We believe every great project starts with a GREAT STORY . It’s about creatively merging PEOPLE and PLACE to an AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE that expresses LOCAL CHARACTER, CULTURE, and HISTORY .
FIRM OVERVIEW
REGIONAL EXPERIENCE
MEET OUR TEAM
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Founded in 1906, AC Martin is one of California’s oldest and most influential architecture firms, with a continuous design legacy spanning more than four generations.
From shaping Los Angeles’ skyline to redefining the built environment across California and beyond, our work is a testament to innovation, resilience, and design excellence.
At AC Martin, we believe that architecture is more than buildings—rather, it’s creating spaces that inspire connection, foster innovation, and enhance the communities they serve. Guided by a mission to push the boundaries of design, AC Martin has pioneered groundbreaking technologies and critical thought leadership in the industry as we embrace cutting-edge technology, sustainable strategies, and research-driven solutions to deliver projects that are both visionary and enduring.
As stewards of our profession, our city, and the built environment, we see stewardship as both our legacy and our responsibility. This commitment drives us to shape the future with integrity, inclusivity, and care for the communities we serve.
By prioritizing user needs, market performance, and urban vitality, we create responsive, impactful design that meets today’s demands while leaving a lasting, positive imprint for future generations to come.
AC Martin thrives in cross-disciplinary collaboration, bringing together experts across diverse markets to deliver thoughtful, innovative solutions for our clients. With deep expertise spanning eight in-house studios, Civic and Institutional, Commercial and Industrial, Higher Education, Hospitality, K-14, Multi-Family Residential, Planning and Research, and Special Services, our team approaches each project with a holistic perspective. This breadth of knowledge allows us to anticipate challenges, integrate best practices, and apply insights from one studio to another—ensuring that every design is not only functional and forward-thinking but also tailored to the unique needs of its users and community. From shaping academic environments and research facilities to high-rise developments, master-planned communities, and government buildings, our work is rooted in a commitment to creating spaces that serve, inspire, and endure.
At AC Martin, our people are the foundation of our legacy and success. With offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Sacramento, our team of over 130 professionals brings together diverse expertise from backgrounds in architecture, construction, real estate development, entertainment, Fortune 500 companies, and beyond. Our architects, planners, interior designers, and specialists combine strong educational and professional experiences with a shared passion for creating meaningful, enduring design. By building upon our individual strengths and fostering both personal and professional growth, we strengthen our collective impact.
Innovation thrives within our firm, fueled by hands-on leadership and an open exchange of ideas at every level. Our collaborative culture allows us to push boundaries, refine our methods, and remain agile in response to the evolving needs of each market we serve. Recognized as industry leaders, we are at the forefront of design-build innovation, with eight certified DBIA members and over 30 completed design-build projects. Through active participation in industry panels, conferences, and thought leadership initiatives, we remain engaged with emerging trends, continuously learning and evolving alongside our peers.
Beyond our projects, AC Martin is committed to social responsibility and fostering a culture of inclusivity. As recipients of the Los Angeles Business Journal Disruptors – Social Responsibility Award, we take pride in our efforts to create positive change both within our firm and in the communities we serve. Through our in-house Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), we champion sustainability, equity-focused design, company culture, and mentorship programs that support the next generation of architects and designers.
We believe that architecture reflects culture and community—spaces should not only serve but also uplift. Through our equity-based design approach, we actively engage with user groups and community members, ensuring that the voices of those often-unheard shape the environments we create. By listening, integrating feedback, and prioritizing inclusivity, we design spaces that remove barriers, foster opportunity, and enhance well-being.
As a firm deeply rooted in Los Angeles, we proudly support the city’s initiatives to promote local, small, and diverse businesses, consistently striving to exceed participation goals. Our mission is to create environments that positively impact lives, ensuring that our work reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Through socially responsible, equity-driven design, AC Martin continues to shape a more inclusive and forwardthinking built environment.
At the forefront of our residential studio’s practice is our technical strength to execute complex projects often with very challenging site conditions or zoning constraints.
AC Martin has designed and built over 60,000 residential units across the Western United States, establishing a reputation as a leader in the residential and mixed-use markets. With a dedicated team spread across four offices, we bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every project. Our commitment to innovation drives us to continually improve design and construction techniques, creating high-performance residential buildings that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
The origin of AC Martin’s Residential Studio traces back to 1975, when Togawa & Smith Architects (TSM) was founded in Santa Monica, California. Recognizing the need for a savvy, developer-centric, institutional-class multifamily architectural practice in Southern California, founding principals Tim Smith and Glenn Togawa established the firm to deliver smart, cost-sensitive, highquality mixed-use design. Their approach emphasizes technical precision, robust detailing, and well-coordinated execution. Their reputation for technical excellence and deep understanding of construction quickly earned them a loyal client base, allowing the firm to expand and solidify its presence in the Los Angeles multifamily market.
After more than 30 years of recognition and success, Glenn and Tim joined forces with longtime friend Chris Martin of AC Martin in 2005, merging their collective expertise under one firm. Having raised their families in the same tight-knit community, the partnership was a natural evolution, blending TSM’s residential mastery with AC Martin’s century-long legacy of impactful design.
At the forefront of AC Martin’s Residential Studio is an unparalleled technical expertise that allows us to execute complex projects with precision—often overcoming challenging site conditions, complex program objectives, zoning restrictions, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
Our deep technical knowledge is supported by a team of specialists spread across four offices, each bringing decades of experience in residential and mixed-use development. This expertise allows us to continually refine design and construction techniques, integrating advancements that enhance design ideas, building performance, marketability, and livability.
AC Martin has earned a reputation as a trusted partner in the residential sector, reflected in our longstanding relationships with some of the nation’s most respected developers, including AvalonBay, Holland Partner Group, Mill Creek Residential, Trammell Crow Company, and Cityview. These industry leaders not only develop best-inclass multifamily assets but also serve as their own general contractors and property managers, ensuring long-term stewardship of their investments.
Their continued partnership with AC Martin is the highest compliment, as they return to us time and again for our ability to deliver design-forward solutions that balance innovation with cost efficiency, all while successfully executing projects across multiple geographic markets.
60K
Residential Units
Designed & Built
17 Projects in SoCal that are
20+ Stories
As a fully integrated firm, AC Martin’s Residential Studio continues to serve both private and nonprofit developers across California, providing innovative design and technical expertise that shape vibrant, resilient communities. Through collaboration, thoughtful planning, and forward-thinking execution, we remain at the forefront of shaping the future of housing.
Multifamily housing has been at the core of our practice since the beginning, driving many of the industry’s most significant advancements. Our pioneering role in the development of the Type III wood-over-concrete podium building, now a standard across California, exemplifies how AC Martin has continually pushed the boundaries of design and construction to benefit our clients, communities, and the industry at large. This spirit of innovation, combined with a refined, narrative-based design approach and hands-on leadership, ensures that every project delivers lasting value. Guided by decades of lessons learned, we remain committed to shaping environments that are financially sound, culturally authentic, and deeply connected to the people who experience them.
2017 Wilshire Grand is the first high-rise in LA to forego helipad requirement
We successfully negotiated a complex fire/life safety code modification with e City of LA, making Wilshire Grand the first high-rise in LA allowed to forego the rooftop helipad requirements.
Metropolis is the first 7-story wrap project in the City of Irvine + Orange County Fire Department.
2017
2015 Wren is the first triple podium project in LA
Blossom Plaza is the first Type III with a double podium, 5-level wood framing project in the City of LA
Centria is the first fivestory wrap project in the country.
Hope Village is the first residential stoop units (under podium) in California
1996
2009
Lotus Graden is the first mechanical car lift system in a residential project in the City of LA.
Union Square is the first seven-level type III building in San Diego
1999
Casa Heiwa is the first type III, five-story wood building in California
At AC Martin, we see every project as a shared effort between clients, consultants, civic leaders, and the community itself. We begin by listening—because lasting design solutions come from understanding many voices and finding consensus. This approach allows us to balance client objectives with community priorities, while staying ahead of emerging trends and technologies. It’s why our partners trust us not just as architects, but as collaborators invested in every project’s success.
Our approach to project delivery is grounded in hands-on leadership and clear communication. With strong principal involvement at every stage, we take the time to understand vision, economics, and schedule before building a strategy for execution. This high-touch process sets us apart, ensuring each project is managed with precision and aligned with the goals of all stakeholders from start to finish.
We are proud to help shape California’s most vibrant communities through a diverse residential portfolio that spans towers, podiums, wrap buildings, and garden-style housing. Our pioneering role in the podium building type remains a touchstone for the industry, yet our work continues to evolve—sensitive to context, responsive to community character, and focused on creating long-term value for clients and residents alike. From landmark urban developments to neighborhood-scale projects, our designs aim to enrich everyday life and strengthen the fabric of the places we serve.
AC Martin’s involvement in modular projects and unique construction techniques is varied and vast. This experience includes traditional volumetric modular units constructed off-site and brought to the site, to prefabricated building components of all size. Additionally, our design teams are knowledgeable on the nuances of designing projects intended to be built using modular techniques, including ‘baking’ into the design the ability for any project to have the capacity to utilize modular construction. Designing the project to be ‘modularfriendly’ provides maximum flexibility to our clients through their due diligence. Recent experience includes working alongside Katerra on a very large affordable housing project called Mission Gateway; and three projects in Playa del Rey and Marina del Rey area with Legado Communities; as well designing and constructing Dumosa Senior Village in Yucca Valley with National CORE.
Mission Gateway
Katerra/Meta Housing | Los Angeles, CA
AC Martin originally started working on this project with a prior owner. At that time the project was designed assuming to be built as a modular project with Katerra. ACM was retained by Katerra to be the architect and utilize their systems, modules, and kit-of-parts for the project. Soon after Katerra imploded, the project was sold to Meta Housing the project was re-designed and built as an Affordable Housing project.
Dumosa Senior Village
National Community Renaissance | Yucca Valley, CA
The LEED Gold certified Dumosa Senior Village project provides the rural town of Yucca Valley in San Bernardino County 751-bedroom units of much needed affordable senior housing.
Offsite modular project delivery was selected due to the project’s remote location and limited access to skilled trades for traditional site-built construction.
Early team collaboration focused on achieving time and construction waste savings through the standardization of stacking unit cores, corridors, and utility distribution routed to a single point of connection on-site.
Wilshire Grand Hanjin Intl. Corp. | Los Angeles, CA
AC Martin was the Architect in collaboration with SurePods to design and develop 698 factory built, fully furnished bathrooms that would arrive onsite during interior construction. Each bathroom remained locked once onsite as the remainder of interior construction took place, and once ready required minimal mechanical, electrical, and plumbing connections once onsite in Madera, California.
Pod fabrication began in the factory at the same time concrete was being poured for the building’s foundations.
This method of modular restroom installation allowed for an expedited schedule for the overall project that meant the project was able to maintain overall completion date.
AC Martin has designed numerous mixed-use projects that creatively merge place, people and experience to redefine innovative environments and serve as vibrant social hubs throughout Southern California. In many cities today, the demand for live-work-play communities is rising. A prospective tenant’s ideal living situation is no longer limited to a residential unit. One centralized location that provides residential units, office/work spaces, amenities, open spaces, commercial/retail and additional components continues to increase in popularity. Additionally, the desire to see an environment that thoughtfully responds to its surrounding neighborhood context as well as cultural elements has been recognized as one of the key factors of a successful mixed-use project.
Our mixed-use portfolio consists of a wide range of projects in scales, complexities and uses. Through thoughtful and collaborative team effort, the firm has demonstrated our design and technical excellence while providing many added values to our developer clients. We strive to create a more engaging and healthy communities for the future generations to come.
With the urban lifestyle demands evolving at such a rapid pace, high density mixed-use projects are widely accepted as an essential component to the urban fabric of any neighborhood. An enriched urban respite that enhances and invigorates the population is now more than ever highly desired. Compounding market pressures and the increasing construction cost have proven the task of responding to this demand somewhat challenging. We have approached these complex projects in an intelligent manner – focusing on project efficiency, designing to a budget and maximizing the value offered through appropriately sized common areas, smart living spaces and unit configurations as well as bringing the outdoors in as a way to deliver flexible spaces which can evolve with the user’s needs. Moreover, operations and security play essential roles as the contemporary urban project becomes more complex and adaptable.
We are very proud of our rich history working with some of the nation’s most respected institutional-class multifamily/mixed-use private developers. For the past ten years, AC Martin’s Residential Studio has averaged over 1,000 units a year of delivering high-performing multifamily projects. With this experience and the everchanging demands of multifamily market sector, we are well aware of market conditions and user preferences. We fully understand and appreciate the competitiveness of the market and the importance of attracting a certain renter-profile in order maximize the return on cost. The ability to curate an amenity experience and perspective tenant lease-walk processing is paramount to creating a world-class commercial asset that outperforms the competition.
Within our design approach, our Studio pays particular attention to the aspects of each project in order to achieve the following desired results: lease walk procession, amenities that are unique and flexible to enhance tenants’ needs, and smart units that serve as an urban respite and sanctuary for the residents to maintain their live/work lifestyle.
Collaborating with many of our design partners, including landscape, lighting, branding and interiors, we seek to create positive synergies and truly work together as a collective team to achieve the project’s success. Our team is known in the marketplace as approaching each project collaboration devoid of ego and welcomes good ideas from all angles.
Best Places to Work | Los Angeles Business Journal, 2024
Disruptors Award for Social Responsibility | Los Angeles Business Journal, 2024, 2025
Commuity Oriented Project, Together California, A Village for Brothers & Sisters | NOMA | SoCal Design Awards, 2025
Gold Award, Multifamily, AVA Arts District | LABJ | Commercial Real Estate Awards, 2025
Bronze Award, Community Impact, Las Dahlias | LABJ | Commercial Real Estate Awards, 2025
Best Affrodable 55+ Community, Citrus Crossing | PCBC, Gold Nugget Awards, 2025
Multifamily - Silver Award, Belle on Bev | LABJ | Commercial Real Estate Awards, 2024
Merit Award, West Edge | Westside Urban Forum, Design Awards, 2024
Merit Award, AVA Arts District | Westside Urban Forum, Design Awards, 2024
Multifamily Residential Award, AVA Arts District | SCDF, Design + Philanthropy Awards, 2024
Mixed-Use Community of the Year, West Edge | PCBC, Gold Nugget Awards, 2024
Judges Special Award of Excellence -
Best Supportive/Transitional Housing, Together California, A Village for Brothers & Sisters | PCBC, Gold Nugget Awards, 2024
Mixed-Use Project, High Rise, AVEN | PCBC, Gold Nugget Awards, 2020
Best Recreational Use Facility/Amenity, Oceanaire | PCBC, Gold Nugget Awards, 2020
• Headquarters/Office Location in Los Angeles
• A Team of 100+ Architects, Designer, Engineers and Specialists
• Completed over 40,000 units in Southern California
• Designed and Completed work in City and County of Los Angeles
Based on new construction permits issued by the City of Los Angeles in 2017, AC Martin’s Residential Studio (legacy TSM) ranked third among all architects with $187 million in construction valuation and 1.9 million SF as reported by TheRealDeal.com. In 2016, when Downtown Los Angeles witnessed more than 12,500 residential units under construction, and our projects alone accounted for over 2,500 of those new units. Over the past four decades in Los Angeles, we are proud to have been at the forefront of advancing the science of the residential building sector.
We continue to be a prominent force in the field of multifamily residential and mixed-use architectural design. Having many of the nation’s renowned developers and public housing agencies among its clients, our Studio has designed over 60,000 units throughout California. With legacy TSM’s and AC Martin’s combined expertise and resources, we have designed many award-winning multifamily and mixed-use projects.
AC Martin enjoys a long-standing relationship with the City and County of Los Angeles, having delivered some of the region’s landmark projects, such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) John Ferraro Headquarters Building, Los Angeles City Hall, the LAPD Hollenbeck Replacement Police Station, the Los Angeles County Hall of Justice Repair Project, more recently high-rises in Downtown Los Angeles – Wilshire Grand and AVEN.
In addition to having entitled over 100 projects through the City of Los Angeles Planning Department, and processing over 100 building permits (over 8 million SF in the past 20 years alone) through the City of Los Angeles Building Department, AC Martin was on the advisory committee to help implement the parallel plan check process for the Building Department.
Additionally, AC Martin has worked closely with the Building Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department to implement innovative new ways to improve fire-life safety measures for the Wilshire Grand project, which ultimately led to the approval of a non-flat roof on the 73-story high rise.
Regulatory Agencies that AC Martin has successfully worked with include:
• Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety
• Los Angeles City Planning Department
• Los Angeles Fire Department
• Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering
• Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services
• County of Los Angeles Department of Health
• Los Angeles Police Department
• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
• Metropolitan Transportation Agency
• Los Angeles Department of Transportation
• Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs/ Cultural Heritage
• Completed over 40,000 units in Southern California
• Currently designing and have completed work in various Orange County cities, including Irvine, Orange, Santa Ana, Mission Viejo, and Costa Mesa.
• Actively pursuing work in various market sectors: affordable housing, market rate housing, student housing, office, commercial, mixed-use, higher education and civic/government
AC Martin has been part of Orange County’s growing multifamily and mixed-use market for the past decade, having designed projects such as Metropolis and Elements in Irvine, One Metro West in Costa Mesa, and several mixed-use projects in Santa Ana.
Combined with AC Martin’s experience in higher education, student housing, civic/government, and commercial, we continue to contribute to the architecture scene of Orange County.
• Local Team Based in San Diego with Extensive Local Experience
• Completed Over 12,000 units in San Diego in the last 25-years
• Designed the First 5 over 1 Type III Podium Building in San Diego (Union Square)
• Active Projects in La Jolla, Mission Valley, North Park, Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Downtown, Hillcrest and Chula Vista
• Expanded Experience in San Diego Including Higher Education, Market-Rate, Affordable Housing, Student Housing and Mixed-Use
We have designed over 10,000 units in San Diego. Our project experience in the region includes Ollie at North Park, Hazard Center, Lux UTC, La Jolla Crossroads, Casa Mira View, Heritage, Union Square at Broadway, to name a few. In addition to our San Diego residential/mixeduse projects, AC Martin has been steadily expanding our footprint in other market sectors in the region such as higher education, K-14, commercial, hospitality, and industrial as well.
Some of our staff have many years of experience working in the San Diego region, including Matthew Cobo, Sami Khoury, David Gonzalez, and Patrick Sin. They have contributed to the local architectural scene for many decades and are familiar with San Diego’s plan check and permitting processes. Having lived and worked in San Diego for over a decade, Project Director, Sami Khoury brings his familiarity with the region and site context as well his experience working with the local jurisdictions. Similarly, David Gonzalez, the Design Director, has designed and completed a substantial amount of awardwinning design work and was an integral part of the San Diego design communities for many years. Our Project Manager/Associate Principal Patrick Sin has diligently worked with several San Diego private developers and has led them to project success by closely coordinating with local consultant teams and applying his experience working with local jurisdictions.
• Studio Leadership Located/Based in Bay Area
• Office Locations in Pleasanton & Sacramento
• A Team of 40 Architects, Designer and Specialists
• Designed and Completed work in 24 Northern California Cities,
• including San Francisco, Dublin, San Jose, Fremont, Hayward, Pleasanton, Sacramento, Oakland, etc.
• Active Projects in East Bay Area, Oakland, Downtown Sacramento, and Central Valley
Our Northern California offices are located in Pleasanton and Roseville. Collectively, we have been practicing architecture and engineering in the Northern California area for over 30 years on a variety of different projects, ranging from residential/mixed-use and civic/government projects to K-14 and higher education projects in various Northern California cities and counties. The local jurisdictions we have worked with include but are not
limited to Oakland, San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento, San Jose, Stockton, Modesto, Berkeley, Roseville, Milpitas, Pleasanton, to name a few.
Our clients have benefited from the breadth of experience and expertise from the leaders of the Northern California offices. Their extensive experience working with the local jurisdictions and familiarity with the sites allow them to analyze how to best address clients’ needs and create design visions that thoughtfully address site context, cultural environment, and user experience.
Recent residential/mixed-use projects include Oakland Waterfront Parcel J, a dynamic mixed-use project that takes advantage of the great view of Oakland waterfront, and also Newpark Phase II, a large-scale mixed-use redevelopment in Newark that repositions a mall. Additionally, the DGS New Natural Resources Building is approaching construction completion.
• Active in IE for more than 25 years
• Completed over 10,000 units in IE
• Currently Active Projects in Pomona, Fontana, El Monte, Montclair
• Recent projects include Affordable, Market Rate, Mall Redevelopment,
• Infill and Large Site Master Planning
The AC Martin residential studio has worked on various low density projects in the Inland Empire for more than 30 years. Projects include affordable housing, and two to three story walkup buildings. As hard costs are rising,
and with an increase of people working from home in this post Covid era, many developers that we work with are seeing a demand for housing in less urban areas such as the Inland Empire. Residents are attracted to these areas is they can have a larger unit, extra office space and more outdoor space. AC Martin has been engaged in many high end apartment projects in locations such as Pomona and Fontana as a result of this trend.
Hugo Suarez
Studio Principal
Hugo brings over 45 years of experience leading multifamily and affordable housing projects across California, Arizona, Texas, and Hawaii. He has guided the design and delivery of complex residential developments, navigating funding programs, building codes, and community priorities with expertise and care. Known for his deep understanding of supportive services and essential amenities, Hugo takes a thoughtful, people-centered approach to housing. Passionate about addressing California’s homelessness challenges, he is committed to creating enduring, inclusive communities that improve quality of life for all residents.
Jeff Mertzel
Associate Principal / Design Director
Jeff oversees and is involved in each project from the conceptual design phase through construction. His vast design experience includes multi-family, mixed-use, hospitality and affordable housing. He is interested in design that explores innovative unit plan and new residential building prototypes to maximize densities, in addition to challenging infill housing sites. Jeff has an exceptional ability to work with various city jurisdictions for project approvals. His talent for creating design visions that balance both client needs and capturing the spirit of place is well recognized.
Gilbert Rocca Managing Principal
Gilbert brings over 30 years of experience shaping communities through thoughtful, impactful design. His work spans multifamily, mixed-use, and affordable housing projects—from 60-unit housing for homeless veterans to luxury urban high-rises and large-scale mixed-use developments. Gilbert’s collaborative approach and engagement with communities ensure that each project responds to the needs and aspirations of its residents. Known for his ability to translate complex challenges into clear, elegant solutions, he leads teams with a focus on design integrity, technical excellence, and lasting community value.
Abhijeet Mankar
Studio
Principal
Abhijeet brings over 30 years of leadership across the public and private sectors, with a focus on multifamily residential, mixeduse, commercial, and high-rise developments. As Principal, he combines strategic insight with a hands-on approach, guiding teams and clients toward thoughtful, successful outcomes. Known for his ability to balance the big-picture with technical precision, Abhijeet plays a key role in shaping project strategy, marketing, and client relationships. His collaborative leadership style and commitment to excellence have earned him the trust of long-term clients and colleagues alike.
Janet Cheng
Associate Principal / Project Director
Janet brings over 20 years of experience in the design and management of multifamily, mixed-use, affordable housing, hospitality, and commercial projects. As Project Director and leader of the firm’s Northern California office, she guides teams and clients with clarity and collaboration. Building on deep roots in Los Angeles, Janet brings her expertise to the Bay Area, where she continues to strengthen client relationships and expand the firm’s presence. Known for her balanced approach to design and delivery, she ensures each project meets both client goals and community needs.
Sami Khoury Principal
Sami is a Principal and leader of the San Diego Office. With a master’s in design studies from Harvard and a Bachelor of Architecture from USC, he brings over 20 years of experience in both architecture and real estate development. Known for his strategic insight and organizational leadership, Sami excels in planning, budgeting, forecasting, and contract administration. A champion of innovation, he integrates emerging technologies into our practice, and his knowledge of design, finance, and construction enables him to guide projects that are both visionary and technically sound.
Lesther brings over 20 years of experience delivering multifamily, affordable housing, and mixed-use projects of varying scales and complexity. As Technical Director, he oversees projects for the duration, ensuring technical excellence and smooth execution. Known for his collaborative leadership and attention to detail, Lesther works closely with clients, consultants, and contractors to bring challenging projects to life. A key contributor to many of the firm’s notable developments including West Edge, AVA Hollywood, and Ybarra Village, he strengthens the firm’s reputation for quality and reliability.
David Gonzalez
Associate Principal / Design Director
With over 30 years of industry experience, David has designed a series of award-winning projects across Southern California, ranging from mixed-use, residential podium and high-rise to office buildings and academic facilities. He has been responsible for overseeing and guiding various design teams from project conception through the schematic and design development phases. With his simple yet thoughtful approach, David seeks to create building designs that tell a strong story through cultural, pragmatic, sustainable and innovative lenses.
Peterson Principal
Kyle brings over 15 years of experience leading design and development efforts across mixed-use, multifamily, and hospitality projects. As Principal, he combines creative vision with a pragmatic approach, helping clients uncover the full potential of their sites through thoughtful analysis. Known for his ability to quickly assess project viability, Kyle plays a key role in business development and client relationships. He believes every project begins with a strong idea—one that reflects its context, community, and purpose—and guides teams to translate that vision into meaningful, high-performing design solutions.
Natt Puapornpong Principal / Interior
Natt brings nearly 20 years of experience as an NCIDQcertified interior design leader delivering creative, client-focused solutions that balance aesthetic vision with business goals. She leads projects from concept through construction, guiding teams to transform complex ideas into impactful environments. Experienced in project management, space planning, and design execution, she has led projects nationwide across multifamily, corporate workplace, education, and mixed-use sectors. Collaborating closely with clients, she creates spaces that elevate brand identity and enhance the user experience.
Allison Sumner
Associate Principal / Senior Project Manager
Allison is a Senior Project Manager with over 20 years of experience overseeing a variety of multifamily typologies including market-rate, affordable, senior housing, and adaptive reuse. Her hands-on approach brings alive her passion at managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept through completion, ensuring design intent and technical quality remain aligned. Known for building lasting relationships, Allison builds strong relationships that drive successful outcomes.
Patrick Sin
Associate Principal / Project Director
Patrick has over 20 years of experience and focuses on marketrate, mixed-use, and affordable housing, as well as student housing, high-rise, and adaptive re-use projects. He has extensive experience managing complex projects while working closely with clients, consultants and general contractors. Having lived in Europe and Asia before moving to the United States, Patrick has had exposures to various architectural styles. He has comprehensive understanding of how built environment interacts with its users and the diversity of building structure.
Felix Lim Senior Associate / Director of Quality Control
Having extensive job site experience, Felix is well versed in construction management and construction documentation. He works closely with the production team to create and review construction details and improve the technical standards to efficiently streamline workflow. Felix’s areas of expertise focus on multifamily, mixed-use, commercial, and educational projects. His keen attention to details and dedication contribute to success of each project he is involved in. Felix also is at the forefront of finding innovative solutions to complex technical problems.
Michael Evans Senior Associate / Senior Project Coordinator
Michael has worked on a wide range of projects including multi-family, mixed-use, student housing and hospitality. Much of his career in architecture has run concurrent with the evolution of PC hardware and software. He has customized AutoCAD with real-world applications for automating complex, time-intensive tasks. Michael has also pioneered the firm’s use of Revit, and devised a workflow that draws upon Revit’s modeling, rendering, and animation features to provide a start-to-finish BIM-based approach to integrated project delivery.
Matt Wister
Associate Principal / Project Director
Matt brings nearly 25 years of diversified experience as a project leader with a strong focus on sustainability and adaptive re-use. He balances broad strategic initiatives with hands-on project leadership and team mentorship, guiding complex design and construction efforts from concept through completion. Engaged in the evolving landscape of sustainable design, Matt integrates environmental responsibility with technical and operational excellence. Known for his collaborative leadership and ability to align client goals with practical solutions, he ensures each project delivers long-term value and performance.
Jerome Scott Senior Associate / Director of Construction Administration
Jerome has over 30 years of experience and his experience ranges from low-rise to high-density mixed-use and multifamily housing projects, and serves as an essential connection between the frontend design and the back-end construction teams to help identify issues that need to be addressed early in the project. His duties include providing input to management on construction contract language, monitoring contract budget and schedule during the CA phase, as well as visiting job sites and interacting with general contractors and owners’ representatives.
Hyo Hong Senior Associate / Senior Designer
With over 20 years of experience in all types of multi-family, high-density housing, Hyo’s responsibilities encompass the development of initial design concepts to obtaining entitlements from various governmental entities. His creative talents are utilized solving complex design challenges and Hyo is often called upon to refine various elements during the design development phase ensure the design meets client’s goals and aspirations.
Gina Gutierrez
Senior Associate / Director of Accessibility Compliance
Gina has been with the AC Martin’s Residential Studio for over 20 years and has worked on various residential project types and scales in California, especially focusing on affordable housing, mixeduse, and multifamily projects. As an expert in building code accessibility and ADA regulations, one of Gina’s primary roles is to review projects for strict code compliance, as well as assist in proper remediation. Each project goes through Gina’s thorough and careful review process to ensure an accessible, safe, and sustainable space.
Jeremy Grant Senior Associate / Design Director
Jeremy has more than 20 years of experience in the retail and hospitality sectors as well as designing and executing more than 40 hotel projects. He is detail-driven and has extensive understanding of the hospitality embellishment and lifestyle culture that market sector demands. Responding to the demand for hospitality environments in the residential and commercial market, the unique value Jeremy brings to projects is providing distinct enhancement and embellishment to residential and mixed-use projects from affordable to the high-end of the market.
Andrew Miller
Senior Associate / Design Manager
Andrew brings over 25 years of diverse experience with an emphasis on residential, workplace, and education environments. His role includes supporting client relationships through strategic planning and design. His past experience includes programming, documentation, and construction administration. Andrew has excellent knowledge of materials and construction techniques. He is known for being a skilled communicator and develops excellent relationships with clients through his ability to listen to their needs
Arielle Rouleau Senior Associate / Project Architect
Arielle has over 10 years of experience in multifamily housing, mixed-use, affordable housing and urban in-fill projects. With exceptional Revit skills, she excels in closely coordinating with various consultants on complex projects. She strongly believes that design excellence is not solely about aesthetics but it can be realized in process efficiencies, project workflow and coordination of systems. As a true team player, Arielle participates in several technical and social in-house committees.
Matias Creimer
Senior Associate / Design Manager
Matias is a designer and professor of architecture with over 25 years of experience. He has worked extensively on projects that range from single family homes to billion dollar, mixed-use developments in the United States and abroad. Matias’s specialty is multi-family and mixed-use projects, but also has extensive retail experience. Matias gives back to the architecture profession by teaching architecture studios at Otis College of Art and Design. Matias serve as a bridge between designers, stakeholders, and other departments to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
Lori Reynolds Associate / Senior Interior Designer
Lori has over 25 years of diverse interior design experience and has comprehensive knowledge of all phases of interior design from programming through procurement. Her project experience includes space planning, blocking, concept development, construction documentation, construction administration, finish & material selection and specifications, FF&E layouts, budgets and specifications, overseeing furniture installation, environmental graphics, art selection, and client follow up.
CLIENT
Hines/Affinius Capital/ Philena Properties
PROJECT SIZE
804,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
600 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2023
Los Angeles, California
West Edge stands as a testament to modern urban living. The high-density, mixed-use development opens to the surrounding community through an expansive public outdoor plaza and retail promenade. Innovative residential buildings overlook these public spaces with 600 units of creative loft style and flex unit plans. The residential program includes 90 below-market-rate workforce housing units and 31 low-income units to serve the community. The mixed-use project also includes an 8-story, 200, 000 square foot office building, retail, food & beverage, and a grocer. The transit-oriented development, located less than one block from the Expo/Bundy Metro station connects residents, employees, and visitors to and from downtown Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles.
The design team focused heavily on connecting the past to the presentthe history of the site that includes the famous Martin Cadillac dealership (established in 1975), paying tribute to the prominence of the site that has always been part of Los Angeles’ history.
CLIENT
Mack Real Estate Group
PROJECT SIZE
516,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
362 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2015
As downtown Los Angeles experiences its biggest building boom in decades, this contemporary 362 unit mixed-use project is playing a major role in the exciting transformation of South Park’s urban skyline. WREN’s design incorporates a community-serving public park while retail space is strategically located at the site’s prominent corner of Pico Blvd. and Olive St. A porte-cochere provides convenient drop off for two residential lobbies. Built in a Type III modified construction type with two-levels of underground parking, a density of 195 residential units per acre is achieved. Unit designs feature double height lofts with private patios and unique interlocking floor plans with balconies. A full array of resident amenities is provided including two dog runs and a dog wash center.
CLIENT
Mack Real Estate Group / AECOM Capital / Washington Capital
PROJECT SIZE
903,000 SF
UNIT COUNT 536 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2019
Located in the South Park area of Los Angeles, this new transit-oriented development features 536 residential units and 14,000 SF of commercial/ retail space, all within two blocks of a Metro station and a half block from a downtown trolley stop.
The residential units comprise 38 floors above ground and include a mix of one- and two- bedrooms, studio units, and three penthouse units. An amenity deck on the seventh floor features a community garden, yoga studio, gym, pool/Jacuzzi spa, meeting spaces, game and movie lounge, fireplace, outdoor barbeque areas, and indoor/outdoor lounges, outdoor fire pits, event kitchen, weekend concession, as well as a pet zone. Also, the project includes a 32nd floor roof deck for indoor/outdoor gatherings. A public paseo runs through the site, adjacent to a future park and also incorporates a six-story parking garage for 800 cars, as well as bicycle parking.
CLIENT
Hanjin International Corp.
PROJECT SIZE
2,100,000 SF
400,000 Office SF
UNIT COUNT
890 Rooms
PROJECT STATUS Complete
In the heart of downtown Los Angeles the new Wilshire Grand Center rises as the tallest building west of the Mississippi—an iconic addition to the skyline and to the renaissance of downtown. The tower comprises 890 rooms of the InterContinental Hotel, sitting atop 18 leasable office floors. The building features floor-to-ceiling glass to take full advantage of the views in every direction. The podium includes hotel convention spaces, ballrooms, meeting rooms, and break-out areas along with a health club/fitness center, retail spaces and restaurants. Five underground parking levels are also provided.
Upon arrival, double-decker elevators whisk guests to check in at the Sky Lobby, where custom-made registration desks feature backlit images of the sparkling city grid at night. An adjacent white corkscrew staircase spirals up and down between the casual dining spots below (Dekkadance and Sona) and the fine dining above (La Boucherie). At the opposite end of the space is a cocktail lounge with a bookmatched marble bar and floor (sourced from a quarry once owned by Michelangelo) and brass accents.
CLIENT
Lennar Multifamily Communities
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2019
Centrally located along Ocean Avenue in Downtown Long Beach, Oceanaire captures views of Long Beach Harbor and the Pacific beyond. The urban site offers short walking distances to all major retail, entertainment and recreational amenities in the downtown district. The contemporary design for this 216-unit apartment development, targeted to mainly young singles and couples, drew praise from government officials for its bold design. Most notably, the large north-south “portal” is considered to be the project’s defining element. It maximizes public views from Ocean Blvd while providing an important public pedestrian connection. Upscale top-of-the-market amenities include a third floor pool terrace with ocean views, resort seating, sun deck, outdoor clubhouse, fitness/yoga studio and a dog spa/daycare facility.
CLIENT
Holland Partner Group
PROJECT SIZE
211,000 SF UNIT COUNT 237 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2016
Los Angeles, California
STOA DTLA is a place to be inspired. A place that caters to your interests and reflects your personal style. A mash up of the rich historic tradition of St. Vibiana’s, the authentic downtown experience, and a tech savvy lifestyle create a new sophisticated tenant experience. It captures the unique flavor of its location and elevates the everyday experiences of its residents. Resortlike amenities include a fully-equipped fitness center, and spaces for playful collaboration and indulgence.
PROJECT SIZE
UNIT COUNT
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2016
This 115-unit mixed-use project is located at a prominent intersection of Washington and National Boulevards, and is one of the city’s first approved transit oriented developments. Featuring 44,000 SF of retail on the ground floor, the project is the first of the “catalyst” projects to spark development along the new Metro rail line. This market rate project includes a street-level public plaza that is significant to the planning of the community. In addition to the high level amenities offered to the residents, this project received LEED Silver certification. Sustainable features of the integrated building design outperform current energy cost savings requirements by over 29%. Some of these features include cool roofs, storm water infiltration planters and photovoltaic panels.
CLIENT Garden Communities
PROJECT SIZE
528,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
457 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2016
Irvine, California
The design of Metropolis, a community of 457 apartment homes, reflects a cohesive contemporary-urban vocabulary. Each material and its location was chosen specifically to reinforce the design intent, scale and massing of the project. A clearly defined brick base comprised of one and two story elements helps ground the buildings, reducing the overall massing and creating a pedestrian urban edge. Building corners were designed as bookends to the façades, with ample glass and unique materials, they help reinforce key intersections and building terminations. On the fifth level, mezzanine units break up the vertical massing and provide added character to the façades.
CLIENT
Sondermann Ring Partners
PROJECT SIZE
27 Acres
UNIT COUNT
270 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Phase 1 Completed in 2019 (Occupied)
Phase 2 Completed in 2023
Ventura, California
Inspired by classic Spanish Colonial-style architecture combined with modern amenities, this 26-acre residential community development in Ventura, CA is comprised of 10 bungalows, 132 apartment homes and 128 townhomes. Various unit sizes include studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts. The project also includes high-end residential amenities such as a private clubhouse, pool, spa, tennis courts, pet park, and much more to provide world-class tenant experience.
Situated by the public port, the residents and visitors of Portside Ventura Harbor have the waterfront view and can take an advantage of both the California weather and the location through outdoor activities such as boating and going for a jog along the pedestrian-friendly sidewalks as well as a nearby 2.5 acre public park at the other end of the site. Additionally, the project will include public neighborhood-serving components such as boat slips, boater facilities, public parking and ground-level retail.
CLIENT
Mill Creek Residential
PROJECT SIZE
272,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
248 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2019
Hollywood, California
Located in the heart of Hollywood just blocks from the historic intersection of Hollywood and Vine, Modera Hollywood features 248 luxury apartment units and 12,800 SF of commercial space in three buildings.
This mixed-use project in this very walkable neighborhood offers a clean, sophisticated design palette with tall transparent retail spaces at the ground level and a series of contemporary floating wood masses that create visual movement to break up the building façade above. Expansive roof decks overlooking the Hollywood cityscape are provided on both buildings while top floor units capture the surrounding views with large storefront windows under a projecting canopy.
CLIENT AvalonBay Communities
PROJECT SIZE
1,423,000 SF
UNIT COUNT 695 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Phase 1 & 2 Completed in 2020
Phase 3 Scheduled For 2021
Hollywood, California
Featuring 695 units with 24,900 SF of retail space, this development’s impressive scale is initiating the gentrification of the surrounding area.
Located less than one mile south of Hollywood and Highland, the project is geared toward younger creative class tenants. AVA Hollywood features a wide variety of social gathering places throughout the property set amid bold supergraphics. An exceptionally wide pedestrian-friendly sidewalk fronting busy Santa Monica Boulevard provides safe and comfortable access to an exciting array of shopping and dining opportunities. Residents and their guests are sure to spend quality time at numerous indoor and outdoor amenity areas including the roof terrace overlooking the outdoor lounge and spacious pool deck below.
In collaboration with Design Architect Koning Eizenberg Architecture, our team will serve the role of Executive Architect and contributed our strength in technical expertise and design efficiency.
CLIENT
Streamline Development
PROJECT SIZE
211,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
PROJECT STATUS
Under Construction
San Diego, California
Located in the heart of North Park in San Diego, this project is located on a small site at the southeast corner of Polk and 30th Street. This 8-story wood over podium apartment building utilizes a triple stacked mechanized parking approach to reduce the amount of below grade parking needed and allowing more density to maximize the extense of the Type III envelope.
The programmatic elements are central to the project planning and prioritized to the corner for maximum exposure to the community. This serves as a window to the neighborhood from the residents living within, as well supports the idea that the project can market itself to the community by showcasing the value the property provides to perspective tenants.
An outdoor roof deck is located to maximize southwest sun exposure as well as reduces the height of the courtyard walls to allow sun to penetrate deeper into the common courtyard for more hours into the afternoon.
CLIENT AvalonBay Communities
PROJECT SIZE
565,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
475 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2025
Angeles, California
Conceived as a creative base camp to a wide spectrum of creators and artist, AVA Arts District is a 7-story development in the southern half of the Arts District located in downtown Los Angeles. The site was once home to a cold storage facility and will be transfered into a new vibrant live/work mixed-use development.
The project provides 475 live/work units with ground floor retail and multiple indoor and outdoor spaces dedicated to arts, production and personal wellness on site. 20% of the live/work units allow for light industrial uses and all live/work units include a minimum of 150 SF of uninhibited working space within the unit.
CLIENT Garden Communities
PROJECT SIZE
644,000 SF
UNIT COUNT 115 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2018
San Diego, California
Designed as the first of a four-tower master plan, LUX UTC is a 6-story high-rise residential project with a rooftop pool/spa terrace and a lounge that features a dramatic 270’ tall tapered transparent glass “sail” accenting the cosmopolitan architectural style. Located at the crossroads of La Jolla Village Drive and Genesee Avenue and adjacent to the Westfield UTC Mall Center, the project reflects urban planning principles that focus on pedestrian connectivity within the site and beyond to the adjacent neighborhoods. The main lobby and individual town home units at the tower’s base have direct access to the community’s pedestrian path system.
A collection of rich amenities are contained at the top of the tower, including a rooftop pool, glass-edge spa and an array of private cabanas and indoor/ outdoor amenities for the residents.
CLIENT TRJLA
PROJECT SIZE
528,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
500 Units
PROJECT STATUS Entitlement
Angeles, California
Located in the heart of Chinatown, this 2 acre site is directly adjacent to an existing and well-celebrated Buddhist Temple on one side and Hill Street to the other. A unique ‘S’ configuration was concieved that provides open courtyards overlooking both sides of the building and enclosed on three sides by the residential units above. A thoughtful idea was to connect each courtyard together on the podium level and inviting the podium to reach the ground floor with an exciting landscaped ramp that effectively links the ground floor retail and street environment to the podium deck and courtyards above.
The design is bold and striking and embodies the new life and direction this very old neighborhood has as it looks to reignite its presence in the broader downtown region.
Los Angeles, California
Located at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Barrington Avenue in the prestiguous Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, this project enjoys prominent visual exposure from the Wilshire corridor, as well as northern vectors looking up Barrington Avenue to the Santa Monica mountains.
PROJECT
This mixed-use project incorporates luxury apartments and creative office space over ground floor retail. The design is inspired by the site settingformal orientation to the city grid of the LA Basin and highly sought after vistas to the mountains offered from the upper levels. This duality is expressed in the massing form and how each side of the building orients to either the city or the mountains. Moreover, this projects deploys cutting edge programmatic ideas that capitalizes on the nature of creative office by offering office users access to the a common amenity deck to utilize lap pools, fitness and outdoor recreation amenities shared by both office users and residents alike. The roof of the tower is provided for exclusive use of the residents as a resort-inspired roof lounge with separate pool.
CLIENT Cityview
PROJECT SIZE
384,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
378 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2025
Oakland, California
Designed for maximum views to the waterfront, Oakland Waterfront Parcel J takes cues from the historic 9th Ave Terminal Building located within the specific plan and responds by adapting the proportions of the windows and monumentality of the base to this dynamic mixed use project. Additionally, given Oakland’s storied legacy as a waterfront city and powerhouse shipping port, the project also drew inspiration from the old lighthouse that was once located at the mouth of the harbor. The lens from the lighthouse had a distinct serrated profile as a way to amplify light. The project takes a contemporary interpretation of the lighthouse lens to provide distinct expression at key locations to create a beacon-like corner that faces the public park and adjacent promenade.
CLIENT
Megatoys & LOWE Enterprises
PROJECT SIZE
607,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
320 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2016
The Garey Building is a 320 unit and 15,000 SF commercial mixed-use project in the Artist District of Los Angeles. For this project, Garey Street was vacated to create an exciting pedestrian promenade connecting 1st and 2nd Street. Along this promenade are retail stores, restaurants, water fountains, outdoor seating and art displays. The brownstone walk-up units at ground level draw inspiration from East Village in New York. In addition, elements of the adjacent warehouse and industrial architecture were incorporated into the building’s design. Six separate courtyards, with different types of activities for residents, have been provided on the podium along with two recreation centers along the promenade.
CLIENT CGI Strategies
PROJECT SIZE
310,000 SF
UNIT COUNT 121 Units + 125 Keys
PROJECT STATUS
Entitlements
Los Angeles, California
Currently under construction and located directly adjacent to the forthcoming Metro Station at Wilshire Boulevard and La Brea Avenue, 639 South La Brea seeks to blend the boundary between residential and hospitality by combining the lifestyle of a 125-key boutique hotel and an attitude-enriched 121 branded residential enclave.
It is designed as an 8-story podium-style building with 5-levels of Type III over 3-levels of Type I construction with subterranean parking levels. While the retails on pedestrian-friendly street level are easily accessibly for public users and residents alike, spacious areas of the upper floors provide outdoor amenities including rooftop pool, bar, cabanas and lounge areas that take in the views in all direction from the site.
Designed in collaboration with Morris Adjmi Architects, the building is intended to pay homage, in a contemporary fashion, to the cherished Art Deco architecture found in the surrounding area.
CLIENT Garden Communities
PROJECT SIZE
41 Acre (Site)
UNIT COUNT
2,100 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2013
With 2,100 apartment units, Casa Mira View is a multifamily project in San Diego. Several Mediterranean-based architectural styles were chosen to provide differentiation within the larger community while complimenting each another at the same time. The five-story residential buildings are set amid 48 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds featuring impressive large-scale art installations. Resort-style amenities include outdoor living rooms, cabanas, multiple swimming pools and courtyards, sports courts, numerous retail outlets provided for the residents’ convenience, and a centralized recreation center with bowling alley, rooftop retreat and state-of-the-art fitness center.
CLIENT Mountain West Capital
PROJECT SIZE
180,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
270 Units
PROJECT STATUS In Design
Located near the corner of Third Avenue and Alvarado Street in Chula Vista, this project seeks to provide exceptional orientation and views to the San Diego Bay to the west. A unique approach to sequence of amenities and project orientation, the project provides an internal paseo connecting all the individual courtyards along a procession culminating with a celebration of amenities orientated toward the southern exposure of sunlight and westerly views to the water.
Pasadena, California
Located along the Walnut Street Corridor in the Central District of Pasadena, Hudson West creates a vibrant mixed-use development that addresses the housing needs of the area and provides neighborhood serving retail and muchneeded public open space. A public plaza on Walnut Street, flanked by groundlevel retail spaces, opens onto a central courtyard for the residents. Above the ground level are four stories of Type V construction, providing 82 units.
CLIENT
Holland Partner Group
PROJECT SIZE
627,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
648 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2017
Los Angeles, California
Located in City West, a rapidly redeveloping neighborhood just north of downtown Los Angeles, Be DTLA’s articulated contemporary design has ties to the existing architectural context. Negotiating the sloping 4-acre site required complex shoring to accommodate two levels of subterranean parking with seven stories of double podium residential and commercial above. 606 “ground up” apartment units range from studios to 3-bedroom units. In addition, 42 historic adaptive re-use units are located on site in a 1920’s medical office building originally designed by AC Martin.
Emphasis was placed on pedestrian connectivity with significant landscaped courtyards and paseos. The 26,000 SF of street-level commercial space, including a 16,500 SF grocery store, activates the streets and contributes to the comfort and convenience of tenants and visitors alike to experience elevated urban lifestyle. A public plaza facing 6th Street also adds to the list of amenities including a two-level fitness center, clubhouse, rooftop pool/spa terrace and even a “speak-easy”.
San Diego, California C + C
CLIENT
PROJECT
PROJECT
Downtown Chula Vista is in the midst of a major redevelopment and C+C compliments the scale and mature landscaping of this beautiful neighborhood. C+C consists of 43 apartment flats ranging from studios to three-bedroom units.
All units overlook Church and Center Streets which further activate the street scene of this existing neighborhood. Colorful geometric balconies introduce a creative liveliness while the landscaped and shaded roof terrace provides residents with scenic views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific beyond.
CLIENT Garden Communities
PROJECT SIZE
34 Acre (Site)
UNIT COUNT
1,800 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2013
San Diego, California
Patterned after a Mediterranean hillside village, the eclectic architectural style and varied color palette of La Jolla Crossroads helps to break up the building massing of this high density development. An impressive array of contemporary art is featured throughout the community in public plazas, pool terraces and more secluded courtyards. Resort-level amenities, concierge services and resident-serving retail make this apartment home community feel more like a destination resort.
CLIENT Forest City
PROJECT SIZE
204,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
237 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2016
Los Angeles, California
Located on a 2-acre site in the heart of Los Angeles’ Chinatown, Blossom Plaza is a mixed-use, transit oriented, gateway development. The project serves as the main pathway from Chinatown’s Historic District to the elevated MTA Gold Line station through Blossom Plaza’s Cultural Plaza and commercial arcade. In addition to 43,000 SF of retail space, there are 237 apartments including 53 affordable units. Our team collaborated closely with Forest City and Johnson Fain, the client and design architects on the project respectively.
CLIENT Garden Communities
PROJECT SIZE
528,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
500 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2019 (Phase I)
Irvine, California
The amenity-rich development of Elements consists of 1,600 apartment homes and 17,000 SF of retail space on a 23-acre urban in-fill site. Currently under construction, Phase I of the project includes 500 units and a one-acre park while Phase II will add 1,100 more units and retail spaces.
The architectural concept was to take “elements” found in nature and develop a series of design vocabularies related to building massing, use of color, materials and textures. Inspired by the elements: wood, metal, earth, water and fire, the resulting architectural styles complement each other for design continuity yet contrast nicely to help break down the scale of the overall community.
CLIENT
Streamline Development
PROJECT SIZE
92,000 SF
UNIT COUNT 160 Units
PROJECT STATUS Early Design
San Diego, California
Located in East Village in downtown neighborhood of San Diego at 17th and Imperial, this high rise project is a joint venture partnership with Streamline Development. This project is a high profile site located directly adjacent to the 5 freeway near the mass transit and other neighborhood supportive resources.
CLIENT Mill Creek Construction
PROJECT SIZE
262, 000 SF
UNIT COUNT 210 Units
PROJECT STATUS Complete
Pomona, California
Located on the corner of Towne and Bonita Avenues in the City of Pomona the development provides for 210 multifamily housing units. Two, four story, type V buildings share the 5.1 acre site with three-hundred plus parking stalls provided in both integrated and separate garages, carports and surface parking. Private balconies are furnished for each unit and common roof decks with gathering spaces are offered for the residents at each building to allow for such activities as movie nights, dinner parties, or fitness classes. Common amenities and open space are also offered at a central clubhouse, fitness area that is linked to the outdoor courtyard pool deck and lounge. Additional outdoor amenities are arranged as a green belt buffer to the adjacent residential development and offers sports-oriented activity areas, a dog park and children’s play area. The buildings are designed in a simple, yet elegant, modern style with a concise palette of materials in keeping with the surrounding context and reinforced by the landscape design of native, drought conscious plantings that will blend the site and building into its surrounding landscape. As the development is situated adjacent and near to the Metro Link rail and several top tier universities the project provides for much needed housing for the area’s student and workforce populations.
CLIENT City View
PROJECT SIZE
688,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
441 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Entitlements
Located at the heart of the historic Westchester commercial center and gateway to LAX, this triangular 2.4 acre site is poised to revitalize the surrounding community. The project is composed of 441 market rate units, 16,000 sf of retail space, and three levels of parking. The triple level podium is topped with five levels of residential surrounding two distinct courtyards. Contextually, the site is fronted with three different conditions. Along Manchester Avenue (Highway 42) to the north, the bulk of the building is placed along side this multi-laned high speed corridor. With single family homes to the south, the design terraces down east to west, creating multiple roof decks as the scale of the building responds to the residential context. Terracing culminates at the south-west corner where the residential levels open up allowing the interior courtyard to spill out to the façade, where the residents will activate and overlook the ground level retail plaza. Connecting across to the historic 87th Street commercial block, this corner retail plaza provides a termination point as well as additional retail and outdoor dining. The building façade is composed of a series of undulated block elements and carve-outs allowing the scale of the building to change based on the three different contextual conditions around the site.
PROJECT
Entitlements
California
Echo Park’s iconic Taix French Restaurant site will be transformed into a new mixed-use development. While embracing the neighborhood’s rich architectural history and progressive building design changes, our redesign introduces a fresh take on this unique development by incorporating architecture that is rooted in geographical and cultural context. The new design thoughtfully plans to engage and support the surrounding community in terms of building scale and vernacular.
This six-story buildings will feature 170 market-rate apartment units, including 24 affordable units, in addition to a 13,000 SF of streetfronting commercial space and basement parking for 220 vehicles. The commercial space takes advantage of the busy foot traffic of the Sunset Boulevard and Resevoir Street while the paseo creates a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
PROJECT
PROJECT
Hollywood, California
Located within the Hollywood community of the Los Angeles area, this new mixed-use development is proposed to be a seven-story building and will include 276 residential units - 13 of which would be affordable housing for ‘very low income’ households - in addition to approximately 24, 000 SF of neighborhood-serving commercial retail and restaurant spaces and 312 parking spaces. Alternatively, an approximately 27,000 SF grocery store could be constructed in lieu of the proposed retail and restaurant uses and 318 parking spaces.
CLIENT
USAA, Patrinely Group, Lowe
PROJECT SIZE
722,558 SF
UNIT COUNT
407 Units
PROJECT STATUS
100% SD
5 levels of type III over 4 levels of type I including 1 level of below-grade type 1 (level p1). Multifamily residential use (407 units) with at-grade commercial parking (level 1) for the adjacent mall and required guest parking. Secured residential parking at levels B1, L2, L3. Amenities, courtyards and pool at level 4 podium. Leasing office, mail/package rooms and business center at level 1.
CLIENT
Alliance Development Services
PROJECT SIZE
82,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
44 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Complete in 2022
San Diego, California
Ollie is a new six-story residential development in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego. Conveniently located near coffee shops, craftbeer bars, small boutiques and a weekend farmer’s market, this 44-unit contemporary styled urban in-fill building provides a mix of one- and twobedrooms primarily targeted for young professionals. A ground-level lobby, leasing office and resident amenity area are easily accessed from street level with an indoor/outdoor clubhouse for residents overlooking a spacious amenity terrace on the third level podium deck. Bold accent-colored metal panels are located throughout the building to express creativity and warmth.
CLIENT Jade Enterprises
PROJECT SIZE
453,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
250 Units + 300 Keys
PROJECT STATUS Entitlements
Los Angeles, California
Located at the corner of Venice Boulevard and Hope Street in the downtown neighborhood of South Park, the project consists of two towers. The 22-story tower contains a 300-room hotel while the 23-story tower includes 250 residential units and 13,000 SF of retail and a parking podium for 288 cars.
The Paseo funnels pedestrian traffic from Venice Boulevard into the project. The main lobbies for both towers are located at the center of the Paseo, creating an active social corridor and destination for visitors entering from Venice Boulevard as well as from the vehicular entry towards the South. The 13,000 SF of retail lines all sides of the project, with increasingly lively programs concentrated towards the Paseo. During the day, the towers are envisioned to serve convention attendees, professionals, residents, and visitors. At night, the space will be activated by various activities such as concerts, sporting events, bars, and restaurants to provide users world-class entertainment and nightlife.
CLIENT
Urban Stearns/Lyon Living
PROJECT SIZE
228,000 SF
UNIT
PROJECT
Los Angeles, California
Located along Variel Avenue in the Warner Center specific plan, 6036 Variel Ave is a mixed-use project that responds to the specific plan’s unique and challenging requirement to provide 15% of the project’s FAR as non-residential uses. To accommodate the mixed-use requirement, this project delivers fully on a resort-inspired community by incorporating 39 hotel keys into the podium portion of the project on level 2 and 3. An expanded lobby space is sized to accommodate the combined traffic of the residential building and the hotel uses. This large lobby fronts to Variel, but orients itself to the publically accessible open space to the side of the building so as to allow a free flow of activity and energy from the heart of the project (the lobby) to the landscaped urban space effectively doubling the project’s ‘frontage’.
PROJECT
PROJECT
Hollywood, California
Located one block from the historic and iconic Capitol Records building, the Yucca Hollywood is a new 30-story mixed-used project that will bring 269 residential units and 7,760 SF of commercial/restaurant space to Hollywood. A five-story podium base, clad primarily in solid panels and glass, establishes the project’s clean contemporary design while containing retail space, resident lobby and parking structure. A series of landscaped outdoor amenity areas, including a spacious pool terrace, sits atop the podium at the fifth level where residents will overlook the surrounding city views. A multi-colored glass tower steps back from the podium on all four sides and features an array of varied balcony cutouts and projections to create patterns that ripple across the facades and provides a sense of vibrancy.
CLIENT Brookfield
PROJECT SIZE
422,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
399 Units
PROJECT STATUS In Design
Newark, California
The Newpark Mall located in Newark, CA in the East Bay is slated for major redevelopment over multiple phases to densify the mall district by adding 1,000’s of units in the existing parking lots surrounding the retail.
Phase II is slated to be a Type V wrap building consisting of 399 units with a ground floor retail plaza that ties in with the rest of the Newpark Mall Redevelopment master plan. The site sits along the perimeter of the mall along an edge that is lined by a curvilinear ring road. To respond to that context the proposed building offers a highly articulated edge to create an urban gesture to the community and providing areas along the base of the building for outdoor open space and pocket parks.
PROJECT STATUS In Design
Angeles, California
Situated in the heart of Los Angeles’ rapidly evolving Arts District, this 12-story mixed-use development dynamically blends three key components – a 129-unit Live/Work condominium tower clad from top to bottom in artwork created by a group of local muralists, a highly creative 113-room boutique “art” hotel, and over 70,000 square feet of community-serving retail space including a diverse array of shops and restaurants.
Arts District Center draws inspiration from the local LA Arts District, using art as a unifying theme. Nearly a decade in development, the resulting project has intentionally differentiated itself from others by infusing artistic flourishes throughout. Additional examples of this guiding vision include dedicating a pedestrian-friendly Art Plaza on the corner of Fifth and Seaton Streets, over 10,000 square feet of Art Gallery/Event space and over 3,000 square feet of artist-collaborative space known as “CoLab” for aspiring designers and artists.
CLIENT Urban Stearns
PROJECT
PROJECT
San Pedro, California
111 N. Harbor is a new 30,000 SF mixed-use development that will take advantage of its scenic view of the San Pedro waterfront and is also conveniently located in close proximity to the city’s parks and beaches.
A contemporary seven-story building features 120 residential units and approximately 4,200 SF of street-fronting retail space above a two-level, 147-car basement parking garage. The residential units provide a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units and also include 11 affordable units and nine live/work dwellings. Amenities include a deluxe courtyard and three rooftop decks, where residents and visitors can take in the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and enjoy the nice California weather.
Strongly inspired by its local context, the building design and color palettes mimic shipping containers. Creating a focal point from the Harbor Boulevard, our design team applied playful mix of red, blue, and white exterior while the facade along Beacon Street to the west utilizes dark color to add a sophisticated modern touch.
CLIENT Rose Equities
PROJECT SIZE
2,046,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
1,057 Units
PROJECT STATUS Entitlement
One Metro West is a mixed-use community that brings multifamily residences, creative office space, retail, a park and an event plaza to Costa Mesa. Located on 15 acres in the northwest corner of the city, adjacent to the 405 Freeway, This development will become the new northern gateway to Costa Mesa.
1,057 residential units distributed across three buildings with distinctive architecture feature an “Equinox”-style 24/7 fitness center, yoga and aerobic studio and wellness room with oxygen stations and cryotherapy, multiple rooftop amenity terraces and open spaces for recreating and lounging. Three resort-style, saltwater swimming pools, including a rooftop junior Olympic-sized pool, all with spas and cabana areas are positioned throughout the master plan. The project also features a 1.7-acre park and event plaza designed to hold intimate musical performances, outdoor theatrical productions, community-sponsored meetings and celebrations. A 25,000 SF “jewel box” creative office with a roof garden and event space within the park is complimented by 6,000 SF of specialty retail.
LOS ANGELES
900 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2800
Los Angeles, CA 90017
T. 213 683 1900
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
4305 Hacienda Drive, Suite 500 Pleasanton, CA 94588
T. 925 648 8800
SACRAMENTO
2500 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 210 Sacramento, CA 95833
T. 916 783 9500
SAN DIEGO
401 West A Street, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92101
T. 619 500 7899
