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 […]
Architecture
Decarbonization Succeeds Net-Zero-Energy as Sustainability Goal
By Sandra Gramley, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C As little as a year ago, zero net energy dominated the discussion in sustainability circles. In architecture, that means designing or retrofitting buildings to produce at least as much energy as they consume. Since that goal was based on solar energy supplied by roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels, […]
Integrating Art into Public Spaces to Engage, Enhance and Inspire
By Naveen Waney and Sandra Gramley, Principals at Platt/Whitelaw Architects A percentage of estimated construction costs for new buildings are required by many public agencies to be set aside to integrate public art. This can be at the federal level, like the General Services Administration, or the local level, like the City of San Diego […]
Pandemic Brings Changes to Everything from Offices to Apartments
San Diego Business Journal, June 22, 2020, By Ray Huard: Sandra Gramley, co-principal of Platt/Whitelaw Architects in North Park, said now “is a time to reflect because we don’t have the answers.” “As we go forward, I think mostly about flexibility,” Gramley said. https://www.sdbj.com/news/2020/jun/22/pandemic-brings-changes-everything-offices-apartme/
Adaptability Keeps $8 Million Project on Schedule
San Diego Business Journal article, April 12, 2020, By Ray Huard: “Designed by Platt/Whitelaw Architects of San Diego, the project includes construction of a new 2,045 square-foot administration building for park staff, renovation of an existing 1,960 square-foot general store with the addition of an 800 square-foot kitchen, and construction of a 4,664 square foot […]
PWA Honored in SD Metro Magazine: Best Companies Under 50 Employees!
Platt/Whitelaw is honored in the latest issue of SD Metro Magazine’s Best Companies Under 50 Employees! We are excited to be included in this esteemed group. Thank you SD Metro! Here’s a link to view the full issue if you want to read on: http://www.sandiegometro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/SD-METRO-NO-1-VOL-XXXVwec.pdf
Congratulations to our own Sandra Gramley!
Sandra Gramley, AIA, NCARB, LEEDap BD+C, was recently named as one of Seven Women chosen as San Diego Business Journal’s Top Women in Construction and Design. Ms. Gramley co-owns one of San Diego’s oldest architecture firms, Platt/Whitelaw Architects (PWA), and as one of the firm’s lead project architects, she plays an important part in developing […]
Neuroscience Could Shape the Future of Public Spaces
California-based, internationally focused nonprofit studies the intersection of neuroscience and architecture to track human responses to the built environment By Alison Whitelaw The last transformative change in architecture began with a simple understanding about the effects building design and construction have on our planet. This symbiosis between architecture and ecology gave rise to the term […]