus on supporting major charitable events, such as the recent Open House San Diego. Carrier
Johnson + CULTURE’s principals — Gordon Carrier, FAIA, NCARB, and Michael Johnson, AIA, NCARB, along with managing principal Vincent Mudd — are also well known for their commitment to building design and urban planning that results in active and inclusive environments blending creativity, art, and social expression with sustainable economic development.
The honor was compounded shortly after the awards program by a commendation letter to the firm from Myrtle Cole, President of San Diego’s Fourth District Council, in recognition of the “Most Admired” award. Written on behalf of the Fourth District and of the City, the letter expresses gratitude to Carrier Johnson + CULTURE for “countless contributions toward making San Diego a world-class city for all.”
Other awards were presented to the Most Admired Public Leader, Most Admired News Outlet, and similar honors for foundations and service organizations. Proceeds from fundraising for the Malin Burnham Awards will help Reality Changers reach their target of $2 million to increase the number of first-generation college students in San Diego.
About Carrier Johnson + CULTURE Reflecting a new focus in the practice of architecture and design, Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is reinventing a model for the future of designed environments. As a design-centric practice focused on the merger of architecture, interior design and strategic branding, Carrier Johnson + CULTURE works in partnership with market leaders in higher education, hospitality, healthcare, civic life, mixed-use development to deliver meaningful design innovation in building, living, wellness, and communication solutions. Our focus on solutions steeped in authenticity, reflects the unique three-dimensional brand opportunity of each commission. Visit www.carrierjohnson.com.
AIASD Member News: Safdie Rabines Architects Featured in Architect Magazine
Congratulations to Safdie Rabines Architects for their work on the National City Aquatic Center.
"Safdie Rabines Architects is pleased to announce completion of the much-anticipated National City Aquatic Center. Located fifteen miles north of the U.S./Mexico border in southern San Diego County, CA, the single-story, two-structure center marks the realization of National City’s long-term goal to replace a makeshift facility housed in trailers for over a decade."
AIASD Member News: Gensler Featured in the SD Union Tribune, Redesigning San Diego, from north to south
Written by Roger Showley
Gensler, San Francisco’s largest architectural firm, is quietly remaking San Diego , judging by a raft of megaprojects on its plate.
It’s responsible for redesigning the proposed redevelopment of the Qualcomm Stadium site, the downtown Navy Broadway Complex and Harbor Island rental car lots. It also is involved in Chula Vista’s Otay Ranch commercial development, new buildings at local major universities and consulting with the county and city governments on their office needs.
Its 100-member local office, ranked a close second locallyto rival firm Carrier Johnson + Culture, also is working on continued expansion of Lindbergh Field terminals, and county and city governments office needs.Last year, it designed the Union-Tribune’s downtown offices at 600 B St.
“This is probably one of the most exciting times to be in San Diego,” said managing director Kevin Heinly. “So many incredible properties are up for redevelopment and they will redefine the city for the next century.”
Besides its active project list, Gensler has another point of pride to boast about. It’s just relocated into the former NBC-Channel 7 studios in first two floors of the office tower at 225 Broadway, where it previously occupied parts of three upper floors, and showed off its digs at a grand opening Wednesday.
Highlights include an outdoor terrace overlooking Broadway and Horton Plaza park and the second floor employee lounge, complete with a “living room” and its chess board, TV, couch and, nearby, a period Eames lounge and Nelson bubble lamp. He said the overall design takes its inspiration from the building’s mid-1970s minimalist look.
However, artful splashes include a “Gensler Red”-painted support I-beam and repurposed window mullions, refashioned into an art piece above the reception desk to represent San Diego’s downtown skyline.
But the space is far cry from the cubicles and private offices common in those days. There’s a special virtual reality room, where architects can get “inside” their artist’s renderings and computer-generated images; adjustable standup desktops; and an 1,800-square-foot product and samples library, triple the previous space.
To promote collaboration and team work, there are long, common-area tables, white boards, pin-up boards and small conference rooms (named for streets and landmarks surrounding the building). The lobby is big enough to host public events and presentations. And, in keeping with promoting teamwork, there’s only a handful of private offices, so mangers and executives will be more likely found roaming the floor chatting up architects and designers.
For employee comfort, louvered windows have been installed to let in natural air, signaled by a green light around the corner from the lobby. There are lockers and showers available to staffers for the first time and a small fleet of red bicycles (Heinly used one recently to get to a construction site). Though it’s a global firm, the Gensler office stocks local coffee beans from WestBean Coffee Roasters, located across Broadway.
The “Gensler” in Gensler is M. Arthur Gensler, 81, who founded the firm in the Bay Area in 1965 with an emphasis on interior design. By 2000 Steve Jobs hired him to design the prototype for Apple Stores.
Today Gensler, the firm, counts more than 5,000 employees in 45 offices in the U.S. and around the world. Some of its best-known projects include San Francisco International Airport terminals, the 4-million-square-foot Shanghai Tower office building and Facebook’s headquarters in Menlo Park. Due to open next year is the Banc of California Stadium for the Los Angeles Football Club, a Major League Soccer expansion franchise team.
Heinly, 49, developed his interest in architecture while growing up in Lancaster, Penn., where he helped his lawyer father restore farmhouses and barns. He joined Gensler in 1998 after working at various firms in the Los Angeles area and came to the San Diego office eight years ago. He lives with his wife and 11-year-old son in a Point Loma house designed by the late, mid-century-modern architect Homer Delawie.
“I think our responsibility as architects and designers and to our community is to make great places,” Heinly said, “uniquely San Diegan and not something that has been imported from someplace else.”
One direction Gensler is investigating is 3-D printed buildings. It’s already possible to “print” a concrete component of a building, a system that could help remote areas recover from natural disasters.
In other applications, construction might not cost less using 3-D printers, but they might save time and hence financing costs and speed up an opening date and thus the payback period.
“It’s in its infancy,” Heinly said.
Gensler projects in San Diego
(completed unless otherwise noted)
Cal State San Marcos field house expansion
Fifth Avenue Landing hotel, downtown San Diego (proposed)
Harbor Island East redevelopment (OliverMcMillan proposal)
Lindbergh Field Terminal 2 (ongoing)
Museum of Photographic Arts lobby, Balboa Park
San Diego civic center office plans, downtown San Diego (ongoing)
San Diego County reuse study of old courthouse (analysis)
Schwartz Federal Courthouse remodel (ongoing), downtown
Southwestern College DeVore Stadium and field house and wellness and aquatic center (completion Dec. 2017)
Sunroad Centrum office building, Kearny Mesa (proposed)
SoccerCity, Mission Valley (proposed)
Manchester Pacific Gateway, downtown (demolition under way)
TaylorMade-Adidas Golf and Ashworth offices and showroom, Carlsbad
Think office building at Millenia, Chula Vista’s Otay Ranch (approved)
Township 14 offices for Latham & Watkins, Del Mar Heights
UC San Diego east campus office building and and Triton Ballpark
AIASD Member News: Alahe Aldo, AIA Joins Carrier Johnson + CULTURE
Alahe Aldo, AIA, LEED AP, has joined Carrier Johnson+CULTURE as Director of Higher Education, bringing to the position her extensive knowledge of campus planning as well as commercial and workplace architecture. With 30+ years of experience in the field, Aldo has worked extensively with campuses across the northeastern United States, including Harvard University, MIT, and Boston College. Read more:
http://www.carrierjohnson.com/leading-architect-in-campus-planning-design-alahe-aldo-joins-carrier-johnson-culture/
AIASD Member News: Asquared Studios Project Participates in "New Bathroom" Idea Book
Asquared Studios's remodel of a master bathroom will be featured in the NEW Bathroom IDEA BOOK. Authored by Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS the NEW Bathroom IDEA BOOK published by The Taunton Press is an inspirational book filled with over 370 photos to provide design options for all areas of the bathroom. Part of a whole home renovation project, this master bathroom first gained attention when it was awarded a Bath of The Year Award in 2009. The NEW Bathroom IDEA BOOK is available on Amazon.com.
AIASD Member News: Brian Church, AIA Featured in Modern Luxury's "San Diego's Men of the Moment"
Brian Church, AIA is featured as one of five of Modern Luxury's "San Diego Men of the Moment" in the April 2017 issue. Church shares updates on the firm's latest project, "Park 101" a 3,500-square-foot deli-style restaurant in Carlsbad, CA, and the firm's recent office expansion.
Congratulations!
Read the original article here
AIASD Member News: BWE’s Hector Maytorena and Jeff Morgan obtain Engineer Licenses
BWE’s Hector Maytorena and Jeff Morgan obtain Engineer Licenses Hector Maytorena and Jeff Morgan have passed their Engineer License Exams. Mr. Maytorena has passed the Professional Engineer Exam, while Mr. Morgan, who already held a Professional Engineer license in California, has passed the Structural Engineer license exam.
Mr. Maytorena has beenwith BWE since 2004 and has over 18 years of experience designing a variety of project types including civic, commercial and military work. As a project engineer, he regularly coordinates with other consultants and clients to ensure timely and accurate completion of projects. His recent projects include UCSD Jacobs Medical Center & Central Plant in La Jolla, CA; P-114 MV-22 Double Hangar Replacement in Camp Pendleton, CA; and Bonita Valley Community Church in Bonita, CA.
“Hector has been a valuable member of the BWE Civil Engineering team for over 12 years. He is always conscientious of our clients’ needs, providing them with cost-effective and constructible solutions. His license confirms what we already know – Hector is a skilled engineer who knows how to achieve a balance between the technical and the personal sides of engineering.”
– Ambrose Wong, PE, QSD – Principal
With 10 years of engineering experience, Mr. Morgan recently joined the BWE team as a Structural Project Manager. He excels in client relations and ensures communication with project architects and other consultants. He has advanced skills with analysis and drafting software, has experience in reviewing plans and calculations, and estimating design costs. Although Mr. Morgan is a relatively recent addition to BWE, he has already displayed his technical acumen on projects such as the City of Bellflower Events Center and Fire Museum; the Army Reserve Center in Riverside, CA; and the Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa.
“What sets Mr. Morgan apart from others is his creative solutions for structural design. His patience, problem solving skills, and ability to multi-task enable him to provide superior service to our clients. We are proud to have such an exceptional professional on the BWE team.”
– Charlie Colvin, SE – Principal
Since 1971, BWE has provided structural and civil engineering, land surveying and land planning services on construction projects throughout San Diego, the Southwest, and beyond. Our engineers have built a reputation for excellence in design and service by fulfilling our self-imposed mandate to exceed the expectations of our clients and colleagues. BWE supports the career development of its employees through mentoring, training, licensure fees, professional association dues among other means.
Governor Brown Signs SB-496 Providing Indemnity Relief for Design Professionals
Governor Brown Signs SB-496 Providing Indemnity Relief for Design Professionals
Article written by:
View/download original article: SB-496 Signed Into Law
Last week with optimism we reported that the California State Assembly passed Senate Bill 496 (“SB-496”) which sought to lessen the burden of indemnity provisions and the dreaded immediate duty to defend in public and private contracts involving design professionals. We are pleased to announce that on Friday April 28, 2017, Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill into law!
SB-496 modifies Civil Code section 2782.8, adding protections to private contracts entered into by design professionals after January 1, 2018. Importantly, SB-496 limits the “duty to defend” to the comparative fault of the professional in private and public contracts. Civil Code section 2782.8 previously applied to public contracts entered into by design professionals with public agencies, excluding state agencies as defined in the statute. SB-496 places private contracts and public contracts with non-state agencies on equal footing.
The practical implications of SB-496 are extremely beneficial to design professionals, especially those working primarily in the private sector. For all private contracts entered into by a design professional prior to January 1, 2018 (meaning those contracts without the protections of SB-496) that contain a provision requiring the professional to indemnify and/or defend their client, the design professional could have to pay for all of their client’s attorneys’ fees and costs by virtue of being sued, even if the professional was ultimately found negligent free by the trier of fact. For private and applicable public contracts entered into after January 1, 2018, with the added protections of SB-496, if the design professional is found to be 25% at fault, then the law provides that they would only be liable for 25% of the attorneys’ fees and costs of a party seeking contractual indemnity and defense reimbursement. If found 0% at fault, the professional would not be responsible for any of their client’s attorneys’ fees or costs.
This is a significant step forward in making contracts between design professionals and owners in California both fair and insurable. This will allow for more equitable risk sharing on contracts concerning the built environment in 2018 and beyond.
Contact us to discuss further: Justin D. Witzmann jwitzmann@ccmslaw.com
Ryan P. Harley rharley@ccmslaw.com
Are you interested in learning more? Have questions? Attend "You’ve Got Friends: Risk Management and Architecture Practice" - May 10, 2017!
Join Cavignac & Associates, with the assistance of Collins Collins Muir + Stewart, two of AIA San Diego’s leading sponsors & supporters, for an important and timely workshop on how to manage the risks that arise from design practice. Learn the simple yet proven techniques that can help inoculate you and your team from excessive liability exposure and discover how to shift risk, reduce cost and protect the value of the business you’re worked so hard to build. Don’t miss this once-a-year program.
Wednesday May 10, 2017 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm Cavignac & Associates 401 B St 18th floor San Diego CA 92101
Parking voucher and informal lunch included. CE credits included and recorded by AIA|SD.
Free for AIA members and their guests. $15 for non-members
REGISTER HERE
AIASD Member News: ASquared Studios Featured in San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles
Recipient of the a 2015 City of San Diego Historical Architectural Award, the Levine House is one of the projects featured in the May 2017 issue of San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazines on newsstands now or online.
Asquared Studios is a contemporary architectural design studio seeking to embrace projects that present us with the challenges of vernacular living within the context of our modern environment. We believe that our clients come first, and that all projects require an interactive collaboration to develop an artfully crafted result. We are invigorated by the notion that the basic fundamentals of function and cost can be translated into sophisticated spaces,elegant details, and environmental sustainability. With locations in both Northern and Southern California we are able to take on a broad range of projects in diverse locations.
Condo Conversions: Protect Yourself with a Building Conditions Report
By: Ron Whitehead, Xpera Group
Over the last few years, we have seen a surge in apartment construction, yet very few new condominiums. As Millennials start considering homeownership, we anticipate a large uptick in condominium conversions to meet that demand. But these conversions can pose plenty of legal risks, making a solid building condition report more important than ever.
Under San Diego Municipal Code §144.0504, for all condominium conversion projects, a Building Conditions Report (BCR) must be prepared by a California registered architect or engineer licensed by the State of California. A condominium conversion shall not be approved until the BCR has been submitted to and accepted by the city as complete. The report shall also be provided to a prospective purchaser prior to opening an escrow account. The purpose and intent of the report is to provide prospective buyers with an analysis of how the building does/does not comply with current codes, and lists the proposed improvements and integral building components with a useful life of five years or less.
AIASD Member News: Julie Brennan Appointed Sr. Account Manager within Cavignac & Associates’ Construction Practice
SAN DIEGO, CA -- (April 12, 2017) – Cavignac & Associates, a downtown San Diego-based risk management and insurance brokerage firm, has appointed Julie Brennan to the post of senior account manager within the agency’s construction practice, announced Jeffrey W. Cavignac, CPCU, RPLU, CRIS, company principal and founder.
Brennan brings to Cavignac & Associates 17 years of experience in the insurance industry. In her new position, she will serve as the main point-of-contact at the agency for both surety and commercial insurance clients. Working alongside James P. Schabarum II, CPCU, AFSB, who serves as a principal of the firm and oversees the firm’s Surety Department, she is charged with servicing Schabarum’s clients, maintaining long-term relationships and ensuring that all their account service needs are met.
Her ongoing responsibilities include consulting with insured and insurers, managing the new business and renewal process, identifying exposures to loss and advising on appropriate coverages, assuring schedule of service activity completion and compliance, resolving complex or significant risk control issues, conducting contract and lease reviews, facilitating team meetings, and mentoring and training new members of the surety and insurance team.
Most recently, Brennan served as commercial lines manager for Orion Risk Management in Newport Beach, where she led a service team of 20 individuals in two offices. There she provided mentorship and training, managed workflow, served as the client and market liaison, and provided contract review and other needed resources throughout the firm.
Previously she served eight years with John Burnham Insurance Services in San Diego, working her way up from senior account manager, construction, to producer/commercial lines manager. Prior to that, she was employed for three years by Wells Fargo Insurance in Columbus, Ohio, Washington D.C. and San Diego, where her most recent position was account executive, commercial insurance. For another four years, she worked for Willis Risk & Insurance Services in Washington D.C., and La Jolla, Calif., last holding the position of marketing manager.
Brennan attended Hood College in Frederick, Md., where she worked toward her French and English double major. She has completed AMA Leadership training and attended the BB&T Leadership Institute. She holds ARM, CIC, and CRIS accreditations.
Her civic contributions include serving as secretary and board of director for Living Waters Fellowship in Coronado, Calif. She also has been involved with other charitable organizations such as The ARC Foundation, Junior Achievement, March of Dimes and the CF Foundation.
Brennan resides in the San Diego community of San Carlos. She has two grown children, Joe and Maggie. In her leisure time she enjoys hiking and other outdoor exercise as well as fine wine and dining.
About Cavignac & Associates:
Founded in 1992, Cavignac & Associates is a leading risk management and commercial insurance brokerage firm providing a broad range of insurance and expertise to design and construction firms, as well as to law firms, real estate-related entities, manufacturing companies and the general business community. Company principals are Jeffrey W. Cavignac, CPCU, ARM, RPLU, CRIS, MLIS; James P. Schabarum II, CPCU, AFSB; Scott A. Bedingfield, AAI, CIC, CRIS; Patrick Casinelli, RHU, REBC, CHRS; Matthew Slakoff, CIC, CRIS; and Matthew Noonan, RHU, CIC, CHRS, CCWS. The firm employs a staff of more than 50 at offices located at 450 B Street, Suite 1800, San Diego, Calif., 92101. More information about the company can be found on the Web at www.cavignac.com.
AIASD Member News: San Diego Architects Receive 2017 AIA National Photography Competition
The results of the 2017 American Institute of Architects National Photography Competition were announced on April 16 by the AIA St. Louis Chapter. Fourteen photographs were selected for recognition. San Diego was represented by Jerry Shonkwiler, AIA and Michael Wilkes, FAIA. Wilkes was awarded Second Place for "Up Ramp", a photograph of grain silos and a loading ramp on the Portland waterfront. Both photographers received a Juror's Commendation. Shonkwiler's for "A Broad Architectural Statement," a night view of The Broad Museum in Los Angeles. Wilkes' commendation was for "Annenberg Patterns" from the Annenberg Performing Arts Theater in Beverly Hills. Both Commendation Awards were shot on the same day while Shonkwiler and Wilkes were together on a "photofari" in Los Angeles.
All of the winners will be exhibited at the AIA National Convention and are online at the AIA St. Louis Chapter.
AIASD Member News: Three BNIM Projects Earn Prestigious American Architecture Awards
Three BNIM Projects Earn Prestigious American Architecture Awards
Jury names 79 American-designed new works in annual program of the Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre of Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies
Last week, the Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre of Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies named its American Architecture Awards for 2017. Three BNIM projects were among the 79 entries receiving recognition: The Pacific Center Campus Development includes a new building—the Amenities Building—that transformed the sense of (work)place for a Fortune 500 company in San Diego, Calif.; American Enterprise Group National Headquarters is a sensitive renovation/adaptation of a 1965 Gordon Bunshaft/SOM building in Des Moines, Iowa; and the Visual Arts Building at the University of Iowa was the result of a BNIM collaboration with Steven Holl Associates in Iowa City, Iowa.
“Everyone at BNIM is excited and honored that we have been recognized with three American Architecture Awards, including one we share with Steven Holl Architects,” says Steve McDowell, CEO of BNIM. “We see this program as especially important because, like our own practice, it is interdisciplinary—addressing architecture, landscape architecture and planning. Through all those lenses, BNIM is Building Positive—designing for positive outcomes.”
A jury of Greek architects and cultural leaders met in Athens to review a shortlist of 300 American-designed new works of architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design/planning, and named 79 as the crop of winners for 2017. A gala event will take place during the American Institute of Architects’ Conference on Architecture (A’17) in Orlando this month. BNIM’s Rod Kruse and Carey Nagle are presenting the American Enterprise Group project at A’17 and will be available for interviews on site.
McDowell notes that this year’s American Architecture Awards Greek jury deliberated in Athens. “Perhaps they were inspired by the deep roots of culture and architecture of that city,” he says. “That context makes this honor even greater. Site-specific cultural and design heritage inform the ideas behind every project we touch.”
ABOUT BNIM BNIM delivers beautiful, integrated, living environments that inspire change and enhance the human condition. The architecture and design firm is an innovative leader in designing high performance environments. Through an integrated process of collaborative discovery, BNIM teams create transformative, living designs that help organizations and communities thrive. As early pioneers of sustainability in the building industry, BNIM continues to shape the national and global design conversation on design excellence and delivering transformational results for clients. The firm received the 2011 AIA National Architecture Firm Award for their work. www.bnim.com
AIASD Member News: Gensler San Diego Moves Into NBC's Former Downtown San Diego Space
Design Firm Gensler Moving into NBC’s Former Downtown Space By Lou Hirsh - SDBJ Staff
Architecture and design firm Gensler is moving into the downtown San Diego space vacated last year by TV station NBC 7 (KNSD), which moved to Kearny Mesa.
A Gensler statement said the firm, effective April 10, will occupy approximately 21,000 square feet on the ground and second floors of the office tower at 225 Broadway, which is owned by Irvine Co. Officials did not disclose lease terms or the cost of an extensive renovation of the space that is nearing completion.
The new Gensler ground-floor lobby will open directly onto the eastern plaza at 225 Broadway Circle. The lobby will host events and will feature a digital interface displaying Gensler-designed lighting, case goods, flooring and accessories.
Officials said a section of the second floor was removed to support collaboration and to allow for the addition of a flowing stairway connecting the two floors. The mid landing of the stair is a cantilevered extension of the mezzanine and will house Gensler’s material resource library.
“Our goal was to accelerate connectivity, creativity and productivity,” said Kevin Heinly, principal and managing director at Gensler. “By bringing our design studio down to the street level of this iconic location in downtown, we’ve done just that.”
The new office will also have an outdoor roof terrace overlooking the recently renovated Horton Plaza Park, along with other meeting spaces of various sizes and configurations.
Started in 1965, Gensler employs more than 5,000 at 46 offices worldwide, including 98 in San Diego. It has been in the San Diego market for 14 years, with current offices on the 16th floor of 225 Broadway.
A Gensler spokeswoman said the company’s name will appear in two exterior places near the ground floor of the new office, but it will not be on the top of the Broadway tower, where NBC had its primary signage for several years.
Read original article here: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Design-Firm-Gensler-Moving-into-NBCs-Former-Downtown-Space-418227543.html#ixzz4dOpKnEwo
AIASD Member News: Bluemotif Architecture's "The Nolen" Featured in SD Home/Garden
In the April 2017 issue of San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine, Bluemotif Architecture's "The Nolen" is featured for its clever use of transparency and space. The rooftop bar and restaurant is named after San Diego's first urban planner, landscape architect John Nolen.
AIASD Member News: Joseph Wong, FAIA Talks Affordable Housing in SD Home/Garden
In the upcoming April 2017 issue of San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine, Joseph Wong, FAIA of Joseph Wong Design Associates discusses his thoughts on the housing crisis, affordable housing, and where San Diego should look next. The issue will be available on newstands.
AIASD Member News: SCA Architecture Completes Transformation of Gateway Marketplace in Chula Vista
SCA Architecture Completes Transformation of Gateway Marketplace in Chula Vista
The former Target shopping center brings 109,200 square feet of remodeled space for new retailers and more healthy food choices to the community
SAN DIEGO – (March 21, 2017) – SCA Architecture (formerly known as Smith Consulting Architects), a San Diego-based architectural firm, has completed the planning, design, construction documents and construction administration for the newly revamped Gateway Marketplace, located at Fourth Avenue and C Street in Chula Vista, Calif.
Brixton Capital is the developer of the $9.25 million remodeling project, with Vice President of Leasing Eric Li providing oversight for the firm.
Situated on an 8.8-acre lot, the project transformed an abandoned Target building in an existing neighborhood into an attractive community amenity that serves as a gateway into the city. The former Target store was divided into three unique tenant spaces. The front of the building was set back ten feet to allow for new, distinct tenant entries. Quick-serve grocery store and restaurant spaces were added to the center as well.
Contemporary architecture and a modern color scheme were used to update the center’s look. The existing site was enhanced with new landscaping, lighting, pedestrian walkways and a new gateway plaza, flanked by the new retail stores and restaurant buildings.
“The City of Chula Vista was so cooperative in helping to move this project along,” said Scott Cairns, principal-in-charge for SCA Architecture. “They were great to work with, and
seemed pleased with how the center turned out. To their credit, they now have a great community asset that will serve their residents very nicely.”
New tenants of the center include Party City, Smart & Final, Hobby Lobby and grocer Aldi. AT&T, Little Caesar’s Pizza, Pho Hung Cali, iNails & Spa and other tenants are slated to open this year.
Scott Cairns served as principal-in-charge for SCA Architecture, with Norman Barrett as project designer and Dennis Seguban serving as project manager.
Consultants included GSSI Structural Engineers as structural engineer; K&S Engineering as civil engineer; Electrical Design, Inc., as electrical engineer; Abbott Engineering, Inc., as mechanical engineer; Geocon, Inc., as geotechnical engineer; and De Alcala Studio as landscape architect. Dempsey Construction served as the general contractor, with Merion Corporation acting as construction manager.
About SCA Architecture:
Founded in 1988 by Cheryl (Dennie) Smith, SCA Architecture is a full-service planning, architecture and interior design firm. In addition to corporate headquarters and office facilities, the firm has specialized expertise in retail, R&D, life science, medical, manufacturing, and industrial facilities. SCA Architecture is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, with extensive expertise in energy efficiency and sustainable design. The firm is comprised of 25 design and support professionals, and located at 13280 Evening Creek Dr. South, Suite 125, San Diego, CA 92128. More information about the firm can be found on the Web at www.sca-sd.com.
AIASD Member News: BNIM "Building Positive in San Diego"
Featured on Yahoo Finance:
SAN DIEGO, March 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Keeler Court, a new BNIM-designed development slated for the Southcrest neighborhood of San Diego, has received approval from the Southcrest Planning Board and a Site Development Permit for Keeler Court has been approved by the Hearing Officer of the San Diego City Council. BNIM will partner on the development with general contractor Highland. The developer/owner is Community Housing Works.
Keeler Court Apartments will provide 71 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes on a 1.61-acre site at Keeler Court and Alpha Street in Southcrest. The site, which offers views to downtown and the Coronado Bridge, is immediately adjacent to many amenities that include the Southcrest Park and Recreation Center and Northgate Market.
The project, which is registered for GreenPoint Certification, includes two four-story buildings connected with exterior bridges. Its design minimizes solar heat gain to the units, allows views, and promotes natural ventilation. The development includes a manager's unit, laundry room, multi-purpose room, bicycle storage, accessible exterior circulation, on-grade covered and open parking, and common landscape, hardscape, and family areas.
"BNIM's ethos of Building Positive is aligned with Community Housing Works' commitment to the Southcrest neighborhood, which focuses on quality design and enhanced resident services to help families to achieve their goals," said Matt Winter, BNIM project manager. "BNIM's diverse design experience will enable us to showcase how shared visions and systemic thinking can transform with authenticity beyond architecture to encompass communities, nature and ideas."
BNIM's Philip Bona, the 2017 AIA San Diego President, reminds that San Diego housing costs are in the top five highest in the United States. He says, "San Diego is challenged by its ability to meet rapidly growing housing needs at all levels and in particularly, reasonably priced workforce housing. The City needs to prepare for natural demographic growth - by 2050, there will be over a half million more people which translates to the need for 211,000 more housing units."
ABOUT BNIM BNIM delivers beautiful, integrated, living environments that inspire change and enhance the human condition. The architecture and design firm is an innovative leader in designing high performance environments. Through an integrated process of collaborative discovery, BNIM teams create transformative, living designs that help organizations and communities thrive. As early pioneers of sustainability in the building industry, BNIM continues to shape the national and global design conversation on design excellence and delivering transformational results for clients. The firm received the 2011 AIA National Architecture Firm Award for their work. www.bnim.com
Contact: Michelle Slade Kira Gould CONNECT 151657@email4pr.com +1 415 215 1521
SDAF Context Vol 4 Call for Sponsors
Are you as concerned about the future of housing and the vitality of our neighborhoods as we are?
Be a Context Vol. 4 sponsor!!!
See attached information brochure.
The San Diego Architectural Foundation’s (SDAF) Context Volume 4: Neighborhoods 2027 (CV4) aims to change the public perception about new development in existing and new communities and to humanize the problems that opposition to development causes. The program will emphasize homes rather than housing units, jobs rather than companies, and community rather than separatism. CV4 will explore creative planning and design solutions that will enhance San Diego’s urban vitality and economic growth, and provide opportunities for systematic increase of density through thoughtful, credible and purposeful design.
CV4 will host a distinguished panel of experts to demonstrate how well-designed, denser neighborhoods can improve the quality of life for all San Diegans. This event will also provide a forum at which interested parties—developers, designers, academics, planners, residents—can come together, engage in useful dialog, and share success stories from other cities that could work in our neighborhoods.
SDAF is pleased to announce the conference Key Note speaker is Vishaan Chakrabarti author of A Country of Cities: A Manifesto for an Urban America. Other speakers confirmed to round out the event are: David Baker of dB Architects, Christopher Bledsoe of Ollie Co-Living, Sarah Dunn of Urban Lab and Kevin Wronske with Heyday Partnership. Learn more about Context
