Building a Better San Diego

Defining a Vision for Our City

We, David and Catherine, were thrilled to join Our City San Diego's July roundtable on "How To Build A Better San Diego." A gathering of the most progressive developers and designers tackled some of our region's biggest challenges and proposed solutions to improve our city’s built environment.

"The potential for San Diego could be unbelievable," said David McCullough, who pushed for lifting regulatory delays. Elyse W. Lowe, of the city's Project Submittal and Management Division, noted “2015 building permits were up 20% from 2014, and addressing these delays will create space for new designs and innovation."  Some of the other road signs indicating a direction forward included: removing building height limits of 30 feet west of I-5, educating the general public and roof decks in North Park.

There are certainly sunnier skies ahead for San Diego's built environment as the roundtable participants take action rather than talk about the issues. Our design philosophy at MLA is dedicated to making spaces liveable, useable, friendly and beautiful throughout all of San Diego. Mike Burnett of FoundationForForm Architecture & Development stated, "I've been taking it upon myself to make an example. One that you can look at and show, versus trying to argue it with other people. I want to use my energies more efficiently and say, 'This is what I'm talking about.' And you can see it and walk through it."

All of us at McCullough Landscape Architecture are looking forward to continuing this conversation in order to realize our city's amazing potential!

You can find further event coverage in the July/August issue of the magazine (page 34).

MLA’s posse rounded-up SMPS’ most wanted!

Howdy partners!

We enjoyed having your wet your whistle and for bein’ such good “wranglers” at the famous SMPS Golf Classic. By showin’ up, you helped Cancer for College while putting your mug out there at the risk of being jailed — WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE.

Check out the rouges gallery and see if you’re one of the MOST WANTED.

PS: If you would like a digital copy of your WANTED photo, email Catherine at catherine@mlasd.com.

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.”