Carrier Johnson + CULTURE completed the interior renovation for TEN770, a 180,000 SF Class A Life Science building located in the Sorrento Mesa area of San Diego. Our scope included the renovation of amenity spaces and common areas, as well as furniture and accessories specification. The project was also designed by Macfarlane Architects, with BNBuilders as the general contractor and BioScience Properties as the developer.
Construction for Modera, a residential building located on 14th & K in East Village San Diego, is making great progress. The building has reached the 3rd floor level with a major concrete pour for a portion of the 3rd floor podium deck. Wood framing has started on the south end of the building with panelized wood framed panels being erected into place, and the MEP systems are being installed in the basement levels and first floor. The first phase occupancy is estimated for June 2021.
Photo credit: Frank Landry and Mill Creek Residential
The Union Street pedestrian bridge linking the San Diego Hall of Justice to the old downtown county courthouse was removed over the weekend. Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is designing the Courthouse Commons, a 37-story mixed-use building planned for the site after the demolition of the old Superior Court building, as well as the Courthouse Commons Tunnel, a 328′ long Prisoner Transfer Tunnel replacing the Union Street bridge, as well as the Front Street bridge removed earlier this year. The new tunnel will connect the Central Courthouse with the existing County Central Jail about 50′ underground.
Design for the new San Diego Padres Coronado Club was recently approved. Along with the Chairman’s Club from our previous post, the Coronado Club will be one of the newest premium amenity areas at Petco Park for exclusive Padres Club Members. The club is an outdoor setting featuring a full bar, dining and lounge areas with amazing views of the Coronado Bridge and the San Diego Bayfront.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE’s interior design for the new San Diego Padres Chairman’s Club was recently approved. One of six areas of work, the Chairman’s Club is a full renovation of two existing suites to create a single more spacious and unique amenity for exclusive Padres club members. The Club is expected to open mid-March 2020 right before the season starts.
Construction is expected to be completed next month for the City of Lake Forest Civic Center, an 8 acre campus designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE with Bernards as the General Contractor. Inspired by the vision and feedback from the community and incorporating the surrounding natural beauty of Lake Forest, the new Civic Center will offer a new place for people to conduct business and enjoy community activities. Coined Lake Forest’s “100-Year” home, the Civic Center does more than establish permanent residence for City Hall – it will serve as the civic heart of the City.
The project construction team consists of Linda Zubiate as the Principal in Charge, Project leader Rina Kabiljo Hawley and Administrator Genaro Rivas.
The Carrier Johnson + CULTURE Seattle design studio is currently providing services for the redevelopment of the Totem Lake Upper Mall originally constructed in 1973, which is part of a larger master plan that also includes The Lower Mall development. The Upper Mall consists of 650 apartment units, movie theater, and 50,000 sf of retail. The project is expected to be fully complete early 2021. Here is recent drone footage of the construction progress, courtesy of Diego Tienda of Reign City Image, LLC.
As part of the ULI Northwest Member Engagement Committee, Carrier Johnson + CULTURE’s Seattle design studio hosted a new member coffee hour at our office located in the Terminal Sales Building, a historic landmark built in 1923 and designed by Henry Bitman. The office space interior earned a LEED Gold certification.
The Carrier Johnson + CULTURE team had a great time at the 25th Anniversary Gaslamp Gala last Thursday to celebrate the history of the heart of Downtown San Diego, as well as its future vision through the Gaslamp Promenade project, a proposed eight-block pedestrian plaza in collaboration with Kimley-Horn and the Gaslamp Quarter Association. Thank you to Mayoral Candidate Todd Gloria for showing his support for the project.
Architect magazine crunched the data from 182 firms and ranked them in three categories (business, sustainability, and design). We are excited to announce that for the 3rd year in a row, Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is ranked in the top 20 for Business, earning the #16 spot this year!
We are so proud of Alex Gutierrez, Architect at Carrier Johnson + CUTURE, for being chosen as the moderator for this quarter’s Cross-Border Forum, organized by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce in association with the Economic and Industrial Development of Tijuana (Deitac). The subject was “Trends and Investment Opportunities for Mixed-Use Developments” where a panel of experts discussed current trends and investment opportunities in mixed-use development in Tijuana and San Diego.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, Kimley-Horn and the Gaslamp Quarter Association are collaborating to create a vision for an eight-block pedestrian plaza in the Nationally registered Historic Gaslamp Quarter. When the project is complete, Fifth Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic between Broadway and L Street (except for morning servicing of the neighborhood) while the east-west streets will remain open. Fifth Avenue is a central corridor through the heart of Downtown San Diego. Tree-lined streets, seating areas, and attention to retail and restaurants will create a pedestrian-centric environment focusing less on car travel and more towards local and visitor experiences. To learn more and express your views, visit www.Gaslamp.org/Promenade
Design Principal Gordon R. Carrier, FAIA, NCARB was a panelist for the University of Michigan Taubman College Webinar: Recruiting & Retention, a discussion with alumni about staff hiring and management best practices. Mr. Carrier attended the A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Masters in Architecture. Check out the webinar below!
Congratulations to Design Principal, Gordon R. Carrier, FAIA, NCARB, for receiving the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award at the University of Michigan’s Milestone Reunion Dinner. Mr. Carrier attended the A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Masters in Architecture. Since then, he has played a key role in the revitalization of downtown San Diego — one of the most significant and sustained urban redevelopments in the United States. Under his design direction, Carrier Johnson + CULTURE has established an impressive track record of award-winning projects in public and private market sectors.
Construction is moving right along for the Legacy International Center, a world-class destination resort as developed by Dr. Morris Cerullo, a San Diego resident since 1959 and celebrating over 72 years of his Morris Cerullo World Evangelism. Designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, the center is set to open this December.
San Diego port commissioners agreed this week that the $160M Harbor Island Hotel, once on ‘life support,’ should move forward for further review after the latest design and concept completed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE and Sunroad Enterprises was considered to be a vast improvement over past iterations submitted to the Port of San Diego.
We are so proud of Barbara Leon, Architect at Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, for being one of 5 women in architecture in the San Diego-Tijuana region to be interviewed earlier this year for Unfamiliar, a conversation series by the Women in Architecture group within the San Diego AIA chapter. She will be participating in the panel discussion at the closing event “Unfamiliar: Chapter 1” on October 17th at The Rose Wine bar.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE’s design concept for a transit center that will easily connect people to the San Diego International Airport was recently featured in the San Diego Union Tribune. The conceptual design for the proposed transit center is based on the potential option of locating a transit hub on the current NAVWAR site north of the airport, featuring a nonstop, underground people mover that would be free to ride. For more information, including 3 other proposed transit options, click here for the full article: $4.7B: The price tag for a ‘Grand Central Station’ and underground
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE designed the future building that will occupy 3rd & A in downtown San Diego. The existing building was previously occupied by Carrier Johnson and is currently being demolished to make way for a 21-story tower that will include 4,020 sf of ground-floor retail and 270 units with a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom options. Amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, dog wash and outdoor gathering space. The tower’s most significant feature is the “stepped back” terraces on the north side which softens the mass of the building by adding a soft and pluralistic profile. The location, coupled with its unique design, offers residents breathtaking views of Balboa Park, Bankers’ Hill, the bay and Downtown.
Demolition is underway for the building located on 3rd & A that was previously occupied by the Carrier Johnson + CULTURE San Diego Design Studio in order to make way for a mixed-use 21 story residential tower. The 3rd & A project will comprise of 270 residential units with 4,020 sf of ground-floor retail and 6,408 sf for amenities. It will be a unique addition to the existing skyline of Downtown San Diego.
“Valentina by Alta,”whichCarrier Johnson designed for developer Wood Partners, made the front page of this week’s San Diego Business Journal! Yahoo also posted a great article in their Finance section regarding thegrand opening. Our design team isproud to have been part of this project which provides its residents withluxury amenities and unobstructed views of San Diego Bay.
The Legacy International Center, located in San Diego and designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, is making great progress in its construction. The design and architecture was created as a world-class destination resort as developed by Dr. Morris Cerullo, a San Diego resident since 1959 and celebrating over 72 years of his Morris Cerullo World Evangelism this year.
Major features of the Legacy International Center include:
A world-class 126 room resort hotel and spa
A 500 seat performing arts theater
A technologically interactive International Experiences Center containing an 18 foot tall interactive video globe that recently won best new product of the year in March 2019 at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas
Legends of Lightfall comic land as featured at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con
Historical artifacts and exhibits
100-motion seat 4-D history dome theater featuring “Wings over Israel” – a full sensory ‘hang gliding’ tour of Israel
The $200 million complex also includes a central plaza with a world-class show fountain, “the Fountains” restaurant, an international market with goods from around the world and an honoring replica of Jerusalem’s Wailing Wall clad in stone from Jerusalem.
Earlier this year, the Robert Redford Conservancy at Pitzer College became the 1st Higher Education building certified Zero Energy in California by International Living Future Institute (ILFI), 15th ILFI Zero Energy certified project in California, and 4th Higher Education building in the world to achieve ILFI Zero Energy or Energy Petal.
Located on 12-acres across the main campus of Pitzer College, the former infirmary building has been renovated and repurposed as the Robert Redford Conservancy (RRC) – an environmentally sustainable academic facility containing science classrooms, offices, laboratories, meeting rooms, and an art studio.
Social sustainability is the cornerstone of the conservancy’s mission and a fundamental premise of the project’s design. Ecological sustainability was paramount in the design approach. Careful consideration was taken into the development of the program planning with an emphasis on natural and low impact design. The design team emphasized the desire to reach far beyond just the metrics of energy and water in order to reach the full potential of this project. A summary of key points are noted below:
Design for Ecology
72 mature trees were protected. 10.8 acres of habitat were protected/restored using native plants grown for genetic compatibility.
Building’s adaptive reuse conserved its embodied energy. Materials used for more than one purpose (structure/enclosure/finish) at classrooms.
Outdoor classrooms and driveway placed in disturbed site areas to minimize loss of natural habitat.
Sanitary sewer construction minimized (650’ reduction) and routed to avoid existing tree root zones.
Design for Water
Potable water usage minimized (35.6% reduction below code) by use of low-flow fixtures.
Outdoor classroom roof runoff is collected and stored (1,120 g) for hand watering. Main building roof runoff directly irrigates adjacent mature trees.
100% of new plants are native species (drought tolerant) that require only temporary irrigation until established.
Porous vehicular paving approach, detention basins, roof gutter/downspouts absorb 100% of on-site storm-water runoff (eliminated need for municipal storm sewer connection & filtration).
Design for Energy
Energy consumption minimized by thermally upgrading the building envelope (insulating low-e glazing, attic venting, thermally-broken wall/ceiling assemblies).
Embraced passive cooling design (cross-ventilation, thermal chimneys, night-time air flushing).
Minimal electricity driven HVAC equipment via mixed mode VRF system and large diameter low energy ceiling fans. No fossil fuel usage!
LED fixtures, occupancy sensors, and photo-cells are used along with glare-controlled daylighting to greatly reduce lighting power demands.
The two rooftop photovoltaic arrays shade the outdoor classroom roofs and generated 82,995 kWh during the 1styear of building operation.
Monthly energy monitoring showed that the renewable energy production was 168% of annual energy usage.
With its inherently passive design and extensive natural landscape, the RRC is a destination which recognizes the past, educates about the present, and fosters collaborative learning across disciplines in a dynamic space for the future.
Construction is progressing for The Link, an affordable housing development located on 17th & G in the East Village neighborhood of Downtown San Diego. The building will be approximately 50,775 SF and consist of 86 affordable housing units. The project is scheduled to be completed by October 2020. Be sure to take a look if you are leaving downtown headed towards the 94 east on-ramp!
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is currently designing the Aster, an 8-story apartment complex located at 125 Long Beach Boulevard in Downtown Long Beach, one of Southern California’s most unique waterfront urban destinations to live, work and play. The apartment complex will replace a surface parking lot, and consists of seven levels of 218 residential units over one level of ground floor retail and apartment amenities, with two levels of below grade parking. With its proximity to public transit, residents are able to explore its many shops, restaurants and attractions by bike or on foot.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE recently completed the interior design renovation at 11099 N. Torrey Pines Road in San Diego, a building owned by HCP, Inc. The design is clean and fresh and the building’s tenants are raving about how much they like the energy of the new space!
The design team at Carrier Johnson + CULTURE was charged with creating a sense of collaboration for the occupants of the building in addition to creating a wellness room, bringing a fresh new look to all of the building corridors and hallways, incorporating a bar and lounge area for afterhours socializing, and renovating the lobby area. The new cafe area is especially popular thanks to the new kegerator!
The result is a bright and fresh space for the tenants to enjoy.
Construction has started on the 1st out of 4 residential buildings at the Town & Country Hotel located in Mission Valley, San Diego which was designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE with developer Holland Partner Group. Columns and shear walls are being poured, and the photos show ongoing concrete work and burnished block site walls that are complete. The 10.13-acre site is part of the planned mixed-use renovation and redevelopment of the Town and Country San Diego, a 40-acre urban resort hotel and conference center.
The 840 unit residential development will be built on four parcels of land centered around the new Town and Country Hotel. Each of the four buildings contain five levels of Type IIIA (residential) over two levels of Type IA (Parking and Amenities). The units are a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms all for lease. Construction is scheduled to be completed in mid 2020.
Congratulations to the Carrier Johnson + CULTURE / Ol’ Fashion Lumber team for winning FIRST PLACE at the 11thAnnual Tables for Tots Fundraiser yesterday in San Diego. We were given an unfinished table to design based on this year’s theme “Turn Up the Music”, a celebration of music through the decades. The completed tables are then sold, and all proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. The event was sponsored by G|M Business Interiors, and thank you to our following sponsors:
The Valentina Apartments, located on 1919 Pacific Highway in Downtown San Diego, received its Temporary Certificate of Occupancy last week, and tenants are starting to move in. The 153,000 SF building was designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE with developer Wood Partners, and is comprised of 8 stories with 110 residential units and amenities such as a fitness room, pool and pool deck. It is bordered by the new Waterfront Park and San Diego Bay to the west and the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood to the east.
The Front Street Bridge in Downtown San Diego was successfully torched out and craned down to the street, scrapped and removed last week. Replacing this bridge is the 328′ long Prisoner Transfer Tunnel project currently being designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, McMillen Jacobs Associates, McParlane & Associates, Syska Hennessy Group and KPFF, which will connect the new Central Courthouse with the existing County Central Jail about 50′ underground.
The Courthouse Commons project received the city’s needed preliminary approval to seek up to $235 million in low-interest housing bonds, which will require 20% of the residential units to be available to low-income tenants for $1,320 per month or less. The building is located at 220 West Broadway in Downtown San Diego and is currently being designed by Carrier Johnson + Culture along with developer Holland Partner Group.
Courthouse Commons is also mentioned in The Architect’s Newspaper as one of the 10 notable projects in San Diego that will help revamp the city as it celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding this year.
The Village at Totem Lake located in City of Kirkland, Washington was recently highlighted as tied for the 9th largest construction project on the Eastside according to the Puget Sound Business Journal. Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is currently providing services for the redevelopment of the Totem Lake Upper Mall originally constructed in 1973, which is part of a larger master plan that also includes The Lower Mall development. The Upper Mall consists of 650 apartment units, movie theater, and 50,000 sf of retail.
Here is recent drone footage of the construction progress courtesy of Diego Tienda of Reign City Image, LLC.
Construction is underway for the Shoreline Gateway East Tower, which will be the tallest building in the City of Long Beach with unparalleled 360-degree views of Long Beach, the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, Orange County and Downtown Los Angeles.
The 35-story-389’ tower, designed by Studio One Eleven in collaboration with Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, is located in a prime area that is directly across the beach and is the primary gateway to the east village arts district – a hip urban neighborhood. Shoreline Gateway is the second phase of a beach front apartment high-rise community with panoramic ocean views.
The mixed-use development is comprised of 315 luxury units in a mix of studio, one-and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom penthouses, 6,500 SF of ground floor retail, amenity spaces such as community room and rooftop pool and five levels of subterranean parking. A 10,000 SF shared urban park/plaza between the adjacent sister property includes a landscaped amenityfor the residents and surrounding community and functions as an art element for the site. The prime location is walking distance to the beach, Long Beach’s urban core, restaurants, the metro, and multiple bus lines.
The 200 Airport Blvd residential mixed-use project located in South San Francisco is making great progress as it just received unanimous approval from the South San Francisco City Council, in addition to receiving unanimous approval from the Planning Commission last month.
Currently being designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, the 145,000 SF development will offer 94 units including studio, one and two-bedroom options with amenities such as a roof deck and courtyard, and 3,600 SF of ground-floor retail which opens up to a public plaza. Construction is scheduled to begin April 2020.
The development takes shape by taking cues from its immediate surroundings. The base of the building, utilizing a finer grain design approach, is speaking to the pedestrian scale of the historic urban fabric. The upper floor relates more to the urban scale of the city and its recent transformation to larger and denser projects to accommodate the local growing economy. The east elevation offered an exciting opportunity for the design team to pay tribute to the rich biotech industry of the city by creating a large scale illuminated pattern inspired by a DNA Sequencing map.
The Totem Lake business district is the largest district in the City of Kirkland, Washington. As part of the area’s revitalization, Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is currently providing services for the redevelopment of the Totem Lake Upper Mall originally constructed in 1973. The Upper Mall, Phase 2, will feature residential units, ground-floor retail, a movie theatre, restaurant space, residential units, and a public plaza. The 26-acre site is currently in construction and current plans include space for residential, retail, entertainment venues, and parking. The site is also planned to connect to Totem Lake transitioning the site to a walkable urban hub.
This Totem Lake Upper Mall project is part of a larger master plan that also includes The Lower Mall, Phase 1, which is slated to feature one large retail development and several adjacent standalone buildings with related parking.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is currently providing Architectural, Landscape and Interior Design services for the Pinnacle 360 mixed-use development project located on Hoover Street in Los Angeles, CA.
Pinnacle 360 will include 221 residential units with a mix of studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units, penthouses, and lofts with below-grade parking. Residents will enjoy resort style amenities with two podium amenity areas. One deck is focused on leisurely activities with fire pits, dipping pool and outdoor seating, while the other deck is geared to more active recreation with a larger pool, sun bathing areas, outdoor fireplace, BBQ grilling stations and a glass-edge spa. Additionally, residents can enjoy two large outdoor rooftop sky decks and unobstructed views of Hollywood, the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, Century City, and the Downtown Los Angeles skyline.
Construction is currently underway on the 5750 Hollywood Boulevard mixed-use development designed by the Carrier Johnson + CULTURE team in Los Angeles, CA, and is scheduled to be completed next year.
Wood Partners is the developer for this 7-story complex which features 161 residential units and 5,700 s.f. of street-level retail space. The new community is situated two blocks from the nearest Metro station, providing easy access to employment, entertainment and nightlife. Residences will be a mix of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units and loft-style apartments, while 14 of the units are reserved as low-income housing.
The 200 Airport Blvd residential mixed-use project located in South San Francisco, CA received unanimous Planning Commission approval last week. Currently being designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, the 145,000 SF development will offer 94 units including studio, one and two-bedroom options with amenities such as a roof deck and courtyard, and 3,600 SF of ground-floor retail which opens up to a public plaza.
Shift Apartments, owned by Lennar Multifamily Communities and designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, was recently selected as one of San Diego’s “Outstanding Architectural Designs” by the San Diego Business Journal as featured in the June 17th special publication.
Located in Downtown San Diego, Shift Apartments consists of a 21-story post-tensioned concrete tower, wrapped with a pair of five-story wood-framed structures, above three levels of below-grade parking, encompassing an entire city block. The 630,000-square-foot mixed-use project features 368 apartments and retail spaces, and was completed in 2018. The building’s unique exterior consists of exposed concrete, three different colors of plaster and metal panels (red, black and gray), and several different window systems.
Plans to build the largest condominium complex in downtown San Diego’s history on the abandoned California Theatre site are moving forward thanks to a settlement between the developers Caydon Property Group and the preservation group Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO). The historic theater will undergo a reconstruction with careful consideration of preserving the look of the original exterior, as well as preserving as much of the lobby and original ornamentation as possible. The 41-story condominium tower, currently being designed by Caydon Australia in partnership with Carrier Johnson, will include 444 residential units with approximately 7,445 SF of retail space as well as a dog park, gym and yoga area, lap pool, sky deck and a lounge on the top floor for residents.
San Diego’s downtown civic core is evolving to celebrate new employment hubs, sustainable urban spaces and walkable neighborhoods that create a healthy place to live, work and play. Carrier Johnson + CULTURE and Foulger Pratt are collaborating to promote this lifestyle in the form of a residential, cultural and social hub located in Makers Quarter. Block F is sited as a bookend to the Art Center and the New School of Architecture & Design, the East Village Green situated between them, offering residential units, commercial and retail components with an extension of the park setting into a public pocket park in addition to 12,600 SF of private rooftop gardens.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE recently completed the interior design for the new 7,500 SF Compass Premier Club at Petco Park – the largest renovation since the opening of San Diego’s baseball stadium in 2004.
Improvements to the space enhance the Premier Club experience and offer upgraded VIP amenities to premium seat ticket holders. The renovated spaces include the entry, bar and dining areas and reconfiguration of the exterior seating area.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is proud to announce the opening of our Seattle Office. The new location, in downtown Seattle near Pike Place Market, is at 1932 1st Avenue Suite 203, will become home to our growing team.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE’s proposal to build a micro hotel containing dozens of sleeping pods for $35 per night on Pacific Highway recently won the unanimous support from the San Diego Port Commissioners.
The Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability at Pitzer College has won the first higher education building certification in California for using Zero Net Energy. The certification from the International Living Future Institute is highly sought after and challenging to achieve. The International Living Future Institute’s mission is to lead the transformation toward a civilization that is socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative.
Authenticity as Design Inspiration! What does that mean and how does it translate into design? Design Principal, Gordon Carrier, FAIA, NCARB, will discuss the relationship between the built environment and the public space while integrating building innovation into each unique setting. He will explore these concepts as they relate to two of the buildings he designed at Point Loma Nazarene University, the Science Center and Prescott Prayer Chapel.
The Friends of San Diego Architecture presents inspiring lectures on architecture, design and the built environment by speakers that stimulate thoughtful, community-centered discussions. Design Principal, Gordon Carrier, FAIA, NCARB recently gave a presentation on the topic that dominated local news – the redevelopment of the stadium property in Mission Valley.
The Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability at Piter College has been awarded Project of the Year from United States Green Building Council (USBGC) at its annual Sustainable Innovation Awards (SIA). The project also earned the Honor Award in the SIA Energy + Atmosphere category. The “Oscars” of green building, the awards program affirm project teams commitments to a sustainable built environment, and reflect the emphasis on energy & water savings, air quality, good design, community engagement and equity.
We are elated to announce that two projects at the University of California, Irvine campus has received recognition from the Design Build Institute of America (DBIA)! The DBIA awards honor the best teams, projects and design-build leaders in the nation.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is pleased to announce that we have achieved the honor of being listed in this years Architect 50 of the prestigious Architect Magazine! Out of the 50 firms ranked, Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is listed at Number 16. Our design work, design leadership and our talented team members have made this possible. Where will we rank next year?
Amongst the most prestigious and competitive awards programs for architecture in the United States, the annual AIA Design Awards honor excellence in built work, unbuilt work and built work with a high level of sustainable and environmental performance. These awards celebrate the spirit of innovation and creativity of practitioners with the vision to take chances and make design achievement a reality.
Learn more about SDSU’s vision for revitalizing the San Diego River as they bid for expansion in Mission Valley, described by Design Principal, Gordon R. Carrier, FAIA, NCARB.
Leading business development professional, Kari McFall, has joined the firm in the role of Director of Business Development. Known for her leadership and knowledge in the industry, Kari provides business development leadership for Carrier Johnson + CULTURE by guiding, positioning, and collaborating with Principals and Directors to expand current portfolios into new geographic locations by developing and nurturing long-term client relationships, identifying potential opportunities, and staying well-informed on current practices and leading indicators in the market.
The Orchids & Onions Awards Ceremony promotes outstanding architecture, planning and urban design throughout the San Diego region. Out of the 118 nominees in the categories including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and historic preservation, 16 were chosen to receive an Orchid Award which highlights exemplary examples of architecture throughout our city. We are proud to announce that the Point Loma Nazarene University Lyle + Grace Prescott Memorial Chapel has received one of the coveted Orchid Awards!
The globally acclaimed Principal of our Urban Design Studio in New York, Randall Morton, AIA, NCARB, has been quoted in the prestigious design journal, Architectural Digest.
We are proud to announce that Cypress has received the Icon Award in the Best Affordable Housing category. The Building Industry Association (BIA) Icon Awards of San Diego recognizes the industry’s most outstanding contributors (builder, trade, and design professionals) who have distinguished themselves by working hard to deliver their best for the betterment of our industry.
As we expand our portfolio of large-scale urbanism work, seasoned professional in design and urban thinking, Randall Morton, AIA, NCARB will lead the New York office. As part of the expansion, Morton — an internationally lauded expert on waterfront and transit-oriented development, urban planning and design, as well as urban revitalization — has been named Principal of the firm’s Urban Design Studio.
Based on their comprehensive knowledge as well as their commitment to maintaining lasting client relationships, Rick Castillo and Duane Hagewood have both been appointed to leadership positions.
The Friends of San Diego Architecture presents inspiring lectures on architecture, design and the built environment by speakers that stimulate thoughtful, community-centered discussions. Design Principal, Gordon Carrier, FAIA, NCARB recently gave a presentation on the topic of Revitalizing Downtown San Diego: A Cultural Perspective.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE has earned major design honors for the Point Loma Nazarene University Science Center receiving the American Architecture Award from the Chicago Athenaeum. This honor reflects the firm’s commitment to design innovation and serving the client mission. The American Architectural Awards are the nation’s highest and most prestigious distinguished building awards program that honor new and cutting-edge design in the United States. This annual program promotes American architecture and design to the public audience in the U.S. and abroad.
The 63-unit permanent supportive housing facility has received a merit award in the prestigious Gold Nugget Awards, given by the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC). Honored in the category of Best Supportive/Transitional Housing, the Cypress Apartments project is eligible to win the Grand Award in the same category. The programs winners will be announced June 28.
Following a year-long renovation of the historic infirmary, “this formerly abandoned, nearly 90-year-old facility is now a showcase for responsible, collaborative green building,” according to Pitzer College leaders. This month, the Robert Redford Conservancy (RRC) for Southern California Sustainability has received LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The project also stabilized and adapted the surrounding 12 acres for the Conservancy’s use in promoting its mission of sustainability. The project is also well underway on the 12 month monitoring period to show that the building will achieve Net Zero Energy certification.
Adding to an extensive career and resume of accomplishments in architecture, design and planning, Design Principal, Michael C. Johnson AIA, NCARB, has recently been selected for appointments to two high-profile organizations: the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Documents Committee and the University of California San Diego’s inaugural Real Estate and Development Advisory Board for its new degree program in that field.
Campus officials hosted a formal dedication ceremony of the Lyle and Grace Prescott Memorial Prayer Chapel at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) on Tuesday, May 1st. Located on the lush, clifftop campus of the University, this much-anticipated building replaces the university’s 50-year-old facility, serving as new, peaceful setting for prayer and spiritual reflection. “The completion of the Lyle and Grace Prescott Memorial Prayer Chapel at PLNU is testament to the firm’s strong design relationship with college leadership, faculty, and students,” says Gordon Carrier, FAIA, NCARB.
Affordable housing development, 17th + G has been approved by Civic San Diego. The 7-story development is located in the East Village of Downtown San Diego and will consist of 86 units. Construction is anticipated to start in March 2019 with occupancy by October 2020.
With nearly four decades of experience in design for research science facilities, Ken Ederington, AIA is an expert source on lab facility design. His recruitment represents a significant move for Carrier Johnson + CULTURE as we seek to expand the firm’s portfolio of work in design and planning of research space for corporate and institutional clients.
Veteran Architect Rick Castillo, AIA, NCARB, has joined the firm in the role of Director of Architecture, Los Angeles. Known for his leadership and design skills as well as for his extensive technical acumen, Castillo is expected to make major contributions to planning, client management and business development for the firm.
Congrats to Vincent Mudd, Managing Partner and Principal here at Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, for being named one of San Diego’s Top 500 Influential Business Leaders in the San Diego Business Journal. The honor is shared with business leaders and executives who raise the level of the industry in San Diego and beyond.
The San Diego Business Journal 2018 Book of Lists has ranked Carrier Johnson + CULTURE Number 1 in architectural firms in San Diego! We are honored to be listed among all the great firms in our community.
Julia Cousins, AIA, MPA, LEED AP, joins the growing Healthcare Group as Project Manager. Julia adds to the firm’s deep experience in medical planning and design for large hospitals. “With her extensive portfolio of work in planning and architecture for major medical care delivery facilities, Julia Cousins is furthering Carrier Johnson + CULTURE’s long-standing commitment to designing and building innovative, effective healthcare environments, and to redesigning and improving existing facilities,” says Mike Engel, Healthcare Director with the firm. “Julia is a respected and accomplished leader in the design community, and we are proud to have her join our ranks.”
The Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) Science complex has been awarded the 2017 Best of Design Awards for Building of the Year in the West. Sited on a dramatic, sloped embankment, the 36,000 s.f. building features a long arc of perforated stainless steel screens that filter sunlight. The iconic design feature is laser cut with the Greek letters, alpha and omega which symbolize the mix of science and faith.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE prepared the Master Plan for the development of the proposed expansion of San Diego State University’s Campus at the Mission Valley Stadium site. Carrier Johnson’s strategy for the proposed project embraces “open space first,” with 75 acres of community parks and 8 acres of campus parks and green space adjacent to the San Diego River.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is pleased to announce that we have achieved the honor of being listed in this years Architect 50 of the prestigious Architect Magazine! Out of the 50 firms ranked, Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is listed at Number 14. Our design work, design leadership and our talented team members have made this possible. Where will we rank next year?
Along with San Diego State University leaders, Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is proud to present the initial concept for the former Charger Stadium site. Rooted in the concept of the San Diego River, the design showcases a community connection and a ‘phenomenal’ fan experience. The plan develops 166 acres of Mission Valley that is prone to flooding.
As part of our new office launch in Los Angeles and on the occasion of the Urban Land Institute’s annual convention, Carrier Johnson + CULTURE will host a cocktail party and brainstorming session on the future of mixed-use development in Los Angeles. Planned as a fun, interactive session, called UTOPIA / DYSTOPIA: L.A. NOW!, is billed as an “Ideas Mixer for Real Estate Leaders on the Future of Mixed-Use Los Angeles.” Participants will include developers, building owners, architects and branding specialists.
Jefferson Pacific Beach-a new $103.5 million community with bayfront views in San Diego just broke ground on a nearly 3-acre site. Called “a new gateway to Mission Bay,” the project conceived by developer JPI, a leader in multifamily communities, transforms a former Cadillac dealership to make way for the project. The plans for Jefferson Pacific Beach include 172 luxury apartment homes, and 14,000 square feet of ground floor retail and creative office space.
As part of an initiative to boost affordable housing options in downtown San Diego, Cypress has recently opened its doors. The 63-unit housing facility, developed by Affirmed Housing and financed by the San Diego Housing Commission and its partners, opens just as the San Diego city council is holding special hearings to address possible solutions to the high cost of housing.
Design Principal Michael Johnson, AIA, NCARB, spoke to GlobeSt.com regarding incorporating educational uses in mixed-use projects – specifically the recent groundbreaking of the Park + Market project which includes a 66,000 s.f. creative office space operated by UC San Diego Extension. UC San Diego Urban, as dubbed by the university, will feature technological exhibits, lectures, forums, performance space and artwork.
Park & Market, the 562,000-square-foot mixed-use development in San Diego’s East Village neighborhood, broke ground on the project in a public ceremony. The $275 million development combines residential, office, retail and a University of California-San Diego campus extension, at a site just five blocks from Petco Park baseball stadium.
With a longstanding commitment to the betterment of San Diego and places far beyond, Carrier Johnson + CULTURE has been selected as winner of the 2017 Malin Burnham Awards for the philanthropic activities in the category of “Most Admired Business/Corporation.” The recognition 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.
The groundbreaking for the much anticipated Lake Forest Civic Center was held on May 12, 2017. Scheduled to open in May 2019, the four-building, craftsman-style campus includes a senior center, community center, and a City Council chamber that doubles as a performing arts center and a city hall building. Over 100 people attended the ceremony which included city officials, City Council members, and many residents who helped shape the project by participating in workshops and taking surveys.
The Legacy International Center project located in Mission Valley will be home to a resort hotel with 127 units in addition to restaurants, resort-themed retail, spa, a 500-seat performing arts center, museum, and operations office space. The re-design of the project included trimming the original vision by more than 200,000 s.f. and re-envisioning the center with a more contemporary design.
Alahe Aldo, AIA, LEED AP, has joined the firm as Director of Higher Education, bringing to the position her extensive knowledge of campus planning as well as commercial and workplace architecture. With 30-plus years of experience in the field, Aldo has worked extensively with campuses across the northeastern United States, including Harvard University, MIT, and Boston College.
Watch Vincent Mudd’s presentation on “San Diego: A Global Smart City” at Harrisburg University’s Smart Cities Summit. He discusses how San Diego earned its smart city designation through the National Geographic and how the thriving mega-region employs smart-city approaches through innovation, engagement, and experiential dynamism.
The Carrier Johnson + CULTURE team is proud to announce that we have been nominated for the “Most Admired Business/Corporation” Award in the First Annual Malin Burnham Awards! The prestigious award recognizes those who have had the greatest impact on our region. Malin Burnham’s motto of “Community Before Self” is something Carrier Johnson + CULTURE can attest to in our 40 year history.
Brian M. Koshley, AIA, has joined the firm in the position of Global Director, Interiors + CULTURE. Best known as a leader in forward-thinking architectural solutions focused on client business goals, Koshley brings a range of experience in branded environments, building repositioning, workplace interiors, and technical design solutions.
The UC Irvine campus can add another LEED certified project to its growing collection. The Division of Continuing Education Building (formerly known as UNEX) has been awarded LEED Platinum – the highest achievement a building can receive. The 76,298 s.f. building sits next to outdoor plaza spaces, terraces and a pedestrian bridge.
Open House San Diego is just around the corner! Enjoy one weekend of free access to iconic San Diego architecture on March 25th + 26th. With 47 sites throughout Downtown, Bankers Hill and Barrio Logan, Open House San Diego invites you to celebrate our beautiful city’s built environment. Make sure to stop by Carrier Johnson’s office for a guided tour and virtual reality demonstration.
Martin Flores, PLA, ASLA, APA has joined the firm in the role of Director of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design. Flores will head the our expanding urban design services and oversee the integration of a landscape architecture design department into the firm’s structure. Flores brings with him 34 years of experience in public and private practice throughout California, Arizona and Mexico.
Interior Designers Danette Ferretti and Stuart Fromson co-authored a byline on flexible workplaces featuring the recently completed Sempra Energy Headquarters in Downtown, San Diego.
The mixed-use development, Park & Market, just got approval in San Diego’s Downtown East Village. The 34-story, full-block complex will include 426 units, public plaza, and the recently announced satellite campus for the University of California, San Diego extension.
The trend of walkable, village style developments in urban settings are transforming how new developments are designed. With an increased interest towards the live/work/play motto, cities are doing just that – creating more places where options are only steps away.
Located on 7.1 acres adjacent to PETCO Park, Ballpark Village is San Diego’s newest urban, master-planned “village” with more than 3.2 million square feet of mixed-use development which includes luxury apartments, retail, restaurants, and parking.
What does Gordon Carrier think about the evolution of modern architecture, engineering and design firms? “…Leveraging youth is another way to lure talent. “If we have a 20-something who is immensely talented but not that experienced, we’ll make sure she collaborates alongside a more senior practitioner,” says Gordon R. Carrier, FAIA, NCARB, design principal at San Diego–based design firm Carrier Johnson + CULTURE.
A new landmark tower complex with a mix of 10 planned uses has earned a go-ahead from officials in San Diego, where the high-rise will be constructed on a downtown site between the Gaslamp Quarter and East Village neighborhood. Designed by architect Carrier Johnson + CULTURE for the client Cisterra 7th & Market, LLC, the $400 million project called 7th & Market includes market-rate and affordable housing, public parking, office space, a Whole Foods grocery and the city’s first Ritz-Carlton Hotel, among other uses.
After operating as a Sommerset Suites Hotel in the heart of the Hillcrest neighborhood for the past 20 years, the space is converted back to is original use as luxury boutique apartments. Located at one of the neighborhoods major axes, The Whitson will turn heads with an updated fascade and an update to the interiors with a vintage flair.
The sleek design of the Lyle and Grace Prescott Prayer Chapel will replace the existing 50 year old chapel on the Point Loma Nazarene University campus. The new prayer chapel design is simple and compact, which offers students a more intimate setting for reflection.
Gordon Carrier, FAIA, NCARB, Principal recently authored an article on the rise of religious architecture. Read the educational and thoughtful full article in Metropolis
