Continuing the Conversation: Student Housing, Higher Education, and the Power of Outdoor Space
Over the past month, McCullough Landscape Architecture participated in several student housing and higher education conferences across California, contributing to conversations on campus planning, student-centered design, and the future of affordable and urban student housing.
Designing the Next Generation of Student Housing – San Diego
At the Bisnow San Diego Student Housing & Higher Education Conference, Principal Landscape Architect David McCullough, ASLA, PLA joined the panel “The Next Generation of Student Housing: From Dorms to Destination.”
The discussion focused on how student housing is evolving into experience-driven environments shaped by community, wellness, and inclusive design. A key theme throughout was the importance of landscape architecture and outdoor space in supporting student connection and well-being.
The team also highlighted City Village, a City College student housing project led by The Michaels Organization and the San Diego Community College District, emphasizing the role of affordable housing in downtown campus environments.
Urban Student Housing & Site Challenges – Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, McCullough participated in the Student & Workforce Housing Development Conference & Expo, joining our San Diego Community College District City Village client-led panel on navigating site constraints in urban student housing.
The conversation explored how collaboration between designers, developers, and institutions can create successful housing solutions in dense urban contexts.
Campus Growth & Future Planning – Northern California
Senior Associate Mahalakshmi Balachandran represented McCullough at the Bisnow Northern California Student Housing & Higher Education Summit, speaking on “Planning for Tomorrow: Capital Projects & Campus Expansions.”
The panel addressed enrollment growth, affordability, and long-term campus resilience, reinforcing the importance of designing outdoor spaces that foster connection, wellness, and community.
Looking Ahead
Across all events, one message remained consistent: student housing is no longer just about buildings, it’s about creating environments where students can thrive.
McCullough is proud to contribute to these conversations and continue advancing the role of landscape architecture in shaping the future of higher education campuses.