HOME 2024 – What’s in Store for Our Bi-National World Design Capital?
In 2024, San Diego and Tijuana will co-host design enthusiasts from around the world who come to see the first bi-national region to be selected as a World Design Capital®. They will see graphic, industrial, architectural, artistic and other design projects that help define our region. Billing this historic event as ‘Designing Transborder Futures,’ the
Designing a Better Way for Behavioral Health Services
By Sandra Gramley, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C The County of San Diego provides crisis stabilization units to deliver services in community-based or hospital settings for people experiencing a mental health or substance-use crisis. For people in the midst of a crisis, being taken to a jail or hospital may not constitute an appropriate level […]
Welcome Back, Peter Soutowood!
After 10 years, we are excited to announce that Peter Soutowood is returning to the Platt/Whitelaw team. Peter will be rejoining the firm as a senior associate, bringing his 18 years of architectural and entrepreneurial experience back to our firm in his new role. A well-respected and celebrated member of the industry, Peter is not […]
Increasing Water Independence for the City of Camarillo
Most people don’t think much about water supply beyond turning on their tap or garden hose and expecting water to come out. Behind-the-scenes, however, is far more complicated. Fortunately for many Southern Californians, we have people on staff who think about water supply a lot. Most recently, our firm principal Naveen Waney and associate Thomas […
The Botanical Building in Balboa Park – Makeover Edition!
Iconic San Diego structure will soon be restored to its original condition…plus a few improvements By Sandra Gramley, AIA, LEED NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, principal at Platt/Whitelaw Architects, Inc. Restoration is underway on the Botanical Building in Balboa Park! If you’ve been following our news site, you know that we’ve written about this building befo
What’s Old is New: Historic Preservation Architecture
By Sandra Gramley, AIA NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, principal at Platt/Whitelaw Architects, Inc. When you think of historic San Diego architecture, what comes to mind? Craftsman? Victorian? Mission? Modern? San Diego has a rich diversity of architectural styles, and preserving those buildings is some of our favorite work. We’re taking a look back (and forward!)
Platt/Whitelaw Pays Tribute to National Hispanic Heritage Month
Platt/Whitelaw Architects has always embraced the beautiful diversity of our region’s population, and it’s consistently been reflected within our staff. Collectively, our team speaks five languages and represents heritage from countries around the world. In this spirit, we’re paying tribute to National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15)
Platt/Whitelaw Architects Adds Two NewSchool Stars to its Team
By Sandra Gramley, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C and Naveen Waney, AIA Introducing…two awesome new people at Platt/Whitelaw Architects! We’re happy to welcome Project Coordinator Samantha Saltzman (Sam) and Intern Emad Abdulwajid to the Platt/Whitelaw team. Sam earned her master’s degree from NewSchool of Architecture & Design in 2020 after graduating f
PWA Project Profile: Park de la Cruz Neighborhood Park & Therapeutic Recreation Services
By Sandra Gramley, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C Civic projects are the crux of what we do. Designing Park de la Cruz Neighborhood Park & Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) in City Heights was especially rewarding for us because we were truly designing for universal use. The intention of our client, the City of San Diego, […]
Rooted in Nature: Biophilic Design Advances Health, Wellbeing
By Sandra Gramley, principal at Platt/Whitelaw Architects, Inc. The built environment plays a critical role in people’s health and wellbeing. We are just beginning to find that when lacking natural elements, the spaces in which we live, work and play can foster fatigue, impair performance and spark symptoms of disease. However, by simply introducing natu
The Creation & Restoration of Balboa Park
Balboa Park’s origin story Just outside downtown San Diego are 1,200 acres of land dedicated as park space by the City of San Diego. Known as Balboa Park, the space includes many natural and planted areas as well as buildings that represent some of San Diego’s most iconic architecture. Central Park in New York City […]
Aspects of Creativity in the Architectural Design Process
Architecture is unique for its blend of art and science. Architect Antonin Gaudí, for example, is world famous for his unconventional shapes, colors and textures. But, at the end of the day, his designs for the Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell and other noted structures had to be technically sophisticated enough to reach into the sky […]