Harney Sushi's new Oceanside restaurant conveys the same ultra-hip vibe of its popular San Diego original but with a creative infusion of all new elegance and modern "green" design thanks to Bluemotif Architecture. The new Oceanside space features clean contemporary lines paired with a palette of select reusable and recycled materials such as reclaimed wood, low V.O.C paints, Vetrazzo counters and 3-form glazing. The 3,500-square-foot open interior and 425-square-foot patio offer seating for 185 and include both sake and sushi bars, a VIP room, built in DJ booth, 600-gallon fish tank, waterfall backdrop, and an ethanol fireplace.

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Observing the downtown hospitality market since the mid 70s, the hotel’s ownership recognized in 2005 that very advantageous criteria had serendipitously and remarkably come together:

• buoyed by the solidifying Little Italy neighborhood, the West End was approaching a critical mass of renewal;

• downtown’s hospitality scene was finally becoming a San Diego destination;

• the U.S. hospitality market was hot, hot, hot;

• and the (former Pickwick Hotel’s) mortgage would be paid off the following year.

Intent on growing the asset as a long term operation for future family generations (the hotel’s name was borrowed from granddaughter Sofia); it was essential that any repositioning of the property be correctly calculated … which meant that the hotel had to re-open as the premiere property in the mid-price market set. Fiscally achieving that goal required finely-tuned budgeting and strong-willed purchasing to bring in the final renovation for less than $16.5 million. But success in the marketplace required the expenditure of countless hours planning, engineering and designing the infrastructure, architecture, interiors and marketing strategy by an implausibly small team of professionals. Because travelers leave behind the sanctity and security of home for an unknown experience in a remote destination, the experiential elements that guided Sofia’s design were: calm, restful, chic, urban, tasteful, technical, timeless, comforting and ahhhhh…

• The 1926 Gothic Revival/Art Deco exterior was maintained while the interior (which lacked much historical detail) was given a fresh, urban-yet-organic theme with a color palette inspired by nature to invoke a sense of harmony and balance.

• Existing spaces in the original structure were adapted to create public areas accommodating the operational and guest needs of a modern day hotel.

• Space planning was very challenging since most guest rooms were about 120 sq ft and being an older hotel almost every room was just a little different.

• There were many physical challenges with walls of hollow clay masonry, making it impossible to disturb the structure with perforations. For this reason the rooms’ new electrical was run through cleverly disguised wire mold at the base.

• Case goods and built-in furniture meticulously scaled for the dozens of room layouts were created for a more efficient use of space.

• The designer specified all finishes, materials and furniture down to the accessories and her team personally supervised the installation of all products.

• The interiors budget was meager as the bulk of the money was used for updating the building’s infrastructure. Dramatic paint colors were used generously in many areas to keep within the budget and yet give design interest.

• Newer, unique vendors were recruited who were anxious to work on an interesting project such as this and offered very competitive pricing on products such as case goods, window treatments and art.

Some interesting design features include –

• grass-embedded resin panels covering older windows in the meeting rooms to allow in natural light but block unattractive views
• custom light sconces decorated with historical photos of the older hotel throughout the guest corridors that do double duty as art as well as ideal ambient lighting 
• many naturally occurring fossils from around the world throughout the property to repeat nature’s theme

This “new” three and a half star hotel was completed on time and on budget and has been enthusiastically received in the marketplace significantly outpacing original forecasts and frequently selling out. An immediate honor was bestowed when it was inducted into National Trust Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation … making it the first in San Diego joining other regional inductees The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Hotel del Coronado, La Valencia and the Grande Colonial of La Jolla.

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CURRANT transports us to the fin de siècle classically known as La Belle Époque ("Beautiful Era") … a cultural movement that began in Europe during the late 19th century and lasted until World War I. The vision for this restaurant was to capture that period’s distinctive art and architecture in a French-inspired brasserie. Vintage elements in furniture, lighting, material selections, textiles and patterns play against the restored architectural bones of this remarkable space to accomplish the sought-after design. The discovery of high ceilings and small pieces of original architectural fabric above the 1950s lay-in ceilings ignited an important design direction. The designer felt it critical to restore and recreate elements of the architectural fabric to give the space real grandeur that would be unique, authentic and reminiscent of old Europe. An intimacy is felt in every corner and niche …

Also, unique to this restaurant is the collaboration of many artisans … a trademark that this designer brings to a project:

• quintessential Parisian sidewalk café seating, authentic to the era

• seasonally changing original art from the artist who hand embellished the interior columns

• sculpted column capitals and gilded banquette tops

• chalk artistry above the swinging red kitchen doors

• water-etched, brushed metal trim at the bar and tables

• faux finish perceived from an earlier time along the predominant west wall

• intricately forged ironwork mast mirroring the bar’s image from above

• carefully crafted and complex brasserie-style floor tile design

• intricate paint scheme in subtly blending tones of taupe, charcoal and red

• challenging mill work replicating the historic transoms along the 90' of storefront

• critical must-fit upholstery work with complicated pattern repeats and matching along curved tops and around tufting

• drywallers produced many wonderful design effects: intersecting arches, columns, transoms and coffers nailing in very tight spaces with fine, museum-grade finishes … definitely not what most could do

• an electrical superintendent that figured out complicated power distribution and switching to achieve the desired aesthetic for the front-of-house as well as the needed functionality for the kitchen

• a mechanical crew that wrangled a 7,500 pound scrubber (17' x 10' x 10') off a truck, across a sidewalk (at high noon), between columns at about 10' OC up into its ceiling cavity and made it work

• graphic design artistry that produced authentic vintage imaging and branding for signs, menu and collateral materials

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After much research and legwork into available office spaces in and around San Diego, EDAW|AECOM, a worldwide environmental planning services firm, decided to expand/remodel within 22,000 square feet of the San Diego National Bank Building built in the 70’s. The good news is, the location is an urban setting within the boundaries of the Center City Development Corporation and is within proximity to mass transit, the local airport, client base and proximity of services for staff. However, early in the design process, the staff was involved to suggest ways to make the space efficient and inviting as a work space. The common denominator that surfaced was: “Make the space open with lots of daylight while giving me my privacy……oh, and be sure to make it environmentally responsible”.

EDAW|AECOM also wanted the space to serve as an example of achievable green design ideas that they could share with staff, clients and the community. How does one do this in a 70’s building? Read on for the solution.

BUILDING OWNER/TENANT PARTNERSHIP

Because the tenant improvement had a conservative budget and is a remodel within an older building, challenges were met that would not have occurred in new construction. The tenant was fortunate to have a building owner who was willing to participate in creating a greener office environment. As a result of this partnership, the project was successful in achieving LEED CI certification. An important part of the planning was tenant vs. building owner costs. It is estimated that an additional 6% was spent to achieve LEED standards. The building owner and the tenant reached what each considered a fair division of costs. Additionally, as a result of this partnership, programs were implemented that will not only benefit EDAW|AECOM, but will also benefit the entire population of the building:

• a green housekeeping program
• bike racks and showering/changing facilities
• a single stream recycling program
• cleaner air quality

SPACE PLANNING STRATEGIES

Once the existing tenant space was demolished, the preservation of daylight into the interior areas was highly prioritized.

• Low, moveable office partitions were used to create team work environments, but also individual work environments.
• The individual work environments were fitted with a custom sliding door made from eco-resin which allowed natural day light to penetrate while giving visual privacy. Some hard wall offices were created, but in limited quantities and were designed with glass panels and doors to maximize the natural daylight.
• Many casual open meeting areas were designed around the space to preserve daylight in common areas.
• The staff break room has one of the best views of the office…and this is on purpose. The break room can be a retreat or, by simply moving a sliding wall, can be transformed into a training/meeting/conferencing space.
• The fire stair between the 2 floors was upgraded to promote walking between the 2 floors.

CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN STRATEGIES

First, more than 50% of the construction/demo waste was redirected from landfills to local recycling centers or returned to manufacturers as part of their recycling program. Second, to reduce waste and the need to produce new product, it was desired to reuse many of the existing file cabinets, bookshelves and seating from the old space, but systems furniture needed to be purchased to increase the efficiency of the work environment. Refurbished workstations were chosen due to the local manufacturer and the added cost benefits. And third, a variety of environmentally friendly finishes are showcased throughout the office to provide examples of green design for different applications:

• bamboo flooring and base
• all fabrics contain recycled content
• low VOC paint manufactured locally
• adhesives with low or no voc’s
• FSC certified wood
• substrates with no added urea formaldehyde
• Green Guard certified laminates
• Cradle to Cradle carpet tiles
• countertop made from recycled counterfeit money
• countertop made from recycled glass/concrete
• sustainable linoleum flooring
• ceiling tiles with recycled content
• systems furniture panels made from recycled water bottles
• moveable interior glass partition systems with recycled content

WATER SAVING STRATEGIES

Water savings of up to 30% percent was achieved by installing

• waterless urinals
• retrofitting toilets with dual flush valves
• motion sensors and aerators on faucets.

ENERGY SAVING STRATEGIES

Energy savings was implemented into the design by utilizing:

• direct/indirect lighting utilizing energy saving high output T8 lamps while maintaining the same light output as higher wattage lamps.
• energy efficient fluorescent wall washers and down lights
• motion sensors were installed throughout the space to automatically turn lights off when the space is not occupied.
• window treatments throughout allow for individual control of sunlight/glare.
• the HVAC system was upgraded with high energy efficient units that contain no cfc’s
• the majority of appliances and office equipment (80%) is “Energy Star” rated.
• day lighting was increased by creating work spaces with either low partitions or glass partitions to maximize occupant views and decrease the need for artificial lighting.

WALK THE TALK

In addition to recycling much of the existing furniture:

• Interior doors and hardware were reused with some of the doors retrofitted with glass panels
• leftover doors were recycled into countertops for layout areas
• leftover glass was mounted on the walls for white boards.

Corporate green strategies were created and implemented:

• flatware, glasses and plates were purchased to decrease waste generated by disposable items.
• when disposable is required, flatware and glasses are used made of corn starch and sugar cane fiber.
• as a default, the copy machines are set on double sided copying
• office supplies are purchased from a “green” catalog featuring products with recycled content
• a bike to work club has been formed
• mass transit passes are part of the employee benefits
• A “flex” work schedule is offered to staff to reduce the number of days per week at the work place, thus reducing transportation emissions and energy use at the office.

The completed project has been met with enthusiasm and positive accolades from the staff and clients. It is a showcase that EDAW|AECOM continues to share with their clients, their staff and the general public. Tours continue to be given to professional organizations, home owners and local schools and universities. An interpretive trail of 30 mounted plaques made from eco-resin guide the staff and visitors around the space explaining many green design practices. The staff takes pride in having incorporated green design into the work environment and, as a result, the interior environment is refreshing, lively and a desirable place to work. Recognition should be given for the outstanding collaboration between the building owner, end user and design team for recycling space within an older building and creating an innovative yet achievable green workplace.

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• "If the old model of the library was the inward-focused community 'reading room,' the new one is more like a community 'front porch.'" (Project for Public Spaces, Libraries that Matter, http://www.pps.org/info/newsletter/april2007/libraries_that_matter)

• The new La Mesa Library excels as our community front porch, largely due to the clear design vision used to enhance this role, and augment the library system’s user-friendly strategies.

• Exceptional lighting, comfortable furniture, a soothing color palate, bookstore-like displays, and strategic, flexible design work together to create a warm, inviting ambiance and support the many varied activities that occur within the space. County policy is to wait a few months putting anything on the walls, but future art will enhance this further.

• Evidence of its success is in the numbers: The library opened mid June, and circulation jumped 40.82% this July compared to the previous July. • An open plan makes it easy to view and locate what one requires from the entry, whether it be stacks, assistance, computers, a place to work or read, audiobooks and DVDs, the Friends of the La Mesa Library bookstore, or the restrooms.

• Circulation functions (reserves, assisted or self-check out and returns) are strategically located in or near the entry so it’s convenient if you need to run in and out quickly…but you’ll need will power not to linger.

• Furniture is stylish yet comfortable and practical. Upholstered chairs are placed throughout. Shelves have chic, self-contained lighting so it’s easy to read titles. Tables have a central conduit, which can be opened for electronic access. And displays throughout encourage one to browse, and maybe even try something new.

• In two central areas, tables are clustered for common activities, such as the popular chess, music and educational programs, while tables and chairs along the outer windows create quieter, intimate spaces that take advantage of the ample, natural light.

• Teens’ and Children’s’ nooks are accessorized with age-appealing posters, pillows, rugs, games and toys that encourage social interaction - a library experience a far cry from the days of whisper and tiptoe. Placing shelves around the periphery (instead of the traditional rows) allows flexibility to rearrange these areas as needed for a well-rounded calendar of youth activities. Furniture is appropriately scaled; low bookshelves under the windows provide eyelevel viewing for the youngest patrons, while taller shelving gives advanced readers a sense of accomplishment. Allocating teens their own nook speaks to adolescent independence and desire to hang out together, and feels truly like the teen club that inhabits it.

• The new building’s interior design naturally integrates the County Library’s cutting edge computer system. There is more dedicated space and more general use computers, including one for easy sign up reservations, and now there are carrels for privacy. The online card catalog links with libraries at SDSU, UCSD, USD and CSU San Marcos as well as inter-library searches, and some computers are set aside for on-line searches and requests, which generate e-mail notices when items arrive at the branch or come due.

• The Friends of the La Mesa Library seamlessly refinished and adapted shelving from the old library to feel new and built in while still being eco- and budget friendly, in harmony with their non-profit status. Their plan is to build book carrels on wheels to display items in the middle of the room, which can be wheeled back to accommodate library programs during off bookstore hours - the first such cooperative arrangement in the County system.

• La Mesa prides itself in being a Mayberry-like, hometown community, but if I had to sum up our city in a phrase, it would be “understated sophistication.” In this sense, our new library not only serves as our front porch, it also embodies the spirit of our community.

• (To read the City's newsletter article about the opening, see 2008 Aug FOCUS.pdf at http://www.cityoflamesa.com/Archive.asp?AMID=34&Type=Recent .)

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The rock-and-roll lifestyle has found its home here in San Diego at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. Guests can choose to stay at any of the 420 contemporary modern Studio Rooms, Hard Rock Suites or Rock Star Suites. The rooms are guaranteed to make you feel like a rock star with the spa-like bathrooms, ‘rain showers,’ state-of-the-art lighting, outdoor decks, sleek modern furniture, dark ebony floors and hand-woven custom rugs. One suite even includes a fire-pit while in another you have a 270-degree-view of the San Diego Bay to enjoy while in an outdoor hot tub. The project brings a lot of business to downtown San Diego too, with The Rock Spa, a full-service spa; Nobu, a sushi restaurant; Sweetwater Saloon; Folsom, a music venue; Woodstock, an outdoor event center; and Moonstone Lounge, a rooftop pool bar and lounge.

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Illumina’s campus expansion was designed to house some of the most important functions of the company. Executive offices, cafeteria with a commercial kitchen and all hands meeting room all are located in this new headquarters building. LEED™ Silver Certified; the design elements such as natural light and smart engineering systems make the space a comfortable place to work. Sustainable materials used in various spaces include: carpet tile, ceramic and glass tile, marble, granite, slate and local wood species.

Two stories of office and accessory spaces are organized around a continuous feature wall, which runs along a central circulation path through the entire floor. Illumina’s open door philosophy was translated into all open office spaces with glass enclosed meeting rooms and an abundance of windows into adjacent spaces. Unobstructed natural light from the perimeter windows and skylights fills the space and contributes to the sustainable aspect. The open office areas are located at the perimeter of the building, which allows for great views to be accessible to anyone on the floor. Linking this expansion with the rest of the campus is an iconic 144 foot pedestrian bridge with fabric structure canopy.

Photography: Mike Torrey

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ViaSat, a leader in innovative satellite and other wireless communication products for the commercial and military markets relocated their operations into a new facility that enhances Operations' Group efficiency, teamwork and cooperation.  This facility entices users to embrace a modular open office environment, provide a new front door/lobby that is the portal to and from the existing campus. 

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In October 2007, the Office of the Dean of Arts and Humanities and the Center for the Humanities, in the Literature building, Warren College campus, UCSD, completed a renovation project of 5,000 square feet of office, meeting, and seminar facilities. This included sixteen offices, two large conference/seminar rooms, and one small conference/seminar room. Also included were copy rooms, storage rooms, and kitchen facilities. The design aesthetic, characterized by linear patterns and neutral tones, pays homage to the brutalist modern and postmodern architecture on campus. Contemporary furnishings were provided throughout, and along with branding graphics, were an integral part of the design profile. Project management was a collaboration between the architectural team, campus facilities construction office, campus facilities maintenance office, Dean’s staff, and campus administration. The renovation included technology upgrades, improved adjacencies, and habitability enhancements. The reason for the renovation was twofold: functional and aesthetic. Functional reasons: The layout of the former offices was inefficient and awkward. As an example, the office of the Dean was the first one encountered from the entrance, and the Dean’s executive assistant was located in the opposite corner to the Dean’s office and the entrance. Adjacencies were inefficient as well. Administrative personnel were not adjacent to one another and important file storage was in a less secure common area. An office was needed for a newly-approved position of Director of the Center for the Humanities, and offices were needed for an expanded external relations staff (fundraising and alumni affairs) with appropriate adjacencies. Deficiencies were corrected and new needs provided for in the re-designed offices. Aesthetic reasons: The offices had not been refurbished since the building was constructed approximately 20 years ago; an updated look and new furnishings were needed to revitalize the space. A primary goal was to provide a contemporary design presentation consistent with the leading-edge artistic practice reflected in the Division. A second goal was to present a design that was inspiring to staff members, faculty and administrators, students, and external constituents and donors. Workspace is directly correlated to productivity, and providing a comfortable, efficient, and inspiring space for employees contributes to the goal of operating a first-class Divisional office. Further, the Division had adopted a strategy of more active fundraising development, and space conducive to receiving potential supporters was an important design factor. A third goal was for the contemporary architectural design to incorporate exhibition space for works of arts produced by Visual Arts Department students and faculty, and curated by a PhD Art History, Theory, and Criticism candidate through a faculty-supervised Graduate Student Research (GSR) program. The renovation was an investment in all these efforts.

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Remodel of existing brick building from the 1920's to accommodate a new neighborhood restaurant and butcher shop.

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