Mayor Kevin Faulconer Appoints David McCullough to San Diego’s Historic Resources Board

City of San Diego Strengthens Its Board to Preserve Historic Buildings and Neighborhoods

April 12, 2016 San Diego, California — McCullough Landscape Architecture (MLA) announced today the appointment of Mr. David McCullough, RLA, ASLA by Mayor Kevin Faulconer to the Historic Resources Board for the City of San Diego. His appointment was confirmed by the City Council. Mr. McCullough will serve along with nine board members for a period of two years commencing on March 1, 2016.

The Historical Resources Board advises the Mayor, City Council, City Planning Commission, Park and Recreation Board and the City Manager on the identification, protection retention and preservation of historical sites in San Diego. The City has been recognized by the state of California as a “Certified Local Government.” This designation enables the Historical Resources Board to evaluate the historical value of resources and the potential impact of development on those resources.

The organization’s functions include designating individual historical sites and districts, and reviewing development projects that may affect San Diego’s historical resources. Each year the Board writes an annual report of its activities and presents Awards of Excellence in historic preservation in May.

Mr. McCullough is principal landscape architect for McCullough Landscape Architecture, Inc. and brings over twenty years of architecture, construction, urban planning and environmental services expertise to the Board. “I’ve always been very concerned about the architectural diversity of our city, and historic properties are a key component of that diversity. By being part of the city’s Historic Resources Board, I will have a say in the long-term evolution of our neighborhoods,” said Mr. McCullough about his recent appointment. “Our firm designs places for citizens of San Diego to live, work and play. Retaining the historic fabric of our city is paramount in maintaining the cultural diversity of San Diego by creating a vibrant place for all of us to live.” Mr. McCullough is also an active board member of San Diego Architectural Foundation, American Institute of Architects’ San Diego Urban Design Committee, and the American Society of Landscape Architects.

ABOUT MLA

McCullough Landscape Architecture, Inc., located in San Diego’s downtown Makers Quarter, is certified by the State of California Department of General Services as a woman-owned, Small Business Enterprise. For nearly twenty years the firm has worked on many private, civic and military projects. Clients include CityMark Development, Alexandria Real Estate, Pacifica Companies, the cities of Carlsbad and San Diego, the U.S. Navy and numerous schools and universities. Their work has been recognized with many regional and national awards. For more information about MLA, visit their website at www.mlasd.com.

MLA Welcomes Tommy King: Associate Landscape Designer

This fall, we are happy to announce an addition to our growing family of designers. Tommy King is from the Pacific Northwest where his design talents were utilized for urban, public and healthcare projects. From civic parks and universities, public housing and hospitals, Tommy’s design and project-management abilities led him to San Diego as an Associate Landscape Designer. He graduated from Ball State University in Indiana, one of the top landscape architecture institutions in the country. His philosophy is based on sculpting the landscape with the notion of creating “place.”

"I believe outdoor environments must be functional, engaging, attractive, memorable and sustainable,” said Tommy. “Well-designed public spaces are crucial in stitching the built environment together—thus strengthening our communities.” 

Being outdoors is second nature to Tommy, who spends time with his wife and two kids hiking, going to the beach and camping. He’s a dedicated amateur musician who can play a number of wind and string instruments. “Playing guitar is a good way for me to decompress.” 

MLA’s Design Beautifies Urban Redevelopment

The Building Industry Association has named us as a finalist for one of their prestigious Icon Awards. The recognition for Best Landscape Design for a Single-Family Development reflects our mission to provide a more sustainable urban environment. The landscape design is for a residential development in La Mesa, located close to downtown and reflects the ongoing efforts of San Diego’s urban redevelopment. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency on September 19. The homes were designed with the first-time home buyer in mind who appreciates the value of having an ecologically small footprint without sacrificing aesthetics and comfort. Based on the concept of “Americana” and our affection for spending time with family and friends on the front porch, MLA designed spaces to include picket fences, DG pathways, small parklets, BBQs, old-school picnic tables, even a citrus orchard. With our fantastic San Diego weather, the landscape design supports our outdoor lifestyle—with flair and ecologically is friendly!

Development: Stanford Place

Client: CityMark Development

Here's a recent article I wrote this month for San Diego UrbDeZine

What is San Diego’s Identity?

The City of San Diego at 1.3 million and counting according to 2014 data, and notably the 8th largest city in the country, is unique at best and honestly still a small town. Planners, politicians and policy makers to name just a few, are in constant pursuit of definition for this city and our region.  Ironically, this pursuit has been going on for the past 100 years with the first Panama-California Exposition in 1915.As the story goes, arguably one of San Diego’s most notable architects, Irving Gill was originally selected as the assistant architect of record. The prime architect selected was New York firm, Bertram Goodhue. Shortly into the endeavor Gill resigned.  Apparently he was pushing for a style that he felt exemplified Spanish-influenced, progressive California. The New York team had in mind a temporary version of the then-popular Spanish Colonial style.

Over and over again, the question has been asked, what makes this city unique, what can we truly call ours? For many, it’s what we are not.  San Diego is not L.A. and I have seen some cringe when we are compared, by outsiders, to Orange County. 

Read the entire article at San Diego UrbDeZine.

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