We're Going Native : San Diego Commercial Landscaping Goes au Naturel

Many of our most recent projects come from clients that are responding to California’s deepening drought by switching to plant palettes that use very little water. Saving water is a responsibility we all have, but it also turns out to be a smart financial decision. 

By switching out thirsty plants for thrifty ones, a property owner can quickly cut their water bill in half. 

Did you know that many native species no longer need to be watered once they are established? That means that after a couple of years, the irrigation system can be turned off completely. Thus the cost of replanting is quickly amortized by the savings.

Our clients have found that switching to native and drought-tolerant plants provides them with an opportunity to refresh a property’s aesthetic appeal in a way that pays for itself. Drought tolerant plants come in a wide variety of textures, colors and shapes. From wispy, billowing ornamental grasses to bold, sculptural succulents, there is a look to suit any taste. 

Let us know how we can help with your conservation initiatives. Call us at 619-296-3150 or contact us by email.

CONTEXT EVENT VOL. 2: SDAF’S FOCUS ON THE UPPER EAST VILLAGE

Following last year’s Context Vol. 1, held at the new San Diego Public Library, the San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF) will return with Context VOL. 2 on June 4th 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. This year’s event will feature San Diego’s District Three councilman Todd Gloria who will offer opening remarks on the future of San Diego’s urban development, with a focus on the Upper East Village, where a possible development encompassing nearly three million square feet of new residences, office buildings, hotels and shops could be a reality in the coming years.

Joining in the discussion will be speakers Mary Walshok, Associate Vice Chancellor of Public Programs at UCSD and author, and Jim Chappell, former president of SPUR (San Francisco Planning and Urban Research). It is imperative that we remain vitally aware of our city’s plans and issues that affect development, transportation planning and sustainable growth. This is your city, get involved and share your ideas! Remember "you are either at the table, or on the menu.” Tickets to Context VOL. 2 will be available on April 1st.

Headquartered in East Village, McCullough Landscape Architecture is excited to be a part of the discussion at Context Vol. 2 to help build the surrounding businesses and community. 

PECHA KUCHA NIGHT "MASHES" THE EAST VILLAGE

Wednesday, March 18, was the kick-off for Pecha Kucha Nights VOL 20 hosted by the San Diego Architectural Foundation. First created in Japan in 2003, Pecha Kucha has spread to 800 cities around the world. It’s the confluence of a narrator who displays 20 images for 20 seconds. Simple as that. There is an urban myth that Pecha Kucha was created to keep architects (and other creative people) from talking too much!

Philip Auchettl of RAD Lab gave a slick presentation at the new Quartyard in Downtown's East Village, complete with a beer garden. The crowd of fellow creatives were lubricated with awesome brews from Modern Times Lomaland Brewery. A tribe of San Diego's beer legends showed up and joined the fun. Check back with us here for VOL 21 coming soon.

posted by David McCullough

LEADING LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT DAVID McCULLOUGH RETURNS TO SDAF

After serving two terms on our Board of Directors with San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF) David McCullough, principal of McCullough Landscape Architecture has rejoined SDAF to assist in its ongoing programs. David and his wife Catherine, President and CEO of their firm, are known for their contribution to beautifying our city and their deep involvement with San Diego’s heritage and urban renewal of older neighborhoods. As David noted, “McCullough Landscape Architecture’s focus is on making our city more livable through our company’s efforts and those of SDAF to design and improve our community.” David’s role at SDAF will bring his vision and leadership to the Foundation. SDAF's continuing work to educate and promote outstanding architecture, planning and urban design throughout the San Diego region benefits all of our citizens.

San Diego City Council Approves New Urban Development in North Park

McCullough Landscape Architecture (MLA), led by its two owners, David and Catherine McCullough, are onboard to design the landscape amenities for a new North Park housing development recently approved by the San Diego City Council. The “Arizona Street Development” will encompass 194 units. In conjunction with urban designers and architects at Skyport Studio, the all-encompassing concept will inspire a sense of comfort and blend with the existing community.

In announcing the project, David McCullough, the lead landscape architect noted, “We were instrumental in designing the project to encourage street activation on all sides. Creating front porches adjacent to residential neighbors and a very energetic Texas Street experience along the commercial side were integral to the design.”

The first phase will focus on 118 market-rate units, with the second 76 units for seniors, including at least 23 affordable units. Approval by the San Diego City Council was unanimous, with Councilwoman Lorie Zapf remarking that “…we made sure there is land-use planning that allows residents to age in their communities where they feel most comfortable.” An added bonus is having the Mid-City Rapid bus line within walking distance of the project.

The project will be bordered by Texas and Arizona Streets, and Howard Avenue, with construction slated to begin in 2015.

“This is, in many ways, an ideal location for this kind of development,” said Councilman Todd Gloria. Additional project support comes from the LBGT Community Center, providing onsite services for the incoming residents.

McCullough Landscape Architecture has focused on the design of plantings that will surround the development, enhancing the neighborhoods and bringing a true sense of home, safety and comfort to residents. MLA continues to broaden and enhance its portfolio of outstanding community design that includes Kalos Apartments, Walgreen’s North Park, Olea Little Italy, The Pointe at Crown Point and Albert Einstein Academies Charter Middle School in Grant Hill.

Rendering created by architect Joe Cordelle.