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Test-Fit
In light of changing needs and districting, Portland Public Schools hired DLR Group to assess six outdated K-6, K-8, elementary and middle schools (Rose City Park, Roseway Heights, Holiday Center, Youngson, Rice-Pioneer, and Applegate) for conversion into modern middle schools. Under a tight schedule, DLR Group’s provided facilities assessments, ADA studies, seismic studies, life safety assessments, and architectural design. Two of the six projects moved forward into renovations. These complex tenant improvements focused on building system renovations, ADA upgrades, and security improvements. Additionally, each project involved overlapping project phases and a complicated school/building use schedule. At the start of the project, Rose City Park was operating as a 1-8 grade school. Due to redistricting and nearby middle school conversions, the District determined it would best serve the community as a K-5 elementary. DLR Group’s design for a variety of renovations was phased over two summers. In Phase 1 classrooms were renovated, ADA improvements were made (including site work and ramp additions), and finishes were upgraded (flooring, ceiling, and paint). In Phase 2 a new elevator was installed, which included design sensitivity to the historic brick structure and building circulation.
Design Achievement - A unique addition to Oregon State University’s historic Goss Stadium excites both players and fans, and helps the Beavers maintain one of the strongest baseball programs in the country. The addition provides student-athletes and coaches a state-of-the-art locker room facility, and offers their fans a new viewing and hospitality deck from atop its roof. DLR Group’s design carefully sites the new building in left field, with direct field access for players and coaches to their lockers and treatment rooms. A public entrance from the concourse welcomes visitors into a small reception area outside a main conference room and head coach office. The roof deck above the locker facility establishes a new social setting for fans, with spectacular views of the entire field and stadium. It offers concession amenities and a shade canopy. Scope Summary - This new 4,000 SF, 1-story locker room building with direct field access serves as the primary venue for meeting and recruiting prospective student-athletes. It includes 38 lockers (one accessible), showers, toilets and lavatories. A new players lounge, taping room with ice machine, coaches offices with a private locker/shower are also included. A reception area includes a counter for food, soft seating and TV. Graphics inside and outside the facility support the players and traditions of the program. The rooftop hospitality deck has open-air concessions and a canopy, and provides both picnic tables and standing tables for the fans. The deck is accessible from the concourses by either stairs or a bridge. DLR Group provided architecture services. DLR Group provided architecture and interiors services.
Test FIt
When Oakridge School District’s planning had just begun, their driving issue was a prior failed attempt to merge 7th and 8th grade into the high school. We brainstormed through three separate sessions with the community regarding how to rectify the issue on site and ended up with the alternative of putting them back on the site they left, but expanding that site to fit an alternative grade configuration – a 5-8 intermediate school. These are popular in the mid-west and in Texas, and resonated well with the community, which felt their 6th graders were falling through the gaps. This single action rallied the community around all the District projects. We continued to reach out to the community in order to respond to the uniqueness of the region: the foothills of the Willamette Pass. We also strove to correct a 40-year old design problem left to the District: The entry was through the back of the gym with the office halfway down the hall. We responded to the need for an entry and maintained the regional character of the area by building the addition on the front of the building and reconfiguring some spaces in the existing building. DLR Group believes in creating designs that elevate the experience of everyone while embracing the character that has developed through generations of neighbors, businesses, and cultures that call that area home.
Test FIt
Part of a $433 million bond to positively impact over 17,000 students in the district through major facilities renovations, safety upgrades, and new construction. This project included significant renovation of Career and Technical Education facilities at the North and South Campuses of Sabin -Schellenberg. The Sabin Campus reimagined campus wayfinding and identity by redesigning exterior graphic signage, CTE icons, and building signage. With each of these projects, DLR Group’s team has met the widely varying needs of North Clackamas School District by providing design expertise ranging from architecture, interiors, engineering, and energy services. This includes basic, large-scale repairs (plumbing, heating, ventilation, windows, roofing, energy efficient lighting, and upgrades to school grounds), to the design of specialized instructional spaces (including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and vocational). The design supports District initiatives of connectivity, safety, and security ensuring all students receive safe and equitable experiences at these facilities.
Design Achievement The site planning for the new Jefferson County Courthouse responds to the local context and regional geologic and natural surroundings. The site is located at the edge of the civic area of downtown and City Hall to one side and residential neighborhoods to the other. DLR Group’s design responds to the transitional quality of the site by locating highly public functions facing city hall and more private office areas facing the residences, while the main entry connects to an existing public plaza serving Madras City Hall. All of the courtrooms have been elevated within the building to the second floor in order to bring direct natural daylight into the courtrooms. The high clerestory windows for the courtrooms also invoke the natural landforms of the area. Scope Summary The scope of work for this project includes approximately 67,000 SF for the new Jefferson County Courthouse. The lobby and entry have been designed to provide direct views out for security and supervision from one point. A drop-off area and new parking lot to the east of the new courthouse are located along the existing City Hall access road. Strategic views to the outside such as the judge’s ability to see the sky from his/her bench and long corridors which end at full-height windows provide a day-lit connection for the public. The interior circulation provides a constant separation of travel paths between visitors, court staff and in-custody defendants. All of the courtrooms have been elevated within the building to the second floor in order to bring in direct natural daylight into the courtrooms. The courthouse was also designed to accommodate future expansion. DLR Group provided programming, architecture; mechanical, electrical and structural engineering; and interiors services.
Part of a $433 million bond to positively impact over 17,000 students in the district through major facilities renovations, safety upgrades, and new construction. This project included significant renovation of Career and Technical Education facilities at the North and South Campuses of Sabin -Schellenberg. With each of these projects, DLR Group’s team has met the widely varying needs of North Clackamas School District by providing design expertise ranging from architecture, interiors, engineering, and energy services. This includes basic, large-scale repairs (plumbing, heating, ventilation, windows, roofing, energy efficient lighting, and upgrades to school grounds), to the design of specialized instructional spaces (including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and vocational). The design supports District initiatives of connectivity, safety, and security ensuring all students receive safe and equitable experiences at these facilities. ************************************************************ DLR Group has been working with the North Clackamas School District for nearly four years as part of a $433 million bond. The Sabin-Schellenberg Career Technical Education (CTE) campus encompasses renovations and additions to four buildings composed of CTE programs. DLR Group helped bring to life the school district’s vision of being recognized as the top CTE program in the state of Oregon with the renovation and addition of over 145,000 SF of space. The design supports innovation, connectivity, safety, and security ensuring all students receive safe and equitable experiences. Services: architectural, structural and mechanical services for an addition and renovation of 145,000 sf. Date Completed: August 2021
Test FIt
Amid increasing public attention on law enforcement and the criminal justice system, Benton County engaged DLR Group to communicate to voters the merits of its impending public safety and health local option levy (LOL). DLR Group was hired to “quarterback” the county’s informational campaign. Working with a core team that included the county’s public information officer, DLR Group identified and managed a polling organization to conduct public opinion polling for the county’s LOL renewal and work with the county to develop relevant polling questions, with the information gathered from the polling effort informing primary LOL messaging. DLR Group is providing strategic guidance on LOL messaging and producing a countywide mailer and pamphlet that will provide impartial information about the levy. DLR Group is working with the county’s PIO to ensure the marketing materials attain “safe harbor” status from the secretary of state’s office. Pending a March vote by the county’s board of commissioners, the local option levy will be referred to the May 2021 primary ballot.
Design Narrative: Set amongst a challenging, diverse urban environment, Rockwood Charter School is a key part of a multi-phase urban redevelopment bringing renewed vitality to the Rockwood neighborhood of Gresham, Oregon. DLR Group’s design brings collaboration and celebration of the over 70 languages and cultures present in Rockwood, which factor into the instructional approach of this K-12 school. The overarching theme of the project is, “A compassionate response to Rockwood,” utilizing cultural, economic and sociological differences as key decision drivers. In addition to crafting flexible learning spaces, common areas of the building will include a kitchen, dining facility, band room and other amenities that can be utilized by the surrounding community. Scope Summary: The scope of work includes a 65,000 SF three-story building to house 730 students in a K-12 public charter school. Both the exterior and interior spaces have been designed to be flexible and adaptable to respond to future growth and programming changes. Careful incorporation of City-required façade components will allow the site to feel like a village- catered to the human scale. The project is anticipated to begin construction in the near future. DLR Group is providing architecture, site planning, mechanical, electrical and structural engineering, and interior design.
[not written to specs] Strategic Plan to implement new vision for adult correctional services at 14 facilities with 14,702 beds in the State of Oregon with an emphasis on special needs, medical, mental health, and geriatric populations. DLR Group investigated deferred maintenance needs at all campuses, facility locations, facility highest and best utilization, operational mechanism, and how to more quickly achieve The Oregon Way and Destination 2026 (DOC initiatives for improving outcomes). A cost-benefit analysis of the merits of how to strategically implement improvements while planning for future consolidations was conducted. Functional workgroups were interviewed and the findings were reflected back to the leadership group to make informed decisions about the future. Appropriate best practices for ODOC from across the globe were also a component of the process. Outcomes of this Master Plan included the adaptive re-use of an existing facility for mental health, medical, and geriatric adults in custody. In addition, ODOC is closing three facilities due to lack of operational flexibility and high deferred maintenance costs.
Public Charter School for Grades K-12 (730 Students) and Master Site Planning.
Public Charter School for Grades K-12 (730 Students) and Master Site Planning.
Design Narrative - Nestucca K-8 School sought to create a space that would bring grades 6-8 back from the Jr/Sr High school interim location into a place with an identity of its own. DLR Group’s design approach for this modernization/addition included connecting a new single-story facility to the existing building in a way that weaves students, staff, and community together through a large light-filled common space. The new facility includes a double gymnasium, locker rooms, media center, music room, alternative education classroom, CTE “maker space” room, and new District office and school administration areas. Originally, the district and administrative facilities were in portable buildings beside the K-5 campus. DLR Group’s design strategically included the district administrative facilities within the school, locating it at the opposite end of the Commons as the school’s administrative spaces to improve flexibility, community, supervision, and security. On top of that, Nestucca K-8 school received six new classrooms, a commercial kitchen, commons/cafeteria, individual room VRF HVAC heating and cooling units, and state of the art potable water filtration system. The installation of a new well and water treatment system provides clean, fresh potable water to the existing and new campus spaces. The Nestucca K-8 project was unique from other projects because the community’s needs were considered from the beginning of the design phase. For example, the school’s modernizations also created a space for Nestucca to host after-hours community functions and provide a place for the community to evacuate if an emergency occurred. Additionally, DLR Group honored the staff’s request to move the building’s public access and bus loading areas away from the busy highway. The new single-story addition and modernizations of the existing campus create a sense of community and an equitable environment for all who set foot on the Nestucca K-8 campus. Scope Summary - The new single-story addition added 38,000 SF to the existing elementary school, resulting in a school of 71,000 square feet. The addition gave Nestucca the ability to expand the curriculum from K-5 to K-8. Nestucca K-8 School now serves 350 students and can accommodate future enrollment needs. The classrooms are grouped in a way to provide flexibility for organizing based on grade or other grouping. Additionally, the classrooms have access to a shared learning commons and breakout spaces which will allow for collaborative learning. DLR Group provided architecture, planning, engineering (mechanical, electrical, and structural), and interior design services.
Design Narrative - With over 1,300 online classes and 24,000+ students enrolled worldwide, Oregon State University Ecampus Division is one of the leading online academic programs in the country. As OSU looks to their future, they wanted a visionary road map that prioritizes future funding and facility needs while defining a successful growth and implementation process. To achieve that goal they retained DLR Group to help them establish planning principles and a guiding framework for future development and enhancement of the campus environment to accommodate future growth and functional space needs. DLR Group employed a consensus-driven and campus sensitive approach to engagement with various stakeholder groups throughout the process. Using innovative online tools for collaboration and active engagement the team created and evaluated test-fits for Ecampus’ physical growth and expansion of international enrollment, research, and corporate partnerships. The resulting flexible guiding framework enables OSU to respond to changing conditions, campus-based curriculum and/or pedagogies, evolving technology, and increasingly scarce resources while focusing on collaboration and learning that extend beyond the traditional classroom or workspace. Scope Summary - The feasibility study provides a 5-10 year aspirational framework for Ecampus’ space accommodations. DLR Group programmed approx. 25,000 asf in partnership with Ecampus leadership and developed strategic alignment with the capital plan/forecast for future capital funding scenarios. DLR Group provided planning, programming and fit planning.
Jackson County’s current jail facility is grossly undersized for the current housing requirements and future projections for the County. They have determined a new facility is necessary to develop around their principles of treatment for inmates while in the justice system. The foundation of treatment through volunteer programming, medical assistance, counseling, and treatment support defines the car provided to the County’s communities. The new facility will have modern housing for classifications of inmates for security and treatment levels. Separate building for treatment housing and programs will be provided to ensure the model is conducive to the programming operations with normative spaces and areas where operators can successfully and directly address the needs of the people. DLR Group is facilitating the programming and operational staffing for the new facility to be provided in a November 2019 bond measure for operation costs. The campus is 47 acres for approximately 750 beds within 250,000 GSF.
Kennedy elementary school is an existing one-story, wood framed building, serving students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The primary school was built in 1964, with a classroom addition in 1968. A secondary building containing a music room and gymnasium was built in 1977. The proposed addition will add seven general classrooms, cafeteria, kitchen and new covered play structure. There will also be renovations to existing administration and existing kitchen that will become a multipurpose room. The project scope includes various site improvements including the addition of a new paved bus drop-off and visitor parking area, added landscaping and storm water swales, total re-roofing of the existing building, and a PV array installation. Also included in the scope is the removal of four temporary/modular classroom buildings. DLR Group is providing Architecture, Interiors, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Structural, and Acoustic Design.
DLR Group partnered with Linn Benton Lincoln’s Educational School District (LBLB ESD) to provide a robust space plan and facilities assessment. By taking the current state (addressed through a needs assessment and current space usage analysis) and by adding to LBL ESD’s intended future state (determined through visioning and data collection/analysis) a roadmap was established, including workplace standard recommendations and test fits at the LBL ESD building. The resulting recommendations define the “right” workplace environment needed for County Departments with consideration of future expansion and flexibility needs through a budget-minded approach. The building itself serves as an administration and IT hub for multiple Oregon school districts, and also includes regular visits by students and their parents to receive testing for special needs. Thoughtful consideration for the mix of staff and student needs at the building led to changes in the initial zoning, resulting in a collaborative work environment focused on health, wellness, and the student experience. The building’s exterior was also considered in the assessment and space plan, to ensure that any changes would minimally impact the historic façade.
DLR Group was hired by the City of Tigard to develop space needs and site planning to consolidate City facilities. A prior planning effort started with a deep dive for the Police space needs and concluded with an initial estimate to replace the rest of City Hall. That assessment concluded in February 2020, and soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic moved almost all City functions to virtual and remote working. After a significant time of working from home, the City wanted to understand what work modality changes might be incorporated into the plan for new City facilities. This effort included surveying the public to gauge in-person versus virtual services delivery, skate park input, and parking needs. Specific organizational approaches include a unified service counter, space standards, hybrid workspace metrics, and future needs were all incorporated into the analysis. As space needs became formalized, siting the building became a major focus of the project. The City had a site and they goals were to provide a new City building, a parking garage to serve city hall and police staff and visitors as well as the public coming downtown in the evenings and weekends, replacement skate park, and potential mixed use housing. Implementation options along with cost estimates were developed to give the City a full picture of the total project investment. DLR Group is providing programming, planning, architecture, and engineering services.
Design Achievement - DLR Group has provided design, planning and engineering services for North Clackamas School District as part of a $433 million bond to modernize their schools. The projects that are a result of the bond will positively impact over 17,000 students in the district through major facilities renovations, safety upgrades, and new construction. DLR Group’s latest focus is the North Clackamas School District's Owen Sabin - Ben Schellenberg Professional Technical Center. The CTE program spans across three campuses with buildings dating back to 1967. DLR Group helped bring to life the school district’s vision of being recognized as the top CTE program in the state of Oregon with the renovation and addition of over 145,000 SF of space. The design changes support District initiatives of connectivity, safety, and security ensuring all students receive safe and equitable experiences at these facilities. Scope Summary – The renovation and small additions focus on providing cutting edge CTE space to support a variety of programs including: fabrication, auto-motive, fabrication, cosmetology, and culinary arts. In addition to architecture and interior design services for the renovation of Owen Sabin – Ben Schellenberg Professional Technical Center, DLR Group scope includes the design of experiential graphics as well as interior and exterior wayfinding solutions. The new experiential graphics create placemaking opportunities within the buildings that also add wayfinding cues into the existing architecture. Exterior monument signage, vehicular signage, and pedestrian signage directs users and visitors between the three campuses while a consistent design makes it simple to identify arrival to campus. DLR Group provided architecture, interior design and experiential graphic design.
We were brought in to analyze the hight school baseball field netting, to propose solutions to extend coverage of fly balls (balls were frequently landing on the nearby tennis courts.  Upon investigation of structural solutions of the project, we concluded that the simple, inexpensive fix the district was looking for was not feasible.  Home plate was located too far from the netting structure (solution would require moving the entire field or the entire netting system) and the current structure was not strong enough to handle any additions in height.  We advised the client as such and recommended concluding the project at this juncture.  They concurred.
Design Achievement - A beloved and historic Klamath Falls community icon, Union High School is undergoing a renovation and addition to bring 21st century learning to an aged facility. DLR Group's design will bring needed re-zoning of spaces to support specialized learning in Science, Vocational/Technical education, Fine Arts and Wellness, with additional resources such as performance space, school commons, collaborative group areas and administration offices. ADA accessibility issues will be resolved, seismic reinforcement, as well as an important addition of athletic facilities. The project is currently under construction. Scope Summary - Totaling just over 148,000 SF, renovations will encompass the majority of work at 137,146 SF, with additions totaling 10,920 SF. DLR Group is providing architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, and interior design. Additionally, bond planning and campaign assistance was provided prior to the passage of the current school bond funding the project.
This project consists of an interior remodel of Centennial Middle School. The Centennial School District has decided to add 6th grade to the current 7-8 school. To achieve this goal, Harold Oliver Elementary School will be renovated to a middle school. CMS will be renovated to modernize the media center, provide a secured vestibule, update locker rooms and modernize 9 science classrooms. The interior hallways will also get new flooring and lighting.
Design Achievement - A beloved and historic Klamath Falls community icon, Union High School is undergoing a renovation and addition to bring 21st century learning to an aged facility. DLR Group's design will bring needed re-zoning of spaces to support specialized learning in Science, Vocational/Technical education, Fine Arts and Wellness, with additional resources such as performance space, school commons, collaborative group areas and administration offices. ADA accessibility issues will be resolved, seismic reinforcement, as well as an important addition of athletic facilities. The project is currently in design. Scope Summary - Totalling just over 148,000 SF, renovations will encompass the majority of work at 137,146 SF, with additions totalling 10,920 SF. DLR Group is providing architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, and interior design. Additionally, bond planning and campaign assistance was provided prior to the passage of the current school bond funding the project.
Ronald Reagan Elementary School is unique because it is a grade level school as opposed to a neighborhood school. As such, it was designed to accommodate grades 3 and 4, while being flexible to be shifted to a K-6 school in the future. In an effort to provide maximum visibility throughout the campus, the project was designed using three 8-classroom wings with exterior access that open onto a central hard play court area, with an administration/library building and multi-purpose building completing the U-shaped layout. In order to accommodate the future campus grade conversion, a building pad location was provided adjacent to the multi-purpose building and drop-off area to allow for the addition of a kindergarten building. Having to build the school on a minimal budget of State funds and developer fees, the DLR Group team created a structural design system that was identical on each building. This saved costs and reduced construction time on the 41,933 square foot school. The multi-purpose building uses the same structural building system but spans a greater distance at a higher height. The building provides a raised stage, serving kitchen with some cooking capabilities for community events, restrooms and storage. The building seats 400 for dining and nearly 600 in chairs. The facility has become the most used venue within the District and a model facility. The site, which was the biggest challenge for this project, was provided to the District by the developer as part of an original mitigation agreement. However the District was ready to proceed with the design and building of a school but the developer had not yet finalized the area’s development plans and streets. As such, numerous planning and site development issues needed to be resolved. These negotiations slowed the process and had potentially costly implications. The DLR Group team became the District’s trusted advisor to assist them through planning and negotiations with the developer. It was through a team approach that the District received the desired site while mitigating many potential additional development costs.
This project consists of an interior remodel of Harold Oliver Elementary School. The Centennial School District has decided to add 6th grade to the current 7-8 middle school.  To achieve this goal, Harold Oliver Elementary School will be renovated from an elementary school to a middle school.  With a renovation to modernize the media center, replace locker rooms, and add three science classrooms, the school will be better suited for middle school students. To further accommodate the move to a middle school, the administration wing will also be renovated to add offices and meeting space with a new  health room and secured vestibule. The interior hallways will also get new flooring and lighting while the school gets a new  PV array on the roof.
Design Achievement The scope of work for the 110,000 SF Franklin Elementary School campus includes the removal of relocatable classrooms along the west alley and construction of a new two-story classroom building to replace them. This building will house an addition to the existing library on the first floor with a multimedia room and an outdoor reading room.   In addition, there will be two classrooms with outdoor learning spaces and an informal amphitheater. The second floor will have four classrooms accessed by an open corridor.   A sculptural, folded roof will shelter the building and provide it with a unique identity.   Both Franklin and McKinley Elementary Schools are participating in a tree planting program to meet the "2030 Challenge," which encourages a 50% reduction of carbon emissions from all new buildings by the year 2030.     Beginning in the year construction is completed, one tree will be planted in honor of each graduating class until the year 2030.   The trees will symbolize DLR Group's and the District's commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment while adding to the beauty of the campus.
Keizer Elementary will be expanded to relieve overcrowding and prepare for future growth. In addition to reactivating the front entry, this addition and renovation will include a new cafeteria and kitchen, four new classrooms, a multi-purpose fitness room, and improved separation of parking and drop-off. DLR Group's design will also bring many functional aspects up to modern standards including plumbing, intercom system upgrades, replacement of partition walls, expanded wireless capacity, card access systems for increased safety and security, transparency and visibility from main entry and office, and library media center improvements. Inspired by the regional theme of quarries to lakes, the design considers planes, levels, canopies, and materiality.
DLR Group provided design and construction administration services for administration/library building modernization and site improvements at Sierra Middle School. The building consists of 3,234 sq. ft. library and 2,102 sq. ft. administrative office area with principal's office, vice principal's office, conference room, nurse room; computer classroom, and staff lounge/workroom. The building also includes restrooms, storage closet, and library office. The modernization included renovation and expansion of restrooms, revisions at kitchen, replacement of all HVAC units, and addition of HVAC to two gyms. Site work includes new plaza, parking lot revisions, and new drop-off area, as well as fencing and removal of existing pre-school relocatable classrooms.
Design Achievement - DLR Group has provided design, planning and engineering services for North Clackamas School District as part of a $433 million bond to modernize their schools. The projects that are a result of the bond will positively impact over 17,000 students in the district through major facilities renovations, safety upgrades, and new construction. DLR Group’s latest focus is the North Clackamas School District's Owen Sabin - Ben Schellenberg Professional Technical Center. The CTE program spans across three campuses with buildings dating back to 1967. DLR Group helped bring to life the school district’s vision of being recognized as the top CTE program in the state of Oregon with the renovation and addition of over 145,000 SF of space. The design changes support District initiatives of connectivity, safety, and security ensuring all students receive safe and equitable experiences at these facilities. Scope Summary – The renovation and small additions focus on providing cutting edge CTE space to support a variety of programs including: fabrication, auto-motive, fabrication, cosmetology, and culinary arts. In addition to architecture and interior design services for the renovation of Owen Sabin – Ben Schellenberg Professional Technical Center, DLR Group scope includes the design of experiential graphics as well as interior and exterior wayfinding solutions. The new experiential graphics create placemaking opportunities within the buildings that also add wayfinding cues into the existing architecture. Exterior monument signage, vehicular signage, and pedestrian signage directs users and visitors between the three campuses while a consistent design makes it simple to identify arrival to campus. DLR Group provided architecture, interior design and experiential graphic design.
Design Achievement – Gateway Mall opened its doors in 1990 which conveniently draws together the local communities of Springfield and Eugene Oregon. Located in Springfield Oregon, the mall is not only close in proximity to the Interstate 5 highway but conveniently draws the local community together by conveniently bringing together both small and large anchor tenant stores but food venues as well. To stay current and relevant for their targeted consumers Rouse Properties decided to redevelop the mall. As the architect of record, DLR Group plans to revitalize the mall by replacing a large portion of the covered mall with street level shopping. These shops face the main parking lot and are connected to other parts of the mall via a pedestrian sidewalk that runs the full length of the east facade. By revamping the tall main entrance to make it more welcoming and inviting, the entrance will ultimately set the look and feel for the rest of the mall. Scope Summary – The 198,484 SF Gateway Mall Redevelopment will transform the look and operation of the mall. Although the new tenant spaces have already been leased DLR Group is redesigning the mall interior, inside the covered area which includes the main entrance which will ultimately enhance the overall shopping experience. The project is located in a zone containing a mix of residential spaces (many of which are apartments) and retail spaces (strip malls and single box retail). Due to its size, this project will dominate the existing retail context. DLR Group provided architectural, interiors and MEP services.
Corvallis School District passed a bond measure in the May 2018 with funds for two new replacement elementary schools (Lincoln and Husky), along with the replacement of 21 modular classrooms across the district’s elementary schools with permanent classroom facilities, the addition of multipurpose dining commons at four elementary schools, capital repairs district-wide, safety upgrades district-wide (including the improvement of seismic safety), and the modernization of teaching spaces district-wide. systems renovations, ADA upgrades, and security improvements. These projects also involved overlapping project phases and a complicated school/building use schedule. Renovated schools include: Jaguar ES, Wildcat ES, Invale ES, Adams ES, Franklin ES, Garfield ES, and Mountain View ES. DLR Group provided architecture, mechanical, electrical and structural engineering design services.
The project involved modernizing a 60,000 sq-ft two-story Jewish synagogue and religious school built in the 1950s, retaining its identity in the community and reinvigorating its spiritual ambiance for its members and for outreach to new members. The work entailed renovating the sanctuary and the school by upgrading the building’s infrastructure to current code, by increasing seating and improving lighting in the sanctuary, by modernizing the classrooms, and by demarcating areas for religious ceremony and religious instruction. The sanctuary uses rich colors of deep plum and honeyed-wood stains.  Its light-colored ceiling adds a spiritual open-air feeling. The lighting system uses five levels to enhance assemblies, rendering expansiveness to large gatherings and intimacy to small ones. Curved cushioned custom wood benches increase seating by 15% and improve sightlines significantly.  The woodwork to the arc’s custom doors is stylized with elaborate Judaic imagery.  Concentric curves from floor to ceiling expand the perception of space while retaining the sense of a common center. Designed for durability, flexibility, and a child’s excitement, the classrooms use bright colors with a stimulating floor pattern of elongated rectangles across the entire length. The walls are bright laminate cabinets customized to the client’s specifications for an effective educational environment. Completion date: 2000 Total square feet: 60,000 GSF Awards received: AIA San Fernando Valley Chapter Citation Award 2002 International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Southern California Calibre Award 2002 Relevance to Hillel at USC: Traditional architectural styles expressive of values of Jewish culture & heritage Focus on Jewish culture Similar program components, including: multi-purpose areas, administrative offices, classrooms Provided fundraising support
The Yitzhak Rabin Hillel Center at UCLA serves Jewish students from all denominations—Reform, Conservative, Orthodox—with University-sponsored programs and other services to help center their faith around an academic and social life influencing important lifetime decisions of career, family, and religious practice. The new three-story facility over one level of subterranean parking fulfills Hillel’s longstanding mission to strengthen the roots of Jewish students during their transition to adulthood. Aesthetically, the Hillel Center seeks a sacred feel, not overly religious, but one suffused in time and tradition, manifesting the permanence of Jewish life and of its experience throughout history. The Center provides ample space for religious study, observance, and social events: a large multi-purpose room, a student lounge, an outdoor patio, kosher kitchen and dining facility.  The kosher meal program, currently not provided by the University, is an important service component for Jewish students who follow traditional dietary customs. The new center recalls ancient eastern Mediterranean architecture, particularly found in Jerusalem, which is characterized by rounded archways, heavy bearing walls, and deep recessed windows.  Breaking down the mass of the building, simple rectilinear openings deliver a contemporary interpretation of these traditional forms and expansive views of the surrounding area. The majority of the third floor’s northern edge is set back and articulated as a light frame.  Its curvature softens the façade and introduces a circular theme that is repeated along the south wall forming three chapels and creating a village of smaller forms. A Jerusalem stone masonry façade evokes images of the Wailing Wall to convey a deep religious presence.  Wooden ground floor doors welcome students warmly.  As much as anything, the Hillel Center wants to be a “home away from home,” a place for young Jewish students to receive personal, social, and religious support during their undergraduate years. The architectural context along Hilgard Avenue, opposite UCLA’s eastern perimeter, is predominantly religious. On the south side of the new center is St. Alban’s Church, on the north, a new Christian Science Center. St. Alban’s is an elaborately detailed Italian Romanesque-styled church with its Gothic arched entrance, detailed wooden doors, and a pink brick exterior. The two buildings achieve an architectural confluence through compatible building massing, historical architectural motifs, and material coloration. The orange tint of Hillel’s Jerusalem rock exterior complements the church’s brick tone.
This project consisted of replacing classroom finishes at walls and floors, new non-bearing walls, removal and replacement of base cabinets and sinks in classrooms, removal and replacement of ceiling systems, renovation of restrooms for accessibility, replacement of door hardware for ADA compliance, remodeling of office area, removal and replacement of finishes at relocatables (interior and exterior), demolition of 3 relocatable/modular buildings, roofing the entire campus, replacement of HVAC duct and system, upgrade of electrical/add intrusion alarms, upgrades to fire alarm/new clock system, and providing two new relocatable buildings.
Close to district capacity, Bonsall Unified School District was ready to expand. The former K-8 elementary district turns to the future with the implementation of a new high school. The ability for the new Bonsall High School to foster growth was integral to the design process, as the size of the school district’s student population was expected to double over the course of six years. The educational planning for this facility provides for numerous collaborative spaces and flexibility, while acknowledging the projected influx of student enrollment. The addition of Bonsall High School better unifies the district and creates practical learning opportunities through a modern design. The design of this 50,000 SF, two-story high school campus was driven by educational concepts and a careful consideration of the site. The campus planning was phased to accommodate growth and expansion, and the educational planning provides for numerous collaborative spaces and flexibility, while the architecture responds to the agricultural and rural nature of the region while infusing the design with modern materials and methodologies. DLR Group provided architecture and planning.
Del Lago Academy brings cutting-edge integration to its K-8 campus. The school is designed in a modern indoor-outdoor fashion and promotes a free-flowing and flexible campus. Administrators, students, and community members alike prioritized the outdoors when participating in the school’s design symposium, resulting in immense view windows and easy access to outdoor learning labs throughout the campus. Del Lago Academy uniquely took advantage of community participation throughout the design process, creating a well-loved neighborhood anchor and educational facility. The school spans 156,000 SF across a 22-acre site and is designed to provide for an enrollment of 1,500 students in a highly integrated, collaborative learning environment. Learning villages are developed in 2 two-story classroom buildings designed for program flexibility with decentralized multi-disciplinary labs, collaborative learning spaces, and transparent connections to outdoor learning labs. The academic buildings are designed with internal circulation around collaboration commons designed to promote multi-age and multi-grade learning strategies. DLR Group provided architectural design services to this project.
Design Achievement - The community and adjacent Joint Use Park played a significant role in the site development for the new Rio Vista Middle School, which is nestled within a network of trails and walkways connecting the surrounding neighborhood to the school. DLR Group's design creates 21st Century learning opportunities for students and staff and encourages community use of the middle school. The collaborative design process involved all stakeholders, including both District and Developer representatives, as well as members of the community. As a result, large group gathering and social spaces such as the library and gymnasium are designed for easy access to facilitate community use after school hours and on weekends. Expressive shed roofs on the middle school respond to the pastoral setting of the area, enhancing views to and from the campus courtyards and providing each building with a distinct character. A restrained palette of green and ochre exterior plaster walls harmoniously blends into the natural landscape. Scope Summary - The new middle school sits on a 17.6-acre site within a master planned community. The 74,000 SF school accommodates 600 students and includes a 17,000 SF gymnasium, 15 general and eight specialty classrooms, a 14,500 SF multi-purpose building, a 3,000 SF lunch shelter, and 9,500 SF administration/library building. Surface parking is available for 270 cars. In addition, four baseball diamonds, four tennis courts, and seven basketball courts are on site. The design also incorporates functionally-based decorative elements including reduced ceiling heights in the locker room areas adjacent to the 17,000 SF double-height gym and covered exit stairs located on the outside of the building, both of which add visual interest to the building's composition. DLR Group provided architecture and planning services.
To enable future expansion within the existing Clatsop County Jail, the Sheriff’s department agreed to relocate to the existing probation building in Warrenton, OR, three miles from Astoria, the County center. The existing building was underutilized, and a modernization of the building would allow the probation and sheriff services to run concurrently from the one location. For the Sheriff office to relocate, it would require space for secure evidence storage, mustering, office, probation, and associated functions. As design progressed, it was evident the existing funding was not available to include all the resources, so the design team worked diligently with the owner to identify the “must haves” and limit construction to the existing floor plate as much as possible, demolishing the least amount of walls possible, reusing existing toilet rooms, adapting the existing system to accommodate the functions, and providing a modular building addition in lieu of expansion to the building. The final construction used simple tactics such as renovating all finishes and reusing existing components wherever possible to produce a modern, clean building that can unify the two departments and provide a fresh face to Clatsop County’s services.
Located on the east side of the South Quad, the expansion of CSU Channel Islands’ dining facility creates a vital campus center. DLR Group transformed circa 1930s-40s buildings into an exciting full service dining complex to provide a variety of food service options for students, visitors, faculty, and staff. Modern, state-of-the-art dining spaces are enhanced by outdoor eating areas, improved access, and ADA compliance. Our design respects the historic California Mission-style architecture of the campus. Phasing allowed for ongoing operations through construction.
Design Achievement - The site planning for the new Jefferson County Courthouse responds to the local context and regional geologic and natural surroundings. The site is located at the edge of the civic area of downtown and City Hall to one side and residential neighborhoods to the other. DLR Group’s design responds to the transitional quality of the site by locating highly public functions facing city hall and more private office areas facing the residences, while the main entry connects to an existing public plaza serving Madras City Hall. All of the courtrooms have been elevated within the building to the second floor in order to bring direct natural daylight into the courtrooms. The high clerestory windows for the courtrooms also invoke the natural landforms of the area. Scope Summary - The scope of work for this project includes approximately 30,000 SF for the new Jefferson County Courthouse. The lobby and entry have been designed to provide direct views out for security and supervision from one point. A drop-off area and new parking lot to the east of the new courthouse are located along the existing City Hall access road. Strategic views to the outside such as the judge’s ability to see the sky from his/her bench and long corridors which end at full-height windows provide a day-lit connection for the public. The interior circulation provides a constant separation of travel paths between visitors, court staff and in-custody defendants. All of the courtrooms have been elevated within the building to the second floor in order to bring in direct natural daylight into the courtrooms. The courthouse was also designed to accommodate future expansion. DLR Group provided programming, architecture; mechanical, electrical and structural engineering; and interiors services.
DLR Group provided guidelines for campus growth and development so that future changes to the campus respect the existing California Mission-style architectural vocabulary and preserve open spaces while increasing density, introducing flexibility into buildings and systems, providing accessibility, and creating a pedestrian-friendly, sustainable campus. The Master Plan outlines architectural and landscape guidelines as well as overall goals, including: enhancing the central mall, quads, courtyards, and vistas; creating campus connections through open-space linkages and pedestrian pathways through buildings; establishing clear and accessible circulation patterns for pedestrians and vehicular traffic; increasing density; identifying sustainable design strategies; and incorporating flexibility to support current and future academic programs and student life.
This adaptive reuse project transformed a 1930s era structure being used as a temporary library facility into a modern, full-service hub for student activities and socializing at California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo, CA. The project was entirely funded by Channel Islands students and the new student union now anchors the southwest corner of the grand University Mall as a vital campus center. Throughout the programming, planning, and design of the project, DLR Group worked closely with the Channel Islands Associated Students Incorporated (ASI), an appointed and elected body consisting of students, faculty, staff, administrators and a Ventura County community representative. The student members of the ASI Board had the opportunity to impact all levels of the project, including furniture design, color, design of specialty rooms, and even the naming of facilities within the union. Consistent with the California Mission style architecture of the campus, this adaptive re-use employs the massing, arcades, plaster finishes, and clay tile roofs to match the surrounding campus buildings. The scope of work for this project encompassed the renovation and reuse of approximately 13,000 SF of existing building and the addition of a new 19,000 SF, two-story wing. The design created modern, flexible, state-of-the-art spaces in which students can relax, interact, and socialize. The new student union houses career services and administrative offices, computer labs, conference rooms, and student organizations. Student amenities include quiet areas and collaboration spaces, TV lounges, a convenience store, and a coffee/juice bar and deli. Site improvements included redefining the existing courtyard into an ADA compliant outdoor gathering and event area. Sustainable design elements to meet the California State University Program for Environmental Responsibility include high performance glazing, recessed windows, and extended overhanging eaves to maximize daylighting and minimize solar gain. Occupant comfort is enhanced with the use of operable windows that permit natural ventilation and energy-efficient lighting fixtures equipped with space occupancy sensors to reduce energy use.
The site for the new Rosemont High School is a portion of a former 300 acre gravel mining operation in the southern part of Sacramento County. The west portion of the site contains the main campus school buildings. The east portion of the site is excavated approximately 40' lower than the upper level and contains the athletic facilities.   The high school buildings are centrally located on the upper level. A complete separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic is maintained in the site plan. A multiple-building campus plan maximizes natural light into classroom areas, reduces the scale of the high school facility, and provides access to outdoor teaching and gathering areas. The buildings are organized around a central courtyard and pedestrian street. The courtyard acts as the hub of the campus and contains a multi-purpose amphitheater and outdoor dining area. The pedestrian street reaches east from the courtyard past the swimming pool and auditorium to the student/event parking and the athletic stadium. The athletic stadium features an 8-lane track, which is acceptable for California Interscholastic Federation-sactioned events.   The high school was designed to be built in two construction phases. The initial 234,000 SF phase accommodates approximately 1,600 students. The administration building, three of the four classroom buildings, the library/media center and laboratory building, the student commons / physical education and athletics building, and the music and art portions of the fine arts building were constructed in the first construction phase. The additional classroom building and an 800-seat performing arts theater highlight the second phase, allowing for an enrollment of 2,000 students.   Rosemont High School was designed with state-of-the-art educational technology integrated throughout the campus. The classroom houses were designed around a technology center with wired and wireless Internet access for laptop carts and student/teacher workstations. The technology centers include audio/visual systems for large and small group presentations. Wireless access is also provided in the library/media center, small auditorium, and other student commons areas. The science lab houses include an array of data, voice and video systems that support a cutting-edge science and technology curriculum.
Prominently located along Avenida César Chavez, East Los Angeles College’s Parking Structure Lot 3 serves as an integral element of the "front door" for the entire campus. Along with the adjacent Student Services Building, and Main Entry Plaza and Administration Building beyond, this façade utilizes brick veneer panels to establish the campus vernacular. The composition is unified by a banding pattern on the brick panels that corresponds to that of the Student Services Building. In order to clarify wayfinding for first-time students and visitors, the vehicular entries are clearly marked with dramatic wire-mesh canopies and super-graphic signage that announce the building’s function.
Fewer than ten years after opening, Murrieta Mesa High School enrollment was approaching its designed capacity and the need for an additional classroom building was apparent. Because the campus was originally designed by the BakerNowicki team to accommodate growth, the location of the new classroom building had already been determined. The new two-story classroom building slips seamlessly into the campus fabric. It provides 11 new classrooms and houses the JROTC program with office, classroom, storage, and changing areas. A second floor walkway extends from one of the original classroom buildings to the second floor of the new buildlng, maintaining continuity of the original campus organization and operation. DLR Group \| Baker Nowicki provided architectural design services.
Design Achievement Vivid, saturated colors and bold forms reflect the high energy and playfulness of grade school-aged children and energize the surrounding neighborhood.   Scope Summary The two-story, L-shaped, main building houses classrooms, the library and administrative functions, and is accommodated on the constrained site by situating it and the playground over subterranean parking. Placing the classrooms at the perimeter along double-loaded corridors maximized the introduction of natural light and ventilation. The multipurpose room and playground provide joint-use opportunities for after-school and early childcare programs and other community activities and events.
Design Description: West Los Angeles College is moving into the next chapter in its exciting history. In order to reflect this optimistic future, the campus architecture and environs should reflect and promote these positive changes. In order to facilitate a cohesive future build-out on the 72-acre campus, DLR Group’s Master Plan outlines design goals and provides an aesthetic framework for architects, engineers, and landscape architects who will design future projects. This Master Pan comprehensively separates vehicular and pedestrian zones on campus. Within each of these zones will flow a series of unique exterior spaces that will complement their adjacent buildings uses. Planting, lighting, and signage will visually link these spaces together to create a unified whole. Scope Summary: The prominent physical connection to Jefferson Boulevard via College Boulevard and the Jefferson Gateway will strengthen the College's presence in the community. Dynamic cinematic functions, such as the Screening Field and "Back Lot" will reinforce the prestige of the College's burgeoning scenetic design and construction programs. The resulting collection of unique buildings and outdoor spaces will convey a strong campus identity that will instill a "pride of place" in the students and the community.
Design Achievement - Built in 1961 to support the emerging local community, Agua Caliente Elementary School was not up to California code and suffering from deterioration. By replacing all of the campus buildings, Agua Caliente Elementary School has addressed all of the campus concerns, while maintaining the legacy and cultural significance to the neighborhood. By continuing the world-renowned Modernist architectural traditions of the Coachella Valley, the school identifies the neighborhood as an important part of the fabric of the greater Palm Springs community. The new, modernized school is a symbol of rebirth in an emerging community, creating a safe gathering and philanthropic space fit for both adults and children. The school’s unique science-focused curriculum creates an inquisitive environment that is supported by multiple indoor and outdoor collaboration spaces. Scope Summary - The design encompasses 68,000 SF of space over a 12-acre site and draws heavily from the Desert Modernism that typifies the Palm Springs area. Upholding the school’s unique curriculum created the opportunity for the creation of two larger science classrooms, while the school now encompasses 7 pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms, 25 general classrooms, a multipurpose room, a music room, a planting garden, and a two-story library that anchors the campus. The project is designed to exceed Ca T-24 by 25% and provides a generous amount of roof area and parking lot for future on-site energy generation in conjunction with Palm Springs Unified School District’s Power Plan. DLR Group provided architecture and planning to this project.
Design Achievement - Set within the 1.2 million SF center, the new DFS Galleria was the single largest retail tenant at Hollywood and Highland at the time of its construction. DLR Group's design creates a distinct shopping experience for general and guided shoppers, with a flow from a whimsical, fully themed interactive retail environment into an art-modern, sophisticated shop offering the finest leather, jewelry, liquor, tobacco, beauty and high-end boutique retail merchandise. Shoppers entering the store find themselves on a stage set replica of Los Angeles. The LA skyline and Hollywood Hills surround a classic theater box office and movie premiere marquee. A Gone-with-the-Wind style staircase ascends from the LA-themed entryway to the remainder of the stage set on the first level. As shoppers are transported to Level 2, the scenery becomes more sophisticated. Connecting with Hollywood and Highland center's Orchid Walk, the environment becomes more elegant. Marble floors and high-end finishes provide a sense of glamour that is associated with the Hollywood lifestyle. To accommodate future change, DLR Group's team designed the themed spaces so that any one piece representing a merchandise type may be changed with minimal cost and minimal disruption to store activity. Only the ceiling-mounted studio lighting and replica Hollywood projector system over the store are permanent, uniting the overall "studio back lot" theme of the store's first level. Scope Summary - The scope of work encompassed the transformation of two levels of lease space into a 44,000 SF Duty Free destination shop. Level one accommodates 13 merchandise types ranging from snack foods to surf/sportswear, each with its own spaces and fixtures themed specifically to product type. Design of level 2 colocates high-end brand retailing, and entailed coordination and production services multiple boutique vendor packages including Celine, Coach, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Polo Ralph Lauren, Petals, Ferragamo, Hunting World, Burberry and Bulgari. DLR Group provided architecture and interiors services.
At McKinley Elementary School, the new two-story classroom building north of the cafeteria will add seven new classrooms on the 58,000 SF campus. A new entrance will enhance campus security and aesthetics with new signage. The addition of trees and planters into the existing garden spaces will enhance a new outdoor learning space. The signature folded plate roof will announce the main stairs and support the photovoltaic panels. Both schools feature translucent façades with panoramic views and the introduction of natural daylight, and operable windows to facilitate passive cooling with cross ventilation. Overhangs, operable exterior canvas and louvers will minimize solar heat gain. Photovoltaic panels will be situated on the reflective roofs of both schools. Both interiors will feature low-emitting finishes and energy saving lighting with sensors and timers. An educational display on each campus will provide students with information about the environment and inspirational quotes from Benjamin Franklin and President McKinley, the schools' name sakes.
Design Achievement - Since its creation in 1987, the West Sacramento Redevelopment Agency has participated in a wide variety of projects aimed at improving the quality of life for West Sacramento residents. The keystone in their holistic plan to rehabilitate West Sacramento's central business district was the creation of a new Civic Center. DLR Group's design began by working collaboratively with the City to plan one location that could not only efficiently service the needs of the residents, but would also give the city a new notable piece of architecture. Included in the Civic Center is a three-story City Hall with offices for planning, engineering, fire prevention and permitting. Adjacent to the City Hall is a two-story, state-of-the-art council chamber with meeting rooms and a galleria. This flexible space allows for a variety of uses including community displays, art galleries and expanded meeting room space. Conveying a welcoming street presence was a top priority for the City and was accomplished through the creation of a civic plaza, entry monument, site furnishings and plantings. Landscape elements were developed to complement the neighborhood context and the building's civic architecture. A false perspective is created by converging rows of trees at the building's front entrance, accentuating the building as a neighborhood landmark.  Scope Summary - The 64,000-SF civic center contains the 46,130 SF city hall, the 9,000 SF galleria, the 6,122 SF city council chambers, and the city's administrative offices. In order to maintain a comfortable work environment, the project utilizes energy efficient systems such as dual duct space conditioning to allow for flexibility in heating and cooling conditions. The entire system can also be managed remotely through an energy management control system. The state-of-the art council chamber includes technologies such as a document camera which feeds directly into the local cable television network and color corrective lighting. Building materials and shapes were used to create interest both inside the building and on the façade. Smooth textured cement plaster façade is contrasted with split-face CMU base and pilasters, articulated with protruding rectangular, half-round shapes and crowned with over hanging cornices separated by clear anodized aluminum "fins" supported by black granite tile blocks. The curved elements and forms are also mirrored throughout the interior. DLR Group provided architecture and interiors services.
Design Achievement – Los Angeles Unified School District was faced with the challenge of creating a new comprehensive high school in order to alleviate overcrowding and return to traditional calendars at three nearby schools. DLR Group's innovative design for Panorama High School houses an ambitious educational program. The scale of the design is compatible with the surrounding residential and commercial neighborhoods, using varying heights to preserve as much open space as possible on the tight, urban site. At the site's northeast area, the scale of the four-story, U-shaped classroom building matches that of the nearby commercial buildings, delivering a strong urban edge while also forming a more intimately scaled quadrangle that opens to the south. Moving south and west toward the residential neighborhood, campus facilities become smaller and match the scale of the apartment buildings to the south. The food service/physical education building is a freestanding, two-story structure that forms the southern border of the campus, separating the quadrangle from the service yard and parking structure. Drought tolerant landscaping materials create focal areas in the quadrangle and at major building entrances. The interior spaces maximize the use of color to define space and focus the energy of the enclosed activity. Bold colors are also used to differentiate each building and create intuitive way-finding. Scope Summary – The scope for this 417,000 SF high school campus consists of a 277,000 SF classroom building, an auditorium, and a food service/physical education complex. A 225-car parking structure with athletic courts above adds the remaining 140,000 SF. The 18.22 acre site features four structures of various massing arranged around a central quadrangle. The largest of these is the four-story, U-shaped classroom building, which includes a semi-public library, teacher workrooms and administrative offices. The music and performing arts classrooms are located on the ground floor adjacent to the one-story auditorium building, which is linked to the classroom building by a covered walkway for year-round convenience. The two-story food service/physical education complex forms the south side of the quadrangle and houses a community room, competition and practice gymnasiums, an outdoor competitive swimming pool, and other athletic facilities. Basketball, tennis and handball courts are located atop the one-story parking structure. The school's assorted athletic fields total ten acres. During non-school hours, local residents enjoy access to the community room, library, auditorium, gymnasiums, and swimming pool. Most of these shared-use campus facilities are grouped together on the south side of the campus for ease of access from both the sidewalk and the parking structure. DLR Group provided planning, architecture, and interior design services.
The goal of the Mason Hall renovation project was to restore the historic grandeur of the original design while converting the building into a home for Asian Languages and Literature, German and Russian Languages and Literature, Romance Languages and Literature and the History Department. The transitional interior design both pays tribute to the building's historic nature and complements the contemporary features of a 21st-century classroom facility. Ceramic tile, wood molding and other details recall a time past while furniture selections accommodate use of the latest computer equipment and accessories, and room layouts anticipate future technological advances. One of the building's features shared by the language departments is the Foreign Language Resource Center (FLRC), a space designed to house an extensive collection of films, newspapers, and literature as well as computer equipment. The FLRC provides students and faculty a place to study languages and culture through research and interaction. The Mason Hall renovation completes the redevelopment of the College's academic quad and restores a grand façade for Claremont neighbors.
Two wings of classrooms, restrooms and multi-purpose room modernizations.
Creating an educational community, the addition of the Rancho Mirage K-8 campus will complete the foundation that began with Rancho Mirage High School. The new K-8 school is designed with a focus on collaborative educational experiences and a curriculum designed to matriculate into the existing programs at the district’s neighboring high school. To provide comfortable outdoor socialization spaces in a desert valley known for strong winds, DLR Group's design team modeled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) wind analysis to insure that gathering spaces would not be overwhelmed by the high-speed prevailing winds and airborne sand. Throughout the campus, all spaces are considered for their educational opportunities. To accommodate this, numerous spatial opportunities exist for students to engage creatively outside the classroom for an extended education experience that exceeds class time. This project incorporated the design of 107,000 SF of educational space across a 24-acre site with recognition to unique environmental factors including strong wind, sand, and sun. The design solution creates a compact, organized campus that includes a Multi-Purpose, Performance space, a gym, core classroom, STEAM lab spaces, a reinterpreted Library, and a kindergarten complex with shaded playground. The traditional building elements that are prevalent in desert architecture are reinterpreted into a forward-looking design solution that carries on the rich tradition of modern design in the Coachella Valley. Careful attention has been paid to building orientation, solar and wind exposure to create an environment that is suitable to the local climate while fully supporting the educational goals of the district for a truly unique student experience. DLR Group provided architecture and planning to this unique project.
Design Achievement Santa Monica College’s new Student Services/Administration Building will be significantly located with frontage at the campus’ main entry point on Pico Boulevard. DLR Group’s design will consolidate college student services, administrative functions, and information technology into one building, providing centralized access and one-stop service delivery to more effectively serve the college’s 35,000 students. The approximately 116,500 square-foot project will be comprised of a three-story, 86,573 square-foot building atop 30,000 square-feet of underground parking, and will feature a 300-seat concert hall. In order to take full advantage of the magnificent views of the Santa Monica Mountains and optimize solar orientation, DLR Group situated the building along a north-south axis. This orientation creates meaningful public space around it with two distinct plazas, one facing the city and the internal one open to the Quad. The main façade facing Pico Boulevard, dramatically sheathed in floor to ceiling glass, maximizes introduction of natural daylight. A translucent screen that doubles as a photovoltaic solar energy collector shields the south façade from the sun. This plane folds above a large terrace on the third level of the building in the form of a giant wave, alluding to the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Design Achievement - Ahead of the times, Desert Learning Academy Building 500 incorporated distance learning and independent study into its campus model years before the COVID-19 pandemic. Reimagined, it will be transformed into a 21st century learning space, infused with latest technologies to reflect the use of technology into the professional environment and make learning more practical. The inclusion of an E-Sports lab inspires the interests of the student body while providing a location where the District can host gaming competitions. The structure, in collaboration with the campus’ modernist roots, complements the adjacent historical buildings in both scale and materials. Outdoor spaces and a promenade create outdoor environments for learning and socialization. These fresh, new spaces will also benefit from a rich technology ecosystem to facilitate play and performance both indoors and out. Scope Summary - The scope of this project will include a 9,000 SF new build on 2.4 acres of space. The new Building 500 will include a flexible instruction space, with operable walls for multiple scales of instruction and collaboration, a teacher’s professional lab and recording studio, for online instruction, an art lab, assembly space, lunch shelter and a state-of-the-art E-sports lab. The design will uphold Desert Learning Academy’s learning model, with added measures for continual indoor and outdoor flexibility. DLR Group provided architecture and master planning.
DLR Group developed a Facilities Master Plan for Santa Monica Community College District’s 10.4- acre Bundy Campus. We incorporated current and potential future uses, including renovation and new construction of classroom buildings, parking, and open space. Buildings were oriented to create a new outdoor plaza for the satellite campus.
Design Achievement: To respond to enrollment growth, DLR Group worked with Poway Unified School District to develop a new classroom building that would accommodate more learning facilities for their students and faculty. DLR Group’s design achieved Poway Unified School District’s vision by designing a new 21st century two-story building for Stone Ranch Elementary School. The new two-story building is home to new learning spaces for the campus, including collaboration spaces, instruction spaces and a series of outdoor patios intended for outdoor instructions. Scope Summary: This project includes the building of a 17,500 SF two-story building. The school serves 750 students in Kindergarten through Grade 5. The new structure was created in a tight location adjacent from the existing structures and a significant hillside. The new development employs the existing campus materials to maintain a consistent campus identity. DLR Group provided planning and architectural design services.
DLR Group is currently in the process of designing four schools for the Stockton Unified School District’s modernization program; Hazleton and McKinley Elementary Schools, and Webster and Hamilton Middle Schools. For these projects, our educational design studio utilized a refined eight- step modernization planning process. We have received enormous praise from our recent clients for the thorough process of identifying and documenting existing conditions. This understanding allows for accurate detailing, leading to fewer contractor questions (RFI’s) and thus fewer change orders. For these modernization projects, we have utilized an efficient and effective process for clearly documenting as-built conditions within the facilities to be modernized. For these projects, our design team took approximately 100 digital photos for every 10,000 square feet. This documentation was critical in understanding the components of the existing buildings, and provided an aide in the design process. These photos are all documented on the as-built drawings immediately, so that no confusion results in the interpretations. In addition, District administrators were having a difficult time visualizing some of the major infrastructure changes within the facilities. Our designers created a 3-D model of the spaces and presented it to the District with rave reviews. Our firm believes communication is the key to a good architect and client relationship. Sometimes this communication is achieved using the tools we have available to us. The project includes new interior finishes, ADA upgrades, all new mechanical and electrical systems, new fire and life safety systems, and major non-load bearing wall re-configuration within the spaces.
Two wings of classrooms, restrooms and multi-purpose room modernizations.
Design Achievement - With the goal of changing the way schooling is done, Poway Unified School District realized the uniqueness of their delivery of education through a Design-Thinking Environment. The design supports the school’s philosophy of learning being a journey rather than a destination by providing a variety of learning spaces that put the learner at the center. The new adaptive learning environments allows for personalized learning, moving away from a one-size-fits-all model of education. Personalization allows the students to progress forward at their own rate, and in ways that they learn best, as they pursue their passions and prepare for their future. Scope Summary - This unique campus encompasses 156,000 SF of learning space across a 22-acre site. The school was designed around a “Design Thinking” learning model and the campus is equipped to provide for an enrollment of 1,500 K-8 students in a highly integrated learning environment. The educational specifications for Design39Campus focuses on three learning experiences: learning pods with non-traditional grade spans, collaboration areas, and Imagination Studios (Maker Spaces). The design of these spaces support the collaborative community and promotes the student growth mindset necessary to change the world. DLR Group provided architecture and planning to this unique project.
Design Achievement - Courthouses are the arenas within which societal conflicts are resolved and, as such, often bring together families and juveniles under stress. Sacramento County selected DLR Group to develop architecture with the dual aim of designing a building to reflect the dignity and honor appropriate to a courthouse, and provide a dynamic civic statement sympathetic to the fabric of the existing juvenile campus. The massing is composed of several separate volumes with a secure zone designed to protect judges, their immediate staff, clerks, and juries from undue contact with the general public. This zone originates in the lower level at the secure judicial parking area. The secured zone continues at the rear of courtrooms and houses chambers suites, a jury deliberation room, administrative support areas for the courtrooms. This area isolates records and minimizes movement of evidence, judges and staff during the day-to-day activities within a secure environment. The layout also allows judges and staff to have a higher level of interaction and sharing of functions. Scope Summary - The 99,500 SF Sacramento County Juvenile Justice Center comprises two elements: a three-story courts building, and a two-story entrance pavilion. The two upper floors include four juvenile courtrooms per floor paired in groups of two around court holding areas, chamber/clerk suites, administration and court support functions. The first floor contains juvenile delinquency reception/clerical support, a media center, a children's waiting area, staff break areas, court security and control, in-custody delivery and transfer/staging area, and the main entrance lobby. DLR Group provided programming and architecture services.
Because the majority of the limited budget was allocated to the installation of new earthquake-resistant base-isolated foundations, materials were selected and installed to achieve maximum visual impact, from new lighting fixtures to handrail additions to freestanding fan-coil units that minimized intrusion into the historic fabric of the building. In addition to the need to remove the first floor for the installation of the base isolators, the functional requirements needed to be reanalyzed and reconciled with the historic character defining elements of the building, and new mechanical and life safety elements needed to be integrated. UCLA chose to have the building designated a historic building after the Northridge Earthquake. This action resulted in the need for approvals of all proposed construction by FEMA/OES and SHPO as well as compliance with the Secretary of Interior’s standards for restoration. Many of the requirements and codes of these agencies are in conflict with ADA and life safety requirements. In response, the team developed a strategy for resolving each of the various issues and carefully drafted a series of reports that became the basis for their negotiation between the Department of the State Architect (DSA) and the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO). During construction, we provided full-time management of all on-site support services. Our proactive efforts in the field were highly instrumental in the contractor’s ability to make up some of the time lost due to heavy rains, and the construction was completed on time.
DLR Group’s modernization of this 100-year-old high school includes a complete overhaul of the campus. The design renovates and modernizes classrooms to enhance learning, while implementing new student safety and campus security measures. The goal of this modernization is to improve learning with the use of updated classroom technologies that support a 21st century education in a forward-facing environment that supports current schooling techniques. The new state-of-the-art learning environment will better prepare students for the future, while giving them a modern and practical high school education. The La Jolla High School Modernization Project is a 45,000 SF, complicated renovation on an occupied site. The project site provides little staging area during construction and limited construction access during occupancy. The project scope included renovation to the science labs, including the creation of two additional science labs, renovation of the two-story 1965 vintage classroom building, new food services kitchen, renovation of the existing girls PE locker room and fitness areas. Upgrades to building systems and campus communication and life-safety systems, updates to the school’s exterior including new branding and way-finding graphics were also included. The impacted nature of the site and ongoing campus operations, required careful design and planning, as well as intensive collaboration with the contractor during this multi-phased construction. DLR Group provided architecture, interiors, and graphics.
DLR Group is designing USC’s new 47,698 SF Student Health Center, which will house, in a single location, primary and acute care, counseling services, physical therapy, radiology and laboratory functions, insurance and health promotion services, and administrative functions. In order to be reflective of the Italian Romanesque style of the historic core of USC’s historic University Park Campus, the architectural vocabulary will incorporate brick, stone, and concrete construction, punched windows, a pedestrian-scaled base, and red-tile roof.
Design Achievement - Rancho Santiago Community College and the Orange County Sheriff jointly run a training academy for local law enforcement agencies. Their program has a strong military basis, and the learning environment is similar to a military academy. DLR Group’s design consultation resulted in a facility design that accommodates the academy program building requirements and expresses the military academy nature of their approach to training. Scope Summary - The single-story, 53,000 SF facility is comprised of four classrooms that house the academic training program. It occupies a ten acre site, master planned to accommodate a future 20,000 SF Public Safety Training Academy. Site development includes a formal entry gate, walls, fencing, and landscaping to reflect military character and separation of outdoor activities from neighbors.  A gymnasium and weight room contain the physical training and situation training. Also included in the building design are: an administrative suite, a large video production facility, locker/shower/toilet facilities for staff and cadets, dining for staff and cadets, offices for class managers and physical training staff. An obstacle course, a multipurpose training area, a mock-up of a street intersection, a running path, parking for 400 vehicles and a softball field are exterior facilities on site. A quad, formal outdoor place for flag raising ceremonies and inspections sized to allow assembly of the entire student body is prominently located near the student entry and main building circulation. DLR Group provided design consulting services to GKKworks.
USC's Bovard Administration Building is the second oldest building (designed by John Parkinson in 1919) on the university campus and for over four decades has been the home of the University's President, Provost, Board of Trustees and Senior Administration. With the prospect of either condemnation for seismic deficiencies or total renovation and restoration, the university chose to give new life to this "focus building" and commissioned DLR Group to provide full programming, design and construction administration services. The richly detailed historic Italian Romanesque exterior seemed at odds with the interior spaces, which were dark and seemed "unfinished." After seismic strengthening with the insertion of new concrete frames, the team integrated modern amenities such as appropriate lighting, HVAC, fire and life-safety, acoustics, and data systems, as well as ramps to bring the almost 80-year old edifice into complete ADA compliance. Brick finishes were then incorporated to the interior and exterior, and the historic rosette emblem was incorporated in the new ceramic tile detailing as well as patterns in the corridors, and metal HVAC grills in the Board Room.
The Locust Street Intergenerational Center and Senior Housing project is the first multi-use project built by the City of Inglewood. It is located one block east of Inglewood’s downtown historical district. The project consists of three floors of underground parking, two stories of community center and five stories of housing. Outdoor space includes a community rooftop garden. The center includes a 6,000 SF commercial kitchen which provides over 650 meals for seniors housed in this facility, in other centers, or home-bound seniors.
Originally built in 1961, Innovation Middle School was in need of major modifications. DLR Group’s assessment of the campus revealed the need for a comprehensive master plan and updates, which included a campus expansion to accommodate projected enrollment growth and the addition of 6th grade into the campus. Also included in these updates were the modernization of existing facilities for compliance with codes, district standards and educational adequacy, as well as an expansion and upgrades to facilitate the changes of school district realignment and the conversion of the campus from its original elementary school design to its current and future use as a 6th grade through 8th grade middle school. The scope of work for this project includes 21,400 SF of new building area and 21,700 SF renovated and modernized space. Innovation Middle School was provided with a long-term planning solution to their campus, including the replacement of portable classroom buildings with a new two-story building that includes 10 classrooms, physical education locker facilities, administration, student services and counseling areas. Existing permanent buildings were modernized with upgraded building systems for electrical, lighting, security, life safety, and air conditioning. To advance the educational environment, new student collaboration areas are included in the new building to facilitate integrated and collaborative learning opportunities. DLR Group provided architecture. Interiors, graphic design and master planning.
Design Achievement - East Los Angeles College is located in the Monterey Park community ten miles east of downtown Los Angeles. It serves a multicultural student body from 14 nearby communities. DLR Group designed the East Los Angeles College Student Services Center and new Administration Building in tandem to create a formal student and public entry to this suburban campus.  The architecture uses modern collegiate style forms to reinforce a clear campus identity. Together they are a cohesive and elegant face to new students and visitors. The design includes a redesigned plaza between the two buildings. This park-like space can easily accommodate large student or community gatherings to enhance the academic experience on campus. Scope Summary - The 53,000 SF Student Services Center assimilates student services under one roof, facilitating the enrollment process and providing continuous student support. The 40,000 SF Administration Building houses the office of the president and a conference center. DLR Group provided planning, architecture, and interior design services.
Design Achievement - As a provider of flexible, efficient on-demand financial services, DLC  needed a workspace that would support their operating model and reinforce their brand. DLR Group's design solution is based on their lean operating model which enables them to deliver exceptional value. The playful colors and streamlined furnishings subtly remind DLC's clients that they are paying for results, not overhead. With primary collaborative spaces placed along window walls, the design's bright finishes and floor-to-ceiling glass walls maximize daylight and encourage interaction. Bold graphics and custom furniture, including the reception desk and wall treatments, support the DLC brand.Scope Summary – This scope of work encompassed tenant improvements for a 3,472 SF office suite including a reception and lounge as well as private offices. The new space supports robust IT infrastructures and communications/collaboration technologies including VTC equipment. DLR Group provided interior design services.
Design Achievement - The Glowacki Group, LLC is the creator of a unique process that combines personal coaching and strategic financial advice to help clients with substantial wealth to manage their lifestyle and financial affairs with clarity and confidence. The Glowacki Group's stakeholders envisioned a workspace that would allow them to provide wealth management services in a serene, spa-like environment. DLR Group's design applies finishes, furniture, and interior architecture as an abstract representation of a spa with a cool and soothing color scheme. A water feature in the reception area brings the tranquil sound of water and custom-designed area rugs represent pools with oversized custom paintings imparting an impression of endless fields inside their office. The reception area now receives natural light through the floor-to-ceiling glass separating the adjacent conference room and its windows. An eggplant-colored translucent film provides privacy between the two spaces while transmitting natural daylight. The conference room ceiling features floating acoustical panels. The break room was designed to feel like a café so that users could feel like they are "getting away." Large orb pendant lighting, contemporary furniture, and dynamic paint striping on the wall enliven the space. Additionally, the visual geometric language developed by DLR Group inspired a new logo and brand image for The Glowacki Group. Scope Summary - This 7,500 SF full-floor tenant improvement project presented the challenge of completely remodeling an outdated office build-out while salvaging as much of the walls and millwork as possible in order to maintain an aggressive budget. DLR Group's design reused 65 percent of the existing walls, employing color and lighting as the tools to update the spaces. The TI focused mainly on reception, conference room, and break room. DLR Group provided planning and interior design services
San Marcos Middle School was in need of modernization and expansion of the original, 1970’s era school. The improvements include a new two-story classroom building with 24 state-of-the-art classrooms to replace existing portable classrooms, new physical education locker rooms coupled with a fitness center, renovation of classroom buildings to enhance existing instructional space, and the prioritization of site security and student safety. Also included in the new campus is a new, open campus courtyard, an enhanced entry to the campus administrative office, and renovation of the existing outdated PE track and sports fields. The new campus prioritizes connection, collaboration, and a more natural flow of students. The expansion of this campus, originally built in 1974, consisted of 43,800 SF of new construction and 6,500 SF of modernization, and was designed as a 4-phase transformation to implement various improvements needed to support current instructional programs, code compliance, and enhance the overall campus aesthetic experience. The resulting campus plan locates the new classroom building adjacent to the existing academic classroom buildings. The removal of the original physical education locker building from the academic center of the campus allows for a new open central courtyard to support lunch, circulation, student activities and improved supervision. DLR Group provided architecture and master planning.
This 25,000 SF adaptive reuse transformed a former warehouse into the headquarters for McFarlane Cost Housing Partners. The design delivers a creative, flexible and collaborative workplace within the two story volume. The mezzanines, which provide overflow document storage, create a range of lofty to intimate volumes throughout the space. The project also included a new entry structure with glass, ADA-compliant ramp, entry signage, and new exterior openings along the rear and side elevations, which introduce natural daylight into the workspace. Materials easily found on construction sites were utilized as accents throughout the space to highlight the commitment of the company to expert building.
Design Achievement This new K-6 school accommodates 800 students. The campus is comprised of five classroom pods, each with 5-6 classrooms, a separate building for four kindergarten classes, an auditorium/ cafeteria building that also serves as a multi-purpose room, and an administration/library building. All facilities were constructed in stucco, featuring exterior undulations, asymmetrical elevations, and a color scheme to match the desert topography.   Cost saving design strategies included site-adapting a DLR Group-developed elementary school campus prototype that has proven to cost-effectively meet the needs of K-5 students in other Districts. The design is functional and devoid of superfluous decorative elements, employing rigorous value-engineering to implement the least-expensive design solutions.   Vibrant colors provide the exteriors with cost-effective designs for the façades, and trees - in addition to constructed canopies - serve as shading over walkways to reduce overall costs.
Formerly derided as "the most expensive high school never built", the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center (RLC) (previously known as the Belmont Learning Complex) was the victim of notoriety and negative press over its 20-year history before becoming a thriving and inspiring learning environment for inner-city high school students. With construction about sixty percent complete, the project was halted in 1999 after the discovery of dangerous methane gases and an earthquake fault below the surface. After nearly four years of extensive debate and analysis, the LAUSD Board voted to continue the project in 2002.   DLR Group started the project again in 2003 with a new scope of campus master planning to avoid the fault line; design of new classroom, support, and administrative buildings; renovation of existing buildings for Small Learning Communities; and mitigation of the methane gas. The methane gas-mitigation system includes tubes and venting poles that direct gas into the open air to dissipate. The venting poles double as lighting supports. A 50-foot seismic setback for all buildings was also established.   A tapestry of warm green, yellow and beige tones reminiscent of the California landscape was applied to the buildings, giving them an inviting, non-institutional character. Activities are centered on the large quad and activated by outdoor stairways, seating areas, covered walkways and dramatic overhanging rooftops.
After over 100 years of educating generations of high school students and many years working with the Latino Film Institute and Mr. Olmos’ Youth Cinema Project, the Santa Ana High School campus decided to expand on its already robust portfolio of arts programs by implementing a specialized space for film and cinematic exploration. The Edward James Olmos School for Film and Cinematic Arts brings a unique educational experience to students, which better prepares them for a post-secondary or professional career path. Industry professionals now have a specialized space to work with the students studying Screenwriting, Editing, Broadcasting and Special Effects, which increases the practicality of the educational experience. The scope of work for this project included transforming 15,000 SF of old library space into a state-of-the-art educational facility. This included the creation of a large studio outfitted for filming and instruction, two editing rooms, a digital broadcast suite with control room and studio, a digital media lab, and a flex lab. The new space will serve and heighten the learning of 400 students annually. DLR Group provided architecture and planning to this project.
DLR Group investigated construction deficiencies associated with water intrusion, termite, dry rot, and mold infestation in this 162-unit condominium complex. The interior and exterior of five, three-story buildings and subterranean parking were examined, and seismic retrofit recommendations were made. This project involved testing, analysis and investigation of building component failure and water intrusion, design and construction defect analysis, and seismic retrofit recommendations.
Design Achievement - In 1999, after discovery of methane and an earthquake fault below the surface on the site, construction halted at 60% completion of a previous design of the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center project. Hired to resurrect the project in 2003, DLR Group began design with forensic analysis and determined that weather had severely damaged all walls, roof-top air conditioning systems did not meet efficiency standards, and all warranties had lapsed. Prior to design of a  new campus master plan, DLR Group conducted multilingual community meetings to address lingering safety issues about the site. DLR Group's new design avoided the fault line; added new classroom, support, and administrative buildings; renovated buildings for an SLC model; and mitigated the methane gas. Today, the campus features a commons building that strengthens the campus' urban edge. A multi-purpose auditorium, food service facility and library also help delineate the campus' main quad. The new classroom and administration building is configured as a single-loaded perimeter corridor structure on a terraced hill that faces the new campus courtyard. Activities are centered on the quad and activated by outdoor stairways, seating areas, and covered walkways. Scope Summary - The 472,000 SF school houses 2,800 students. It is designed with a tapestry of warm green, yellow and beige tones reminiscent of the California landscape. These colors convey an inviting, non-institutional character to all visitors. The methane gas-mitigation system includes tubes and venting poles that direct gas into the open air to dissipate. These poles also double as lighting supports. Additionally, a 50-foot seismic setback from the earthquake fault was established for all buildings. DLR Group provided planning, design and architecture services.
DLR Group redesigned Venbrook Insurance west-coast satellite offices to reflect the company’s mission and values. The final plan for the workplace maximized the use of existing walls to reduce the material waste and unnecessary budget expenditures. The finishes and furniture convey a modern, efficient and refined aesthetic appropriate for the profession. High-impact custom details and furniture were applied in the reception area, conference room and executive office.
Design Achievement – River City High School is a unique shared use facility. This is a state-of-the-art facility that includes a full complement of educational, cultural, and recreational facilities to accommodate not only the student population of West Sacramento, but the entirety of the growing West Sacramento community. To this end, the school district and the City of West Sacramento worked closely to include joint-use recreational opportunities within the project so that the facility truly stands as a community asset. The school design features eight major buildings that surround a large central courtyard. The individual classroom buildings allow administration to organize the campus as a traditional comprehensive high school while providing the flexibility to employ small learning community environments. The central courtyard acts as the main pedestrian circulation between buildings and allows students to enjoy the mild California weather between classes and during lunch. The campus also provides the local community a full-service, fee-based recreation center that is run by the City of West Sacramento. This recreation center features a 32-foot high rock climbing wall that acts as a beacon to passersby, and stands as an icon for the entire facility. Scope Summary – The scope for this project comprised the design of a new 319,000 SF comprehensive high school to accommodate 2,000 students with expansion up to 2,500 students. Eight, two-story, 35,000 SF buildings surround a large central courtyard. Careful consideration was given to the organization of the site and the placement of fencing to allow for controlled access between public and private spaces so the recreation center can be used by the public during school hours while maintaining a safe and secure school environment. During school off-hours, the fencing configuration can be adjusted to allow recreation center users access to select high school facilities, such as the cafeteria and the library/media center. Additional shared recreation center amenities include an aquatic center with competition pool, family play pool with a "lazy river," and waterslide; tennis courts; athletic playfields; and 3,000-seat stadium with artificial turf. DLR Group provided planning and architecture services for this project. Challenges – The challenge of this project was to develop a city recreation center accessible during all hours of the day to the general public on a public high school campus wherein separation from the general public must be retained during school hours, but allowing provisions for the campus to be opened up to the public after school hours. Building locations and properly located doors, together with a gate and fencing system that permits opening or closing specific campus areas allows this to occur to the benefit of both students and the general public
Design Achievement - Semillas y Raices, or Seeds & Roots, provides a vibrant, welcoming, and flexible environment for multi-generational farmworker families to plant their roots, find stability and build a flourishing community. DLR Group’s design highlights security and independence to provide families and children better opportunities for growth that can become a foundation for future generations and throughout the community. The concept establishes a single level amenity-rich pedestrian armature that becomes the connective tissue between the existing Orchard Walk East shopping center and future developments. This public paseo is anchored by activities that transcends language-abilities and welcomes the community to interact with the residents. Designed as a livable extension of nature, Semillas y Raices is comprised of terracing two and three-story structures interconnected and oriented to the sun and mountain views to promote sustainability for a healthy community.? The connective walkway, Paseo, is an arced pedestrian spine connecting a series of semi-private patios or courtyards, and a collection of ground level community services. Resources and services provide food and products that are reminders of their home countries; recreational and gathering places bring people together around common activities despite cultural and linguistic differences; and rich murals and artwork pay homage to the residents’ cultural backgrounds, while also breaking down cultural barriers. Scope Summary - Nature and agriculture remain a vital identity for Visalia as the heart of the Valley. This identity is extended into the new place and residents through a comprehensive connective green strategy. The buildings that surround the courtyards promote multi-generational living with the ability to combine and grow units to welcome extended families. Cultural and self-expression can be found through areas such as the community garden which allows resident with an additional source of healthy, low-cost produce and to grow hard to find ingredients found in their native foods, further increasing social bonds and networks among neighbors. The marketplace which features pop-up opportunities share services that resonate with the community the most and provides self-reliance and resiliency to the residents. The physical and visceral elements of the strategies can become seeds to encourage the education of residents, behavior of prioritizing resource conservation, celebration of sustainability features, and the encouragement of future developments to ingrain green livability into the culture of the place. The vibrancy and sustainability of Semillas y Raices can set the standard for future developments and positively influence the region where community public spaces, energy conservation, public art, native landscaping and many of the features become a new normal. DLR Group provided concept design services as part of an internal design competition.
The City of Indio’s Senior Center was no longer adequate in size and design to meet its present and future needs. In response, the City purchased an existing convalescent home for the purpose of relocating the Senior Center to this facility. DLR Group WWCOT provided the City of Indio with master planning, programming, and design services to convert this facility into a full-service senior center. Accommodations include a library/reading room, dining room and kitchen, multi-purpose room, arts and crafts room, quilting room, game room, exercise room, computer room, meeting rooms, and administrative offices.
This new K-2 primary school provides classrooms, areas for small group instruction, a library, nurse's office, multi-purpose room, kitchen with lunch shelter, administrative/staff space, and underground staff parking. The contemporary, stucco exterior features vibrant, color-defined forms with accented windows, resulting in a visually rich and exciting design that will serve as a center for education and provide the neighborhood with a landmark edifice. Students access the front entrance via a safe passenger drop-off zone. After hours, community members can access the multi-purpose room through a separate and distinct exterior entrance. Immediately adjacent to the site is the Ernest Debs Public Park that will provide shared recreational use with the community.
Design Achievement - Entravision, a diversified Spanish-language media company, wanted to improve its workplace to feature the company's extensive Latin-American art collection and provide both indoor and outdoor meeting areas. The new interiors needed to reflect the culture of their sophisticated, well-organized company, while avoiding overused Latin American interior design motifs. DLR Group's design reinvents the office suite as a simple, clean, and modern space and a home for the artwork. Dark grey, black, and white walls increase the visual impact, allowing the artwork and furniture to be the focus of the interior spaces. The project also includes a unique outdoor meeting room located on the terrace that is used for business meetings and social events.Scope Summary – This tenant improvement for a 15,000 SF headquarters converted spaces with a traditional beige-on-beige tone with new carpet, lighting, panel fabrics and a palette of wall paint to increase the visual impact of the company's constantly evolving collection of Latin American artwork. Balcony renovation created an executive balcony for informal meetings overlooking a pool and fountains. To minimize impact on other tenants, the project was completed in four weeks of exclusively after-hours work. DLR Group provided interior design services.
DLR Group recently completed the interior re-configuration of this existing 100,000 square-foot County office building to accommodate new courtrooms, administrative offices, and media rooms.    In addition, we designed exterior renovations to update the look of this 1960s façade to a contemporary look including a more welcoming entry area. Maximizing natural daylight was an important element during the design and renovation process. Our team collaborated closely with the County and Court representatives to develop the program and design.
Design Achievement - The Jewish Home for the Aging Fountainview Senior Apartments design provides a first-class hotel-like experience for healthy, active seniors.  DLR Group's design uses space to enable health and wellbeing, interaction and relaxation, fellowship and entertainment. The design employs stone, window forms, and barrel vaults that reflect a sense of communal spirit represented by the architectural characteristics of historic buildings found in Jerusalem. A view is afforded to each unit by situating them in a W-shaped plan around four distinct courtyards: a public entry courtyard, a dining courtyard and two more private courtyards intended for casual interaction.  All units feature operable windows to introduce fresh air and ventilation.  High ceilings and windows will allow daylight to penetrate deep into each space and maximize the residents' views of the outdoors. Scope Summary - Four-stories were necessary to accommodate the 171,005 SF program on the one-acre site, which exceeds the zoned maximum height in the area.  A conditional-use permit was obtained for a four-story building, which allowed us to fit the 108-unit facility, common areas and 55,000 square-feet of parking underground. Spaces include living, dining, fellowship, and entertainment, and outdoor courtyards with landscaping and water features and in-house amenities such as salon/spa services, movie screenings, bar/lounge, arts and crafts and fine dining. DLR Group provided architecture and interior design services.
Design Achievement - Wisdom Elementary School is both a notable piece of civic architecture in the community of South Los Angeles and a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization. DLR Group's design creates a secure sense of place in an exciting and rich spatial environment. Bold hues of blue, red, green and orange on the exterior reflect the surrounding multi-cultural population and create excitement among young students about the possibilities inside the building. The school's main entrance is located away from busy intersections to create a shielded environment for students entering the site or learning outdoors in the mild Southern California climate. Scope Summary - Wisdom Elementary School sits on a 4.2-acre site and has a capacity of 1,050 students. The 81,782 SF school contains a library, multi-purpose rooms, food service area and lunch shelter, administration offices, playfields and underground parking. It alleviates overcrowding at four nearby elementary schools and enables students to receive more personalized instruction from their teachers. The design meets the requirements for Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) Certification, whose mission is to promote schools that are energy and resource efficient, comfortable, well lit, and contain amenities for a quality education. DLR Group provided architecture services.
Design Achievement - In response to the surge of threats and bomb scares after 9/11, this bomb squad/hazardous materials facility was built to provide first-responders with state-of-the-art emergency response, explosives handling training, and technical operations. The flexible design accommodates future space requirements, new technology developments, training techniques, and staff increases to the year 2030. The facility is also designed as an essential services facility capable of uninterrupted operations with little or no damage following an earthquake. DLR Group's design for this bomb squad building recognizes that officers are subjected to extreme levels of stress associated with the high risk of bodily injury and death and deserve a place of pride and comfort in which to work and train. The result is a facility that is an important piece of civic architecture providing the citizens with a strong symbol of protection. Scope Summary - The new 23,000 SF Metro Bomb Squad facility is shared by both of the Los Angeles Police Departments' Bomb Squad and Hazardous Material Units. Evidence processing rooms and laboratories, administrative and staff support areas, and an apparatus bay area are located on the ground floor. The second floor, which houses training rooms and lockers, is setback from the street and the perimeter of the first floor is raised to provide shading and security to an outdoor break area. The site area accommodates a communications monopole, secured equipment parking, perimeter security wall, K-9 area with run, and a heavy equipment drive-through area. DLR Group provided all architectural and interior design services.
DLR Group’s 38,000 square-foot renovation and 9,000 square feet of new construction seeks to revitalize and expand the existing building’s combinatory religious/educational program and enhance its architectural features.  Our design places curved Jerusalem stone planes parallel to the existing curved shell at two critical points: over the striking new entrance and over the passage to the quiet garden of contemplation. A landmark tower with a glowing lantern serves as a beacon to the community, located at the symbolic entrance of the building overlooking Sunset Boulevard.
Design Achievement - The Culver City Senior Center provides services critical to the community's quality of life. The center offers more than 60 recreational activities, 25 weekly classes, hundreds of special annual events, a full service kitchen providing meals and home delivery, and a volunteer service by seniors to numerous organizations. DLR Group's design creates landmark architecture on a prominent civic site while enhancing the building's functionality and comfort. Like a pair of welcoming arms, the main entry extends out to greet visitors and weave itself into the fabric of the City. The architectural volume on the site's prominent corner vertically engages the tower of the neighboring Veterans' Building. The vaulted lobby is a gesture of the importance of the senior community in Culver City and harvests copious amounts of natural daylight. Scope Summary - The one-story building uses Spanish architectural planning principles with exterior and interior courtyards as the primary organizers of public access and movement about the building. A seismic setback along Overland Avenue led to an asymmetrical design that contributes to the City's unique public architecture that often combines traditional and non-traditional design elements.
Design Achievement - The Valley Bomb Squad Facility provides emergency response to situations involving explosive and hazardous materials as well as support for the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT) during emergency tactical exercises. However, the Squad had long-endured cramped quarters and make-shift areas for training in an existing facility. DLR Group's design for this new building offers a secure, comfortable, attractive and self-contained facility housing highly specialized operations, equipment, and data as well as space for training hazardous-materials responders. The facility's L-shape frames the outdoor training area, and the contemporary architecture complements an adjacent structure forming a cohesive campus. Scope Summary - The 23,000 SF Metro Bomb Squad facility is shared by both of the Los Angeles Police Departments' Bomb Squad and Hazardous Materials Units. Evidence processing rooms and laboratories, administrative and staff support areas and the apparatus bay are all located on the ground floor. The second floor, which houses training rooms and lockers, is set back from the street, and the perimeter of the first floor is raised to provide shading and security to an outdoor break area. The site accommodates a communications monopole, secured equipment parking, perimeter security wall, K-9 area with run, and a heavy equipment drive-through area. A training area supports current technology training, disrupter test pits, a robot obstacle course, a small laboratory with support functions and small Apparatus Bay. DLR Group provided planning, architecture, interior design and construction administration.
Design Achievement - Set in Woodland Hills, California, the Amgen Administrative Headquarters project provided an updated and consolidated workplace for the company's administrative departments during a time of significant growth on their main campus. DLR Group's design emphasizes clarity of wayfinding, agility of use, and immersion in the company's brand beginning with the reception and elevator lobbies. Here, "Amgen Blue" was applied in a unique Venetian plaster texture on wall panels in the reception area to emphasize the double-height space and to contrast with the rich, cherry hue of the reception desk. Embossed on the Venetian plaster of the featured double-height stair wall are Amgen's core company values. A custom handrail adds detail to the grand staircase that opens up the view to the second level. The elevator lobby facilitates impromptu gathering with furniture and communications technology. Moving through the building, a simple and clear plan facilitates wayfinding on each floor. Offices line the perimeter of the workplace with a core of open office space in between. Easily identifiable conference spaces at either end of the core are visually announced with elliptical ceiling and floor treatments that contrast with the rectilinear layout of the offices. Each conference room includes sophisticated audio/visual systems that allow instantaneous communication with worldwide facilities through video conferencing and digital copy/marker boards. Small banquet meeting areas with mobile furniture can be rearranged into breakout spaces. A cafeteria gives Amgen employees a lively, inviting space to eat and relax with various seating options from banquettes, private dining area, and a courtyard dining area were utilized to delineate the space. Vivid colors, prominent graphics promoting brand values, and boldly patterned carpet punctuate this active environment. Scope Summary - This 200,000 SF interior build-out of the shell and core of existing two-story buildings incorporates private offices, open office workstations, suites, training rooms, conference rooms, retail gift shop, and courtyard. Scope also included a large commercial kitchen, cafeteria with seating for 190, private dining facilities, and a large courtyard dining area. The cafeteria was designed to be highly functional and flexible, allowing various seating options to meet the needs of 900 on-site employees. DLR Group worked with the client and contractor to successfully complete the project within a condensed 10-month schedule, from design to build-out to move-in and occupancy. DLR Group provided architecture and interiors services.
Design Achievement - While new offices of Carr Construction are nestled into a traditional warehouse park, the client wanted interiors that reflected the identity of forward-thinking contractors. DLR Group's design meets their programmatic goals while also establishing the space as a marketing tool for the company's continued expansion into the highly competitive Southern California construction market. The design concept uses materials and construction techniques to showcase the contractor's craft in various forms throughout the office. A screen wall crafted with metal studs separates public from private areas and celebrates the everyday material used by the client. The mezzanine, which evokes a "tree house", is home to a large conference room used for formal meetings and a living room space for more intimate gatherings. Further reinforcing the concept of "construction", the design incorporates the CEO's vintage Airstream Trailer. The trailer serves as a one-of-a-kind office and meeting space while stationary, but is still fully functioning and can serve as the CEO's mobile trailer when traveling to view projects under construction. A vibrant color scheme accentuates and complements the materiality of the construction; aids in defining distinct office zones; and playfully evokes an idea of toy building blocks.Scope Summary – This project comprised tenant improvements to 5,000 SF of office space to serve as Carr Construction's headquarters. Spaces include two private offices, 11 workstations, the Airstream Trailer/Office, a reception area, break room, plan room, two restrooms, and a living room. As a part of meeting the design goal to showcase Carr's business, the project used raw construction materials in large and visible design gestures, including metal studs, timbers, metal ductwork, steel beams, and concrete. To showcase Carr Construction's construction portfolio, the project also includes a special office-long, screen-wall which displays projections of completed projects in a constantly changing projection of images. DLR Group provided planning, architecture and interiors services.
Design Achievement – Pierce College, part of the Los Angeles Community College District, is a two-year institution providing students with occupational training and transfer opportunities to four year universities. The new Student Services Building at Pierce College is located at the strategic southern tip of the main Pedestrian Mall. DLR Group's design for the building consolidates all student services in one location to create a welcoming front door for students and visitors to campus. The design addresses and supports a vital student need by incorporating the Career/Transfer Center in the building's lobby. The design clarifies function and wayfinding and features walk-up windows and internet-based services via computer stations. Designed to blend with the existing Mission-style architecture on campus, the Student Services Building features clay tile roofs, ceramic tile accents, and a stucco exterior. The U-shaped building is organized around a landscaped courtyard. This fosters a relaxing and calm atmosphere and introduces natural daylight into the interior. Scope Summary – The scope of this project comprised the design of a new 3-story, 49,775 SF student services center. Services including the career/transfer center, admissions and records, financial aid, counseling, health services, high school outreach, and administrative offices are now housed under one roof. A key feature of the building is a multi-purpose room that opens onto a roof deck, creating an inviting space for both college and community-hosted events. Sustainable design strategies to achieve LEED Gold Certification included the use of R-19 batt insulation in the framed walls and R-5 rigid insulation in the shear walls; dual-glazed, low-e windows; reduced window openings on south and west sides; exterior circulation where possible to minimize HVAC requirements; erosion and sediment control; low water use plants; and reduced water irrigation systems. DLR Group provided architecture and interior design services.
Design Achievement - West Los Angeles College (WLAC) offers paths to university transfer, career education and courses for personal or professional growth. DLR Group collaborated with the Los Angeles Community College District on two concurrent projects for the WLAC campus: a General Classroom Building and a Student Services Building. The LEED Gold Classroom Building's functional plan combined with an exciting composition of dynamic façade elements enhance the student experience. Classrooms are primarily located along the northern facade, taking full advantage of the views and solar orientation, while faculty offices are located on the more private south side of the building. Horizontal louvers mitigate solar gain through south-facing windows and provide this facade with a formal architectural element. The Student Services Building facilitates navigation through the enrollment process and intuitively leads students to desired services. A central welcome desk and information kiosk greets students as a first point of contact, providing them with services via quick-access computers, flat screen information monitors, and student help desk. Scope Summary - The 45,000 SF Classroom Building is certified LEED Gold, and comprises 16 classrooms, administrative offices, and a 100-seat lecture room that can double as a venue for cultural events. The 45,000 SF Student Services Building is certified LEED Silver. In addition to its focus on student services it features a food court, indoor and outdoor seating, computer and photocopy resource rooms, and recreation areas. DLR Group provided architecture, interiors, and planning services for both facilities.

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