Register now to support SDNOMA and SDAF minority architects at Orchids & Onions 2020. Visit www.orchidsandonions.org/tickets to get your tickets to donate to the fund, and celebrate the best and worst of San Diego’s architecture on Oct 1. Follow @SDarchitecture for more info.
As this year’s Program Chair, our very own Associate / Project Designer John Martinez gives a behind-the-scenes look of the virtual event! We are proud to have two projects nominated for Orchids this year: Legacy International Center and Tower 180. Pictured is our PLNU Prescott Prayer Chapel project, which won an Orchid Award in 2018.
Construction for the Shoreline Gateway project is on schedule, topping off in late October and due to be completed Summer 2021! Designed collaboratively by CJ+C, studio one eleven, and RELM, the Shoreline Gateway development is a 35-story residential and mixed-use tower that will be the tallest building in Long Beach. The tower will consist of 315 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments atop 6,460 square feet of ground-floor retail space, five levels of subterranean parking and amenity decks at the third floor and roof level.
Construction for the 3rd & A mixed-use building in Downtown San Diego is making great progress! Designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, the new 21-story tower replaces the building that was previously occupied by our San Diego Design Studio, and will include 4,020 sf of ground-floor retail and 270 residential units with a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom options. Amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, dog wash and outdoor gathering space, and will offer residents breathtaking views of Balboa Park, Bankers’ Hill, the bay and Downtown.
📸 Photos courtesy of: Bryan Fouch at The Hanover Company
Check out this video of our newly completed interior design for the Cutwater Coronado Club, one of the newest premium amenity areas at Petco Park for exclusive Padres Club Members. It is an outdoor setting featuring a full bar, dining and lounge areas with amazing views of the Coronado Bridge and the San Diego Bayfront and a new luxury VIP seating area with exclusive access to the club.
The San Diego Padres Development Team’s concept for East Village Quarter is a finalist! In partnership with the Padres, Tishman Speyer – Brasil and Ascendant Capital, our team’s vision is a vibrant, urban district with 612 housing units, 1,350,000 sf of office space, 1,600 space parking garage and 236,000 sf of open space. For more information, please visit the website: https://eastvillagequarterinput.org. You can also provide your opinion on what you like about our team’s vision by taking the City of San Diego survey by tomorrow, September 4th!
A proposed shared accommodations hotel based in the port of San Diego is now in the environmental review phase after a unanimously Board approval. The Stay Open San Diego Hotel will feature extraordinary health protocols, cozy PODs, private rooms, and high quality amenities such as a rooftop bar, restaurant, and technology. Thank you to Penny Maus and Brianne Mundy from the Port of San Diego for featuring the Carrier Johnson + CULTURE renderings and video of this project in the published press release.
“When I envision the Port of the future, I envision the kind of opportunities STAY OPEN’S innovative shared hospitality concept will provide. With overnight accommodations in a prime location that won’t break the bank, visitors from various backgrounds and income levels will be able to experience and enjoy our beautiful San Diego Bay waterfront and all it has to offer,” said Chair Ann Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.
Thank you, Upzone SoCal for highlighting Cisterra’s 9G Tower proposal in an online article. The tower, designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, would be located in San Diego’s East Village and is proposed to be a mixed use development consisting of 241 dwellings, above-grade parking garage levels, and commercial space. “The historic façade of the existing structure will remain, while the interior is proposed to be demolished and reconstructed to house a large-scale general merchandise retailer, containing a grocery component.”
Construction for The Link, located on 17th & G in San Diego’s East Village, is now complete! 72 of the units are permanent supportive housing units for persons earning below 40% area median income and 14 of the units are affordable for persons earning below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The project name exemplifies the client’s vision of creating housing enriched with support resources – a special place that can link its formerly homeless residents with the help they need to survive and thrive.
📸 Photos taken by Vincent Joseph, courtesy of Jeff Peterson
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE recently completed the Interior Design for the café on the Illumina Campus in San Diego, CA. Illumina added a new café to expand food choice, offering options for ordering ahead for quick pick up or a kiosk for order and dine in. Behind the scenes, the catering kitchen was expanded to help provide food service for the campus. The inspiration was an Urban City Café – walls have bevel edge large subway tile, light blue penny tile, floors with black and white random herringbone, and ceilings with white bead board.
Check out this great footage of the construction process behind the Tower 180 remodel project! Nominated for a 2020 Orchid Award in the Architecture, Interior Design & Landscape Architecture categories, Tower 180 was a great design collaboration between our 3 in-house disciplines that embraces the notion of preserving the best characteristics of the original building – its unique architectural elements reflective of the Mid-Century and International styles that were popular at the time – while creating a progressive forward-thinking design.
Our Tower 180 project, a 25-story Class-A office building remodel in Downtown San Diego, is nominated for an Orchid Award in the Architecture (bit.ly/OTower180) , Interior Design (bit.ly/IDTower180) & Landscape Architecture (bit.ly/LATower180) categories! This was a great design collaboration between our 3 in-house disciplines that seeks to reflect the vitality and sophistication of San Diego as a regional / international economic hub, and also aims to contribute to the viability of the urban commercial core and add to the vibrancy of the overall downtown experience. The new tower design embraces the notion of preserving the best characteristics of the original building – its unique architectural elements reflective of the Mid-Century and International styles that were popular at the time – while creating a progressive forward-thinking design.
The Legacy International Center is racking up the awards this year! The project, designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, received the ENR California 2020 South Regional Best Project in the “Cultural/Worship Awards of Merit” category! Judges will then choose a “Project of the Year” from the Best Project-level winners, which ENR will announce at the awards ceremony in October.
We are happy to announce that the Lyle and Grace Prescott Memorial Prayer Chapel on the Point Loma Nazarene University campus received a PCBC Gold Nugget Grand Award in the “Judges Special Award of Excellence” Category during the virtual online award ceremony!
According to PCBC – The Art, Science & Business of Housing, “At the 2020 Gold Nugget Awards Presentation, these Grand Awards were announced in each category and emerged from the Award of Merit Honorees. These prestigious design awards recognizes those who improve our communities through exceptional concepts in design, planning and development.”
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Take a “Virtual Tour” of Morris Cerullo World EvangelismThe Legacy Center San Diego in Mission Valley, the 18 acre mixed-use project our firm recently completed. Morris Cerullo passed away earlier this month, however, he was able to see the Legacy Center from planning, permitting, construction and its opening. It was a blessing to be involved in this project!
We are honored that the Lyle and Grace Prescott Memorial Prayer Chapel on the Point Loma Nazarene University campus is recognized as an Award of Merit Winner in the PCBC Gold Nugget Award Competition, receiving a Judges Special Award of Excellence!
Inspiration of the chapel design comes from the natural surroundings on site and the spiritual significance within the space. The chapel is an academic anchor of the campus and a physical reminder of their ideology. Simplicity with pure lines and forms were used as a means to capture the true essence of the space.
Thank you to the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce for sharing more about Carrier Johnson + CULTURE’s upcoming project located at 12045 Slater Ave. N.E. in Kirkland, Washington. The mixed-use project is designed to include commercial, retail and housing developments.
“A sense of betterment … always looking to seek perfection knowing it is the journey not the destination.”
WHAT IS YOUR MOST INSPIRED PROJECT YOU’VE WORKED ON? WHY?
“Legacy International Center for MCWE. Why? We were able to tangibly fulfill the life -long inspired vision of Dr. Cerullo and his congregation of over 25 million faithful believers. In spite of severe medical challenges during the Entitlement process and the 30 month Construction Process, on October 29th 2020 he was able to celebrate his 90th birthday in his completed Legacy International Center.”
WHAT IS THE BEST BOOK YOU HAVE EVER READ?
“The Human Cycle by Sri Michelle Chapman (aka the Law of Social Cycles). Opened my eyes to how similar all civilizations are throughout human history and how we go through 3 predictable basic cycles – with one replacing the other in succession.”
In addition to being our Talent Spotlight this week, Vincent was also featured on the front page of the Union Tribune local section this week as “Someone San Diego Should Know”.
We are honored and excited to share that Legacy International Center, Point Loma Nazarene University Lyle and Grace Prescott Memorial Prayer Chapel, and Shift Apartments, all projects designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, have been recognized as Award of Merit Winners in the Gold Nugget Award Competition.
The Pacific Coast Builders Conference states, “PCBC Gold Nugget Awards are presented annually to the top innovators in design, planning and development. The competition is open to builders, developers, architects, interior merchandisers/designers, and land planners with communities and projects across the United States and internationally. Award of Merit Winners are the top vote recipients in each category and are the finalists for
the Grand Award, which will be announced July 24th.”
More information about the virtual event:
The Virtual Awards Presentation on July 24 will feature Tim Sullivan as host, who will announce the honorees. You’ll see video acceptance speeches from winners and recognition of sponsors too. Join us to celebrate this year’s top innovators in design, planning and development. Buy Your Ticket Now: bit.ly/GoldNuggetAward2020Ticket
📸 Photo Credit:
Legacy International – Ron Marvin
PLNU – Lawrence Anderson Photography
Shift Apartments – Costea Photography, Inc.
Point Loma Nazarine University Chapel. PLNU. San Diego, CA. Carrier Johnson Architects.
The High Desert Regional Mental Health Urgent Care Center has been featured in the Antelope Valley Press and is scheduled to open later this year providing services that will include diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, referrals, consultation, community engagement, crisis intervention/stabilization, medication support and case management. Carrier Johnson + CULTURE has enjoyed partnering with PENTA and Los Angeles County to design this center that will make a difference for the surrounding communities. Thank you, Antelope Valley Press for our project.
Read the full article here: bit.ly/HighDesertRegionalMHUCC
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, held its Grand Opening on July 1st, 2020. Gordon Carrier and Vincent Mudd, both Principals with Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, were given the tour of the Center by Executive Director, Jim Penner. For more information about the Legacy Center, take a look at their website: legacysandiego.com
Thank you, Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning at the University of Michigan for featuring one of your ingenious alumni! Gordon R. Carrier, FAIA, NCARB, design principal and co-founder of Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, has been featured in an article by Taubman College in their Spring 2020 Portico publication. Gordon’s definitive idea of the impact CULTURE has in architecture is actively shown within his firm’s works around the world and the relationships built with the firm’s clients. The article states, “Carrier is drawn to the search for unique architectural outcomes through research-based client engagement — not to elicit a design ‘wow’ factor but to reveal the genuine spirit of a specific client’s need. ‘If we successfully discover that which is unique about our client, i.e., their CULTURE, how could the resultant building solution resemble any other?’ he says.”
Construction for the Paladion office development (http://www.paladionoffice.com) is almost complete! Carrier Johnson + CULTURE provided Interior & Landscape Architecture for this repositioning project located in Downtown San Diego. This new Class A building is 162,000 sf and includes offices, fitness center and café with outdoor lounge and modern landscape. Bosa Development agreed to bring the “outside – inside” which allowed for the removal of their roof so they have a perfect interior courtyard and park setting for future tenants.
The interior design includes the lobby area, courtyard amenity areas, common restrooms, elevator lobbies, elevator cabs, gym, and mail room. Landscape architectural components include fixed exterior seating hubs highlighted by sculptural planting and lighting elements, and flexible furnishing for flexibility of use and social distancing. Once an indoor space and now an outdoor environment, drainage solutions were incorporated for a seamless interior to exterior decorative paving field.
Thanks to Jeff Durkin of Breadtruck Films for capturing great footage of our Town & Country mixed-use renovation and redevelopment project in Mission Valley, San Diego. The 840 unit residential development is being built on four parcels of land centered around the new Town and Country Hotel.
The site for our Jefferson Makers Quarter project has been cleared! Located in Downtown San Diego’s East Village neighborhood in the area known as Makers Quarter, the development will include 368 residential units with 5% low income housing units, 3 levels of below grade parking with 462 spaces, and amenities such as a fitness center, pool and amenities deck. The project will also preserve the existing facade of the former Walter Casey Ford dealership built in 1919, and will become the main retail setting for the project.
Thank you to Livabl for featuring our project located on 5750 Hollywood Boulevard. Carrier Johnson + CULTURE designed both the Architecture and Interiors for Alta Ink, a mixed-use development in Hollywood, comprised of apartments, commercial space, and parking. It will include amenities such as a “pool and spa courtyard, sky terrace with sweeping views of the Hollywood Sign, conference suite, library, barbecue deck, and a fitness center with a yoga studio.” The facade of Alta Ink “provide[s] visual references to Hollywood’s filmmaking heritage” through its innovative mix of materials.
Construction for our Park & Market project is looking good! The mixed-use development located in the East Village neighborhood of Downtown San Diego includes a high profile tower, sculpturally ascending 360 feet high that will consist of 426 apartments including 85 affordable residential units. The University of California San Diego will own and operate the 66,000 square feet on the first four floors of The UC San Diego Downtown Center, which will feature a mix of public, meeting, arts and educational spaces for civic engagement, learning, collaboration and a deeper connection between the greater San Diego community and the university. Also, we are working with Heritage Architecture & Planning to rehabilitate and convert the historic Remmen Building into a restaurant that can be used and appreciated by both residents as well as the visiting public. Construction is expected to be completed this summer.
Our San Diego Padres Coronado Club project is almost complete! 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.
Check out photos of the nearly completed space, courtesy of Biscayne Hospitality, to see our rendering coming to life.
We are excited to see our interior design for the new San Diego Padres Chairman’s Club becoming a reality. 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. Check out the progress of the space, courtesy of Taber Company who did the millwork for the project.
What a view! Here is another photo of our Town & Country mixed-use renovation and redevelopment project in Mission Valley, San Diego courtesy of Holland Partner Group. The 840 unit residential development is being built on four parcels of land centered around the new Town and Country Hotel.
Construction is moving right along for the Shoreline Gateway project! Designed collaboratively by CJ+C, Studio One Eleven, and Relm, the Shoreline Gateway development, a 35-story residential and mixed-use tower will be the tallest building in Long Beach. The tower will consist of 315 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments atop 6,460 square feet of ground-floor retail space, five levels of subterranean parking and amenity decks at the third floor and roof level.
Check out the construction progress on our Town & Country mixed-use renovation and redevelopment project in Mission Valley, San Diego! The 840 unit residential development is being built on four parcels of land centered around the new Town and Country Hotel.
The construction for Parcel 1 has been extended to the top level and Holland Construction is in the process of framing the 7th floor to follow up with the installation of the roof trusses at the roof framing. Construction progress for Parcel 2 is at the podium level where the 3rd floor concrete slab is currently being formed, soon followed by the first wood framing along with metal posts and shear walls. Parcel 3 is under grading and the underground pipes have been installed in preparation for concrete slab formation. Parcel 4 is currently in design.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST INSPIRED PROJECT YOU’VE WORKED ON AND WHY?
“Our Totem Lake Upper Mall project in Kirkland, WA. This is one of our largest and most complicated projects, which automatically makes it enjoyable due to its challenging aspect. It is also a project that is really re-shaping an entire neighborhood by the amount of apartments, retail, and outdoor space it is providing. It has really been an amazing experience to be a part of seeing it start from an idea on a piece of paper to seeing it in the current state of construction and impact it is already having.”
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE A CAREER IN YOUR AREA OF WORK?
“I have always enjoyed problem solving tasks and the ability to be creative and think outside of the box. I also really enjoy cities, urban environments, and seeing the construction process of how our cities are built. Becoming an architect seemed like a natural fit that combined all of these aspects.”
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PASSION?
“The built environment. Not just architecture but every other entity involved in creating our cities. My favorite thing to do when experiencing a new city is just walking the streets and neighborhoods and experiencing all aspects from the urban layout and building design to the wayfinding and pedestrian experience.”
Construction for our Modera project is going great! The residential building located on 14th & K in East Village San Diego will include 368 residential units, three levels of subterranean parking and 5,958 SF of lobby/amenities space.
Construction for the 3rd & A mixed-use building in Downtown San Diego is making great progress! Designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, the new 21-story tower replaces the building that was previously occupied by our San Diego Design Studio, and will include 4,020 sf of ground-floor retail and 270 residential units with a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom options. Amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, dog wash and outdoor gathering space, and will offer residents breathtaking views of Balboa Park, Bankers’ Hill, the bay and Downtown.
Our Legacy Partners 4th & J mixed-use project achieved Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) this week! Located in the Marina District of Downtown San Diego, the 4th & J project is a luxury mixed-use, 6-story building consisting of 168 units, ground floor retail, and 2 stories of subterranean parking. This area of town has a lot of brownstone buildings and is in the Chinese quarter – thus the base of the building and the balcony lights influenced by paper lanterns conveys a sense of respecting the community.
SAN DIEGO, April 29, 2020 (Newswire.com) – Carrier Johnson + CULTURE has named William CH Wang as Director of the award-winning, international architecture firm’s Los Angeles office. “The L.A. marketplace has the ability to grow at a higher rate than many other markets in the world, and Carrier Johnson intends to have an outsized role in this growth. William brings CJ the necessary talent, experience, curiosity and energy to ensure we have direct input in the future success of this amazing region,” stated Vincent E. Mudd, Managing Partner, Principal. William’s impact that he will make in the L.A. marketplace is evident within his strategies, performance and commitment. Being intrigued by the quality of work completed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE and the trend-setting, innovative group, William will contribute to the CULTURE of Carrier Johnson with his belief and approach towards team building and project execution by supporting and empowering each team member to be decision-makers and committed through execution, as well as striving to efficiently and effectively overcome any project challenges.
A well-seasoned project director and designer, William will lead, mentor, empower, support and transform the overall project performance of the Los Angeles team and staff by establishing motivation and an execution plan to follow. According to William, “A successful and effective project always derives from a conjunction of progressive vision and creative, yet functional, development.” His experience with mixed-use, commercial-retail, residential, office tower, hospitality and retail T.I. projects will carry over into his role leading the strategic vision for the Los Angeles team with collaboration from the San Diego team. William champions the idea of innovation and creativity within the real realm and quality control effort starts from project kick-off.
Having received his Bachelor of Architecture from Southern California Institute of Architecture, William is also a LEED Accredited Professional. With over 20 years of experience and his professional associations with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Planning Association (APA) and the Retail Design Institute (RDI), he will be an asset as Director and further the continued exponential growth of the firm. As well as mentoring, recruiting and overall team growth, William will lead the business/client development, outreach, promotion, marketing and the Carrier Johnson + CULTURE brand, taking it to new heights. The firm welcomes William CH Wang as Director of the Los Angeles office and is already impressed by the strides he is making.
The 5750 Hollywood Boulevard project has reached another milestone as construction has topped out for this Los Angeles mixed-use development featuring 161 residential units, 5,700 sf of ground-floor retail.
Construction Photo Credit: Green MEP Engineering Consulting
We are proud to announce that the following individuals have been promoted to Senior Associate: Senior Project Designer Alex Gutierrez, Senior Project Manager Chase Ronge, Architect Michelle Fox and Project Manager Monica Peralta. Congratulations!
SAN DIEGO, April 15, 2020 (Newswire.com) – Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, an award-winning, international architecture firm that specializes in architectural design, landscape architecture, and more, has promoted Jackie Angel to the role of Associate Principal, where she will be responsible for continued efforts on targeting areas in which the firm can improve operations, revenue margins, along with improving employee retention and productivity.
Jackie was hired as Controller by CJ+C, promoted to Director of Operations in 2015 and now promoted to Associate Principal. Her value increases every single day.
Vincent Mudd, Managing Partner, Principal, stated, “Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is the highest performing architectural business in Southern California as a direct result of Jackie’s exceptional strategic execution and ISO Performance as our Director of Operations.”
Jackie is a dedicated, loyal, determined individual who perseveres in any challenging circumstance, takes a proactive approach and will always think of a better way to execute, both efficiently and cost-effectively. Her motto is “Impossible is not a definite, it is a dare.” Jackie is one of those people who believes there are no challenges, but only opportunities.
In her 15 years with the firm, Jackie has diligently and very effectively developed processes and procedures that have been successfully implemented. Jackie’s achievements with Carrier Johnson + CULTURE include but are not limited to the following:
ISO Certification-working through the necessary steps of ISO 9001 Certification, paving the way for Carrier Johnson to become fully certified.
Office Relocation: She successfully managed the entire process of their San Diego office relocation, which was conceived, permitted, built and executed in four months with no lost production time or outside financing.
She is the Plan Administrator for CJ+C’s 401k Plan and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and has complete responsibility for both plans.
SAN DIEGO, April 13, 2020 (Newswire.com) – San Diego-based Carrier Johnson + Culture, a global Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of Manuela Bravo-Smith as Director of the firm’s award-winning Interior Architecture offering.
As Director of Interior Architecture, Manuela will lead the firm’s efforts towards growing its design talent, while overseeing project delivery among its team of design professionals. Manuela’s commitment to team leadership has long been in the making, as she says, ”Challenge leads to opportunity, and now is the right time to realize that opportunity.” Manuela offers an award-winning design resume supporting her ability to excel in this important design leadership role.
LAX Hyatt Place Renovation – 280,000 s.f. adaptive reuse/conversion of an existing office building to a dual-branded Hyatt House/Place hotel totaling 403 keys. In progress.
Tower 180 – Repositioning of an existing 25-story high-rise, eight-story low-rise, and a six-story parking structure in Downtown San Diego. The project also includes a complete exterior renovation to both the low-rise and high-rise office tower and a complete upgrade of the common area spaces of the building. Completed 2020.
San Diego Padres Compass Premier Club – Renovation of existing hospitality space including upgraded seating with larger seats, a new storefront system, a new bar and cook stations for exclusive Padres club members. Completed 2019.
5750 Hollywood Blvd. – Seven-story, 267,659 s.f. mixed-use multi-family development in Los Angeles consisting of 161 units and 5,700 s.f. of retail space. In progress.
Whether a project’s specific design focus is Life Science, Lab Planning, Hospitality, Residential, Restaurant, Retail or Corporate Office space, her over 20 years of award-winning experience has delivered on them all. While at CJ+C, Manuela has combined her design leadership and experience with diverse building types to consistently elevate the talent around her. The move to Director of Interior Architecture was a natural one.
Since joining CJ+C, Manuela has worked to prepare herself for this significant leadership role, consistently demonstrating her capacity to mentor and working seamlessly with the firm’s Architecture, Urban Design, and Landscape Architecture talent, while building the respect of clients through outstanding execution of design thinking. Her focus looking forward is to continue to elevate CJ+C’s 43-year history of the design and delivery of high-profile interior environments to the marketplace.
The CJ+C family welcomes Manuela Bravo-Smith to this significant design leadership role.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, an award-winning, international architecture firm that specializes in architectural design, landscape architecture, and more, has promoted Michael Stonehouse to the role of Associate Principal.
Michael has over 30 years of experience as an architect and project manager including planning, design, yield studies and entitlements for commercial, retail, urban residential and mixed-use projects. He attended California Polytechnic State University, Pomona where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree, and is a registered Architect in the State of California. Considered an entitlement specialist, Michael manages the procurement of development permits for large-scale architectural projects in San Diego and Riverside Counties.
Michael’s notable projects in San Diego include:
National University Programming and Master Plan – Team member in preparation of urban master plan, detailed technical programming, and conceptual design for the University’s academic, event, foodservice, learning, administrative, and student support buildings and spaces.
San Diego State University Mission Valley Campus – Team leader in preparation of urban master plan and architectural studies for the implementation of the new SDSU Mission Valley campus at the former Qualcomm Stadium site. The mixed-use plan includes 1.6M sf of campus office, 4,600 residential units, retail and a new 35,000-seat Aztec football stadium.
Tower 180 – Project Manager for the 25-story Class-A office building remodel in Downtown that includes the replacement of the entire curtain wall system, renovation of the main lobby, select elevator lobbies, roof terraces, and tenant improvements.
Michael effectively makes a positive impact on the environment at Carrier Johnson + CULTURE. “Michael brings a level of subject matter expertise in Entitlement that is without par. In addition to playing strategic roles in his market clusters, Michael has a history of innovation, creativity and thoughtful purpose which will allow CJ+C to continue our exceptional growth,” says Vincent Mudd, Managing Principal at Carrier Johnson + CULTURE. Collaboration and talent are vital to the success of the firm.
Thank you to Urbanize.LA for the article featuring our Shoreline Gateway Tower project. Designed collaboratively by CJ+C, Studio One Eleven and Relm, the Shoreline Gateway development, a 35-story residential and mixed-use tower will be the tallest building in Long Beach. The tower will consist of 315 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments atop 6,460 square feet of ground-floor retail space, five levels of subterranean parking and amenity decks at the third floor and roof level. Read more about the amenities and details in the full article here: bit.ly/ShorelineGatewayTower
We are honored to have Alison Kung-Kellerer celebrate 37 years of working at Carrier Johnson + CULTURE today! Alison is a registered Architect in the State of California, and earned a Bachelor of Art degree in Environmental Design at San Diego State University. The diversity of her experiences in both public and private sectors as a project architect includes institutional, commercial, mixed-use and municipal facilities.
“There is always a lot to learn and plenty of building types to enrich our experiences. The CJ+C family is always supportive and caring. The design energy fills the atmosphere and is contagious. It seems effortless to sustain the energy as we keep moving forward and set the bar higher and higher. The great work environment made these 37 years fly by.” – Alison Kung-Kellerer
Our San Diego Design Studio was just announced as a nominee for this year’s International Interior Design Association (IIDA Southern California Chapter) Calibre Awards, honoring innovation and design excellence in Southern California! The event is on Friday, August 28th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Click here for more info, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities: https://iida-socal.org/calibre-awards/
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE deeply values the safety and well-being of our employees, clients, and the greater community. With this in mind, we are continuing our efforts and support to allow our team to work from home. We want to assure you that we are business-as-usual (and adapting just fine to our new work environments!). You can count on everyone on our team to advance your project needs and be a dependable resource as we all adapt to new working conditions. While our physical office remains closed due to COVID-19, our team is actively engaged in project work and collaboration through video/tele-conferencing, emails, text, FaceTime, and phone calls. We remain committed to the success of our work and our collective social responsibility.
Dear Carrier Johnson + CULTURE Clients, Friends and Colleagues,
The safety of our employees, clients, and the greater community remain our primary concern and as a result, we are closely monitoring official recommendations about how to best negotiate COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
In addition to communicating necessary precautionary measures to our staff, we want to assure you we are still working daily to advance your project needs, while making ours staff available to assist further day to day questions as required.
In the interest of keeping all safe and healthy during this unique circumstance, we have further decided that effective start of business Monday March 23rd, Carrier Johnson + CULTURE will have many of our staff working via remote connection while continuing to provide the high level design and technical support you have come to expect.
Our communication with you will be un-interrupted and the pace of project advancement you have come to expect from us will be foremost in our efforts.
Likewise, in the interest of mutual health safety, meetings will be directed to safe video conferencing. We understand this is a fluid situation but are committed to doing what’s right for all involved. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Thank you for your understanding during this unusual time. We are confident this event has a finite life and moreover, look forward to our collective return to normalcy.
Thank you for your continued confidence in Carrier Johnson + CULTURE.
The California Theater project, designed by Caydon Property in partnership with carrierjohnson + CULTURE, is featured on the front page of this week’s San Diego Business Journal.. The project plans to recreate much of the old theater, including its ornate façade and marquee sign, and will soon become a residential tower including 444 condominium units, a dog park, gym, lap pool, sky deck and lounge above 7,445 square feet of retail space. Construction is slated to start at the end of 2020 and expected to be complete by mid-2023. View the full article here: http://bit.ly/CATheaterProject
We are proud to announce that The Legacy International Center received the San Diego Business Journal’s Award of Excellence for Best Hospitality Project of 2020. Designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, the center is 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.
Be sure to check out the Grand Opening at the Legacy Dedication on March 31 to April 5, 2020. Visit legacysandiego.com for more information!
Conor Brown, Architect, Associate, NCARB at carrierjohnson + CULTURE has successfully completed the Design-Build Institute of America’s comprehensive education, training and certification testing program to achieve the design-build industry’s designation as a nationally certified Associate Design-Build Professional.™ Read full press release here: bit.ly/ConorDBIA
The San Diego Union-Tribune has featured a great article on our founding partner Michael Johnson’s life. “Famous for shaping downtown San Diego’s skyline, Johnson’s legacy includes his architectural achievements and devotion to family…” Read the full article here: bit.ly/MichaelJohnsonCJC
Construction for The Link, located on 17th & G in San Diego’s East Village, is making great progress. When completed, 71% of the total units will be permanent supportive housing units for persons earning below 40% area median income and 27% of the units will be affordable for persons earning below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The project name exemplifies the client’s vision of creating housing enriched with support resources – a special place that can link its formerly homeless residents with the help they need to survive and thrive. Here is a fly-through video of what it’s expected to look like when completed.
We are proud to announce that Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is participating in Open House San Diego 2020 presented by the San Diego Architectural Foundation. The event provides free, behind-the-scenes access to 100 of San Diego’s most iconic buildings throughout Downtown, Bankers Hill, Balboa Park, Barrio Logan, Point Loma, La Jolla and Coronado on March 6-8. Be sure to stop by on Saturday, March 7th between 10AM-4PM for a tour of our new space in Downtown San Diego designed to reflect the collaborative nature of modern architectural firms and vibrancy of the surrounding urban environment.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is thrilled to participate again in IIDA San Diego City Center’s yearly Haute Couture Fashion Show. We can’t wait to start collaborating with our sponsors Steelcase, bkm OfficeWorks, Designtex and Coalesse to create an original design using their building materials to honor this year’s theme “Bloom.” The designs will be presented at the show on April 9th at Liberty Station. Thank you to Interior Designer Nancy Kind for braving the crowd and diving in during the fabric grab!
The California Theatre building in Downtown San Diego was sold for $21.1M to Caydon Property Group, who are also designing the planned 41-story residential tower in partnership with Carrier Johnson + CULTURE with a reconstruction of the historic theater into a 190 key hotel at its base. The design includes careful consideration of preserving the look of the original theater exterior, as well as preserving as much of the lobby and original ornamentation as possible. Construction is expected to start early 2021. Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/CaliforniaTheaterBuildingSold
“It is with great sadness that I share news of the passing of my longtime friend and partner, Michael C. Johnson, AIA,” stated Gordon R. Carrier, FAIA, Chairman of Carrier Johnson + CULTURE.
A talented, authentic, and highly respected architect, Michael C. Johnson quietly passed away Tuesday morning February 11 at his Jamul home, surrounded by loving family members.
“I am thankful for Michael’s steadfast personal friendship, and his unwavering loyalty to our architectural practice over the last 35 years,” added Carrier. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the larger Johnson family during this difficult time. No words can express our sadness, but we are also blessed having had the opportunity to work with this larger than life talent, who brought remarkable passion, experienced leadership, and design energy to our practice every day.” Johnson’s lifelong contributions to his team at Carrier Johnson + CULTURE continue to inspire the collaborative CULTURE that drives the company’s immense design success. While Michael will be missed immeasurably, his legacy will live on through his internal teaching and design work he led throughout the nation and around the world.
“Michael’s architectural talent is locally evident by anyone observing San Diego’s skyline, as his leadership guided many projects in the downtown area,” stated, Vincent E. Mudd, Managing Partner and Principal of Carrier Johnson + CULTURE. “Michael loved life and possessed a tender soul ready and willing to bring a smile to one’s face; he will be dearly missed but will live on via the firm’s strong internal CULTURE.”
A blend of southern Mississippi where he was born and northern Wisconsin where he grew up, Johnson was a loyal Virginia Tech “Hokies” alumnus, and a devout Catholic as a true man of faith. Aside from his commitment to the design practice, Johnson was – first and foremost – a family man. A long-time resident of Jamul, California, Johnson designed his contemporary ranch home to accommodate his wife, Mary Ann, four children, Ryan, Brett, Chris and Whitney, three grandchildren, Liam, Conor and Parker, younger sister, Melanie, and his 91-year-old parents, Lanelle and Michael Johnson.
Added Carrier, “Our firm’s talent was blessed with Michael’s creative spirit, his constant drive to help all to success, and the wisdom shared from 40 years in the field of architecture. He will be missed, but his larger spirit will continue to live on through our CULTURE and our work.”
We are excited that the construction for the Legacy International Center is in its final stages, and attractions such as the mural-lined catacombs, interactive world globe, the dome theater, and a 126-room hotel will soon be open to the public. The center is 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.
The California State University Board of Trustees approved SDSU’s Mission Valley development plan, certified the associated environmental analysis, and allocated an initial $350 million for the project. This decision marks an important milestone in SDSU’s pursuit to purchase and take over the site for a satellite campus.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE created the Master Plan for the development of the proposed expansion of the SDSU Campus, which transforms the existing Qualcomm stadium site into a walkable campus environment that includes housing, classrooms, a research park, hotels, retail and stadium, featuring 80 acres of open space and a $54M river park.
Legacy International was awarded “Project of the Year” in the EIFS category at the Western Wall & Ceiling Contractors Association (WWCCA) Walter F. Pruter 12th annual awards ceremony. Based on overall design, quality of workmanship and use of materials, the awards celebrate the union construction work of the WWCCA contractor members and their partners. The Legacy International team consists of Raymond San Diego, Clark Construction and Carrier Johnson + CULTURE. Thank you to Kendall Darney, Business Development, for representing us at the ceremony!
Construction is underway for the 3rd & A mixed-use building in Downtown San Diego. Designed by Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, the new 21-story tower replaces the building that was previously occupied by our San Diego Design Studio, and will include 4,020 sf of ground-floor retail and 270 residential units with a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom options. Amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, dog wash and outdoor gathering space, and will offer residents breathtaking views of Balboa Park, Bankers’ Hill, the bay and Downtown.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is designing the Cisterra 9G mixed-use tower that will include 241 market-rate apartment units above retail space, and provide its residents with amenities such as a resort-style rooftop pool with cabanas, outdoor movie theatre, club room, indoor-outdoor fitness center, dog run and self-service dog wash. The tower will be located on 9th & G in place of the Farkas Displays store in Downtown San Diego’s East Village, preserving the existing façade to honor its historical significance. The project is expected to be completed in 2023.
The Navy Old Town Complex Revitalization project is making great progress with the environmental analysis formally starting this month. Carrier Johnson + CULTURE’s design concept for the current NAVWAR site north of the airport includes a “San Diego Grand Central Station” public transit hub and underground people mover connecting to the airport, with the possibility for a mixed-use development of housing, office and retail.
The Carrier Johnson + CULTURE team had a great time celebrating the completion of the City of Lake Forest Civic Center project at the open house event this past Saturday. We are grateful to have been a part of this valuable project that serves as the civic heart of the City. Coined Lake Forest’s “100-Year home,” the campus provides the community a senior center, community center, 200-seat performing arts center / council chambers, City Hall and parking structure.
Carrier Johnson + CULTURE has named Angela Van Dyke as their Higher Education Leader, a newly created role aimed at evolving and growing the firm’s higher education practice. She will be based out of the firm’s headquarters in San Diego and will be advising the firm’s regional and international reach in collegiate academic and student life facilities.
“Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is an interdisciplinary and diverse environment with expertise in mixed-use, urban planning, retail, residential, and higher education facilities. I’m looking forward to combining my passion for student life, learning, and well-being with a firm that is uniquely positioned and immensely visionary in order to create the blended facilities that are needed for the future of higher education in our rapidly changing world.”
Ms. Van Dyke joins Carrier Johnson + CULTURE from Workshop Architects, where she was a Principal immersed in over 50 student life projects or pursuits. Throughout her tenure, she’s become an active and engaged member of numerous higher education organizations such as NACAS (National Association for College Auxiliary Services), ACUI (Association of College Unions International), ACUHO-I (Association of College and University Housing Officers International), NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators), and NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers). This involvement in combination with her background in research and participatory design has led to a deep understanding of the higher education, the needs of students and greater campus communities.
“Angela is a respected member of the national higher education community whose nearly 10 years in the industry has given her a unique understanding of how students relate to their physical environment as well as how institutions reflect themselves throughout campus.” says Gordon R. Carrier, FAIA, at Carrier Johnson + CULTURE. “She wholeheartedly values inclusive design as a process, not a product, which in her practice is drawing from the individual perspectives in the communities that will ultimately live and learn in the spaces we design. She also possesses an intuition about impactful solutions through research, collaboration, and design. We are excited to have her join our team in a role that will encourage her contribution to planning and design output.”
Have you had a chance to visit us in our new space? When designing our San Diego design studio, connecting both floors was important to create a cohesive work environment. We accomplished this by creating a feature stair that integrates bleacher seating. This design element connects the daylit breakroom to the lobby, creating dynamic flow that encourages social interaction.
The Legacy International Center in San Diego made its public debut this past Saturday with its Christmas City USA event. The center is 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. Attractions such as the mural-lined catacombs, an interactive world globe, the dome theater, and a 126-room hotel are set to open in February.
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.
