Project Feature: 1640 14th Street, Santa Monica

A Creative Hub Rooted in California’s Urban Landscape

In the heart of Santa Monica, 1640 14th Street transforms a former industrial lot into a richly layered, amenity-filled creative campus, where exterior patio space is as desirable and valuable as what’s inside. Designed to elevate both everyday work life and the public realm, the landscape and architecture at this Redcar Properties development work together to create a harmonious environment that emphasizes connection, art, and a strong sense of place.

Urban Linkage Through Landscape

In addition to offering office and retail, this campus serves as a pedestrian-focused link in a broader civic vision for Santa Monica. With its direct connection to the soon-to-be-renovated Memorial Park, the site establishes a dynamic urban passageway that weaves into a series of mid-block paseos leading toward the ocean.

The design intent was to create an urban experience that integrates with the neighborhood while offering a unique and engaging environment for tenants and passersby. McCullough’s landscape provides a natural foundation for the architecture and interlaces into the fabric of the space at every level – from a welcoming ground-level paseo and social staircase to a series of rooftop gathering spaces with fireplaces and garden views.

The development aligns with Santa Monica’s urban planning goals by enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, fostering inclusivity, and improving connectivity in an area once divided by industrial infrastructure and freeways.

The Planting Palette: A Contemporary Garden for an Urban Environment

The first layer of landscape unfolds as you enter the space through the paseo. The layered palette honors the contemporary urban landscape of Los Angeles that is made up of a blend of native and naturalized species, presenting a hybrid of wild meadows and contrived sculptural accents that rise up out of the natural foundation. Most notably in the space is a mature multi-trunked Ficus petiolaris that sits majestically in the heart of the paseo, bringing a grander scale to the space that converses with the surrounding built environment.

In dialogue with the paseo are the Social Stairs that ascend toward the second-floor patio entrance, featuring a gallery of one-of-a-kind sculptures that emerge out of the landscape. Cast-in-place concrete seating areas are interwoven with ribbons of native grasses and bold specimen cacti that interact seamlessly with the marble and stone of the sculpted art.

Crowning the experience is a rooftop garden that provides a serene retreat above the urban bustle. A clerestory window captures reflections of the city in the distance, while in the foreground, a windswept meadow of Eriogonium fasciculatum, Bouteloua gracilis, and Verbenas among a variety of other natives, sway gently in the breeze. The soft rustle of the meadow is a calming soundtrack for tenants as they gather, reflect, or simply enjoy the indoor-outdoor lifestyle afforded by Santa Monica’s temperate climate.

A Collaborative Partnership

Redcar Properties is a civic-minded developer known for transforming underperforming commercial properties in high-growth urban neighborhoods into vibrant, community-focused spaces. With a commitment to thoughtful redevelopment and placemaking, Redcar’s projects across Los Angeles help weave together larger urban narratives, with a focus on walkability, inclusivity, and long-term community benefit.

Over the past several years, McCullough has partnered with the Redcar team on multiple efforts that align with these goals. In addition to 1640 14th Street, collaborations include the redevelopment of adjacent properties in Santa Monica, as well as projects in the Silver Lake and Culver City neighborhoods. This latest effort is a true reflection of that shared vision, brought to life through the collective expertise of a talented team including HGA, Del Amo Construction, Nous Engineering, AMA Consulting Services, KPFF, and Luminesce Design.

Congratulations to the entire team on a successful project, including the team at McCullough; David McCullough, Principal Landscape Architect; Zeek Magallanes, Studio Team Leader; and Kira Becker, Associate/Project Manager.

We are proud to contribute to a project where such thoughtful innovation and care will help influence and shape both everyday experience and the broader urban fabric. Inspiring work, such as 1640 14th Street, reminds us of the power intentional design has to connect people and place.

Want to learn more about how landscape architecture contributes to placemaking in creative commercial environments?

Reach out to our team →

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Behind the Design: A Site Visit to Bioterra

Lava rock pathways and lighting details taking shape

Earlier this month, a few of us from the McCullough team visited the Canopy, Bioterra's amenity terrace site, an exciting moment to see the landscape take physical form after more than a year of collaboration and design refinement. While renderings and models shaped our vision from the start, there’s nothing quite like walking the site and experiencing how it all begins to come to life.

Located on Longfellow’s life sciences campus in Sorrento Valley, the 10,000-square-foot terrace is a celebration of Southern California’s natural beauty. Designed in collaboration with PGAL, the space is lush, layered, and purposeful, rich with native planting, softly curving raised planters, and moments of surprise tucked into lava rock pathways and dappled light.

From the beginning, the design was envisioned as a multifunctional retreat: a terrace where tenants might take a private phone call, host a casual meeting, or simply enjoy the sun and ocean breeze above the ground-floor bustle. Shade, screening, and strategic light exposure allow for a variety of experiences, creating a layered environment that feels peaceful, functional, and discoverable.

At the heart of it all stands a stunning mature Chilean Mesquite tree, its sculptural branches illuminated by hanging pendant lights and surrounded by vibrant climbing vines and strawberry trees. It’s a moment of stillness and beauty in an otherwise high-energy campus—and one that we were thrilled to see rising into place.

A Full-Circle Moment for Sophia Rumpf, ASLA

Associate and project manager Sophia Rumpf has been involved in the Bioterra project since McCullough joined the team in 2023. Initially stepping into a supporting role, drafting and 3D modeling the original design, Sophia has grown into the lead role, now overseeing the project through construction. This site visit marked an especially meaningful milestone for her as she reflects on how far both the project and her experience has evolved over the past two years.

Mature Chilean Mesquite tree

“Though I can’t lay claim to the Bioterra design itself, I’m proud to have worked so hard on it and to now be carrying it across the finish line,” Sophia shares. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to grow with this project, from executing the vision to managing the details of construction and coordination.”

- Sophia Rumpf, Associate, Project Manager

On-Site Highlights

During our visit, we observed:

• Hardscape and planter installation nearly complete

• Lava rock pathways and lighting details taking shape

• Early planting beginning in key areas

• The centerpiece Chilean Mesquite tree has been carefully integrated

What’s Next?

With planting ramping up and final finish work underway, the terrace is poised to open later this year. We’ll continue to document the journey as the project nears completion and share more behind-the-scenes content from the field.

Scroll below to explore renderings and highlights from our site walk. There’s more to come, and we can’t wait to see the full vision in bloom.

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On the Panel: David Talks Housing at Bisnow Summit

We're excited to share that David McCullough, Principal Landscape Architect, will be speaking at the upcoming San Diego Multifamily & Affordable Housing Summit, hosted by Bisnow on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

David will join the panel “Navigating Multifamily Development Throughout San Diego,” where leaders across development, architecture, and landscape architecture will explore the complex path of bringing multifamily projects to life—from entitlements and rising construction costs to creative financing and design solutions that foster livable, lasting communities.

Panelists include:
• Hillary Hulce – Development Director, Alliance Residential Company
• David Allen – Principal, Trestle Build
• Chase Rongé – Principal, Director, MVE + Partners
• David McCullough – Principal, McCullough
Remarks: Layne Spencer – VP, Luxer One

As landscape architects deeply invested in the future of housing and placemaking in San Diego, we’re proud to see David representing McCullough’s voice in this important conversation.

Learn more and register at Bisnow.com →

Parco, National City, CA

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Client of the Month: SILLMAN Architects

This month, we’re proud to spotlight SILLMAN, a firm known for its thoughtful design, community-centered projects, and enduring values. From affordable student housing to net-zero civic work, each project is rooted in the belief that good design makes a difference.

We recently sat down with Principal Brett Tullis and Associate Principal Jada Price for a conversation about trust, collaboration, and purpose-driven design. Their insights reflect a clear mission: to create architecture that serves people and the planet.

Fifty Years of Purposeful Design

Celebrating 50 years in practice, SILLMAN has evolved, from a blend of public and private work under the name Sillman Wright Architects to a renewed focus on educational and civic projects.

“We like to do work that makes a difference, for the community, and for our clients alike,” Jada said.

Brett summed it up simply:

“We never look at our work as just buildings. It’s not just bricks and sticks—it’s about creating spaces that improve lives. That’s what drives us.”

Culture & Core Values

At SILLMAN Architects, culture isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the foundation for everything they do. The SILLMAN team prides itself on fostering a studio rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and authenticity. Their team is notably diverse, with a strong balance of gender, race, and backgrounds represented across the office. “We’re lucky to have such a vibrant and well-balanced group of people working here,” Brett shared. “It makes for a richer, more thoughtful design process, and a stronger team overall.”

SILLMAN Staff Picnic

Creating an environment where people feel supported and heard is central to their values. “We want this to be a place where everyone can thrive,” Brett added. “If working here helps you find your purpose, we’re all in.”

Jada Price echoed the emphasis on team-driven culture:

“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Every voice matters, and everyone is part of the decision-making process. That shows in our work, and it shows in our relationships with clients.

And their final core value? Kick Ass Designs. It’s even printed on their 50th anniversary T-shirts. “We debated whether we could really say it out loud,” Jada laughed. “But it’s true to who we are. We want our work to be impactful, enduring, and excellent.”

SILLMAN staff volunteering with International Relief Teams in Tijuana

Their commitment to meaningful, sustainable design is backed by action—SILLMAN Architects is a proud AIA 2030 signatory, emphasizing smart materials, long-term durability, and healthy environments for users. “These buildings will be part of their communities for 40, 50 years or more,” Jada said. “They should look good, perform well, and make a difference.”

That philosophy comes to life in projects like the recently completed Ramona Community Resource Center, a LEED Gold Certified, Zero Net Energy facility designed to serve County residents in need. Beyond its environmental performance, the building offers essential services and a welcoming space that supports resilience—socially and sustainably.

That value—Making a Difference—is more than a design philosophy. It shows up in how they treat people and in how they give back. A few times each year, the SILLMAN team volunteers with International Relief Teams to help build homes in Tijuana for families in need. Staff members spend their weekends physically constructing safe, reliable housing, another way they bring their values to life and invest in a better future for everyone.

Purpose-Driven Projects

When we asked SILLMAN Architects about recent work they’re excited about, Principal Brett Tullis didn’t hesitate: “Let’s talk about the projects we’re doing with McCullough.”

SDSU Calexico Student Housing, Image Courtesy of SILLMAN

One standout is the San Diego State University (SDSU) Calexico Affordable Student Housing Project, a dynamic, design-build collaboration that brings together three of SILLMAN’s core strengths: higher education, affordable housing, and public-sector design. This project pulls together everything SILLMAN does best. It’s one of the first affordable housing efforts they’ve done for a higher education client, and it’s going to be a real asset to the community.

The project is more than just good design, it’s meeting an urgent need. And SILLMAN is already thinking long term. “We designed it to allow for a future phase that can double the housing capacity on site,” Brett said. “That kind of forward-thinking is what makes this work meaningful.”

Also in partnership with McCullough is the Environmental Monitoring and Technical Services (EMTS) Lab Renovation and Addition, a sustainable, mass timber project with a narrative design twist. The lab is focused on ocean water quality, and the team envisioned a landscape that immerses visitors in an undersea environment, like a reef off Tahiti. It’s playful and meaningful, with the new structure designed as a sleek research vessel surrounded by ocean-inspired planting.

EMTS Lab Renovation and Addition, Image Courtesy of SILLMAN

The EMTS Lab was also recently featured in McCullough’s “Best of 2024” blog post, selected by one of our staff members as a favorite project of the year.

A Collaborative Process, Grounded in Trust

For SILLMAN Architects, design isn’t a solo pursuit, it’s a team sport. Their process is rooted in collaboration, drawing on the voices of clients, consultants, and each other to arrive at ideas that feel shared and intentional.

“We’re always looking for the best idea,” Brett said. “And sometimes the best proof of collaboration is when no one can quite remember who came up with it. Everyone’s bought in, and that’s when you know it’s good.”

This ethos shows up across their work, from project kick-off through construction. As Associate Principal Jada Price put it, “More voices equal better solutions. We check our egos at the door, and everyone has a piece of the project.”

This collaborative mindset extends to their client relationships, where listening is a priority and transparency guides every decision. By clearly communicating project goals, constraints, and priorities, the team is able to design with intention and find creative opportunities within the framework. 

Baja-Mex Mixed-Use Gateway Parking Structure, Gold Nugget Merit Award Winner, Image Courtesy of SILLMAN

Looking Ahead: Growth with Purpose

For SILLMAN Architects, the future is all about growth with intention. With recent success in higher education and affordable student housing, the team is excited to deepen their work in those spaces.

“There’s a lot coming up in the San Diego Community College District, and we’re proud to be part of the conversation,” Brett shared. “We’ve also been added to UCSD’s as-needed list, which opens new doors in student housing—particularly affordable student housing, which we feel passionate about.”

SILLMAN All Staff Meeting

As a firm, SILLMAN isn’t chasing growth for growth’s sake. “We want to grow organically, in a way that aligns with the types of projects we care about,” Jada said. And more importantly, they want to keep their company culture strong. That’s what makes SILLMAN special.

On the design front, sustainability remains a central focus. Brett pointed to trends like design for disassembly and a more mindful use of materials as opportunities to push the industry forward. “We’re starting to ask: do we need all this stuff? Less is less. Less material, fewer finishes, it all adds up to lower embodied carbon and longer-lasting buildings.”

The ultimate goal? Design spaces that not only serve today’s needs but are resilient and adaptable for decades to come.

EMTS Lab Renovation and Addition, Image Courtesy of McCullough

Final Takeaway

With a deep commitment to meaningful design, a collaborative culture that nurtures talent, and an eye on sustainable innovation, SILLMAN Architects is shaping resilient spaces that serve communities today and for generations to come. We’re grateful for our partnership with the SILLMAN team. Their creativity and purpose-driven approach are felt in everything they do. It’s a relationship we truly value, and we look forward to what we’ll build together next.

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Inside the Oakland Office: A Tour with Mahalakshmi Balachandran

We spent the day with Mahalakshmi Balachandran, our Senior Associate in our Northern California studio, for a behind-the-scenes look at life in our Oakland office, now open for two years! From what drew her to the space to what fuels her creativity, Maha shares what it's like working in the Bay Area. Check out the video for the walkthrough and Q&A!

Read more about Maha here.

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