Park(ing) Day 2023

Can parking lots become parks? They do on International Park(ing) Day. On Friday, September 15, the parking spaces at McCullough transformed into a series of interactive miniature parks in celebration of its annual Park(ing) Day.  

Now in its 18th year, Park(ing) Day has grown into a global phenomenon aimed at fostering creativity and community involvement through the reimagining of urban spaces. Converting regular parking spaces into vibrant creative hubs for art, play, and activism, McCullough was thrilled to welcome the local Hillcrest community to partake in this dynamic event at their office at 3605 Fifth Avenue.

Showcasing entertainment, education, and exploration, the McCullough “green” mini park offered participants engaging, informative sessions about topics within landscape architecture, sustainability, and urban planning - surrounded by native pollinator plants on a synthetic lawn laid out across two metered parking spaces. Guests were able to take part in a Pollinator Pledge to show their commitment to supporting local ecosystems and gain insight into the importance of pollinators and native plant species, rethink local policies affecting bee habitats, and how the decline of bee populations create an ecological effect to our environment.

Keynote speakers included David McCullough, Principal of McCullough; Joe LaCava, San Diego Councilman, District 1; James C. Nieh, Associate Dean of UCSD School of Biological Sciences & Professor Department of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution; and Patrick Montgomery of Native West Nurseries.

Pictured from left to right, Patrick Montgomery, Joe LaCava, Catherine McCullough, David McCullough, and James Nieh

"We believe in the power of transforming urban spaces into inspiring environments that foster interaction, creativity, nature, and relaxation," said Catherine McCullough, President and CEO at McCullough. “Today, the urban space we transformed was two parking spaces as part of International Park(ing) Day.”

McCullough extends its gratitude to all those who joined them in making this Park(ing) Day event a remarkable success. By participating, attendees played a pivotal role in the global movement to rethink and revitalize urban spaces, as well as learn the role of pollinators in our natural environment.

We would like to give a huge thank you to our sponsors, including Anova, Bega, Grant + Associates, Native West Nursery, Vestre, and SYNLawn, who were instrumental in helping to make our event a huge success.

Enjoy photos from the event below:

Our event made the news! Check out the video below by KGTV on ABC 10 News.

This article is also published in San Diego Patch: McCullough Hosts 18th Annual Park(ing) Day.

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Let the Sunshine In: Bringing Biophilia into The Office of the Future

Guest Post for the CoreNet Global blog by David McCullough, Principal Landscape Architect at McCullough

As employees return to the office, many companies are reimagining what that experience will look like.

While the allure of Class A office spaces remains strong due to their perceived amenities, there’s an exciting trend emerging—a creative reinvention of all types of office spaces. Landscape architecture is playing a pivotal role in transforming these spaces into collaborative, inspiring, and environmentally conscious workplaces.

Across various industries, employees are voicing a strong desire for “creative spaces.” These spaces aren’t just about aesthetics; they are designed to foster active collaboration, promote well-being, offer abundant natural light and fresh air, and incorporate biophilic elements (natural elements or forms of life). While incorporating these elements into new office designs might seem straightforward, the real challenge lies in revitalizing existing buildings. How can you breathe new life into dated Class B buildings and make them appealing to both employees and environmentally conscious consumers?

Torrey Plaza, San Diego, CA

Revitalizing Class B buildings offers tremendous value, not just in terms of cost savings but also in supporting environmental goals. According to research from JLL, New York City alone boasts over 150 million square feet of Class B offices, with Class A office rent prices outpacing Class B rents by 33% in 2021. This discrepancy presents a golden opportunity for companies looking to revamp existing spaces and create attractive, sustainable workplaces without breaking the bank.

Three ways to rebuild with biophilia:

1. Connect existing indoor and outdoor spaces. No longer limited to static aesthetic embellishments, exterior spaces have evolved to become active extensions of the interior requiring the design of direct, seamless connections between spaces. Planned correctly, these inviting spaces bridge form and function to consider the practical year-round use of inhabitants, be it seasonal conditioning for warmth and cooling, or protection from adverse weather. In Southern California, for example, some forward-thinking office space developers are seeing comparable returns on rentable rates for their exterior courtyards as the interior spaces.

2. Bring out the sledgehammer. Large floorplate buildings often suffer from limited access to natural light and ventilation due to high, obstructive walls. Breaking down or eliminating unnecessary high walls allows natural light to penetrate deeper into the building core, brightening up the workspace. Enhanced views and better access to the outdoors can be achieved by incorporating biophilic elements such as skylights and lower walls that enable natural light to support indoor plant life. Should it allow, consider modifying the roof line to open up new internal spaces and create natural exterior courtyards within the building core. This not only rejuvenates the office but also enhances its connection to nature and the outdoors.

3. Save money while saving nature. Surprisingly, the most budget-friendly way to revamp older buildings is by going au naturel. Creating a workplace that resonates with employees is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating an environment that is warm, inviting, creative, and exciting. Many companies are moving away from the cold, lifeless, and stale corporate settings of the past. Instead, they are infusing their existing spaces with natural stone, wood, plant material, and rich colors that are proving to be considerably less expensive when compared to new ground-up construction. These elements not only add visual appeal but also contribute to a more sustainable and biophilic office environment.

The future of office design is in a constant state of flux. It adapts to the evolving needs and desires of employees. Landscape designers are poised to lead the way in this transformation, with a focus on health, well-being, a connection to nature, creativity, and collaboration as their guiding principles.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forever altered the way we view and utilize office spaces. Remote work is here to stay in some capacity, but the office remains an essential hub for collaboration, innovation, and team bonding. To ensure its relevance and attractiveness, companies are investing in the biophilic makeover of their office spaces.

The office of the future is no longer just a place for work; it’s a destination that nourishes the human spirit, fosters creativity, and connects us with the natural world. As employees return to these revitalized spaces, they’ll discover that the office isn’t just a place to clock in and out—it’s a vibrant, biophilic ecosystem that inspires, rejuvenates, and transforms.

Visit the article on the CoreNet Global Blog.

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McCullough Panelists at Three Bisnow Events

Los Angeles State of the Market

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 @ 8:00 AM

Benjamin Arcia, ASLA, MUD, participated on a panel where he shed light on the topic of attracting, satisfying & retaining Los Angeles' top tenants by curating experiences, integrating placemaking and focusing on the neighborhood. It was a great discussion with all of the panelists. Watch a short video clip below:

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the McCullough table! It is always a pleasure to make new connections.

Picture from left to right: Catherine McCullough, President/CEO/CMO; Kira Becker, Associate; Benjamin Arcia, Senior Associate

San Diego CRE Market Outlook Conference

Wednesday, October 4, 2023 @ 8:00 AM

David McCullough, ASLA, PLA, will be a panelist on the discussion of analyzing opportunity in San Diego & trends impacting CRE.

For 20% off, use our code: SOTM208gj7
Click here to register! 

Northern California Multifamily Conference

Wednesday, October 11, 2023 @ 10:00 AM

Join us for the Bisnow Northern California Multifamily Conference where David McCullough, ASLA, PLA, will share his take on designing & amenitizing modern multifamily developments.  

For 20% off, use our code: BN20e2iAFZ 
Click here to register! 

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Crafting Community at Poway Commons

McCullough is excited to highlight our recently completed project, Poway Commons.

McCullough collaborated with Meridian Communities to shape Poway Commons, an embodiment of the influence of design on communities. Situated in Poway, California's civic core, the project revitalizes urban landscapes with meticulous streetscapes, inviting frontage stoops, and an integrated commercial hub on Poway Blvd. This venture sets the stage for the City’s long-term effort to create a vibrant town center district, uniting multi-family housing, affordable elements, commercial spaces, and a communal oasis.

At the heart of Poway Commons lies a narrative woven from the city's history. This cherished corner not only beckons visitors but becomes the focal point for community events, fostering bonds among residents and shared memories. The landscape intricately incorporates locally painted tiles into seating and pays homage to Poway's roots with a striking Corten steel depiction of the Poway mountains, embraced by an olive tree grove.

Aligned with Rattlesnake Creek's southern edge, the project seamlessly integrates a riparian landscape of sycamores and oaks, forging a harmonious connection with nature. Collaboration with biologists ensured the ecological integrity of the site's plant selection, while close cooperation with city officials set an aesthetic standard for future developments. As landscape architects and urban planners, we aspire to shape spaces that resonate within communities. Poway Commons stands as a testament to this commitment, poised to catalyze Poway's transformation into the long-awaited city center.

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Save the Date! You're Invited to Park(ing) Day at McCullough

Please join us on Friday, September 15th for our Park(ing) Day event, where we will transform parking spaces into places for opportunities to learn, take the Pollinator Pledge, and have some fun!

Follow us on LinkedIn for more details to follow.

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