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McCullough Landscape Architecture, Inc.

703 16th Street, Suite 100 San Diego, California 92101

P (619) 296-3150 F (619) 501-7725

info@mcculloughla.com

Rethinking Neglected Waterways: A Water-Sensitive Approach in the Design Process

November 21, 2023  /  Akshay Badwe

All sketches by Akshay Badwe, Associate Landscape Architect

Water is life. Almost all the cities have prospered, and civilizations have flourished over thousands of years due to their access to water. The rivers have been used commercially for trade and transport routes. The fertile land along the river attracts various cultures. Diverse cultural perspectives have evolved based on cultural philosophies. For example, Hindus' religious attitude toward the river is approaching the river, and they capture divinity into everyday life, whereas Muslim philosophy sees water as a source of aesthetic pleasures. These philosophies developed landscapes and built environments around their access to water. The Hindu people developed temples, and Muslim philosophy transformed several monuments, including the Taj Mahal, as a homage to water.

Ghats (stepped areas) in Varanasi and the Taj Mahal shows cultural landscapes and built environments shaped based on the distinct philosophies of the Hindus and Muslims

However, in today’s context, we take water for granted. After the Industrial Revolution, rivers became a massive feat of engineering. The approach seems to be a need to “getting rid” of water as quickly as possible. Ian McHarg’s “Design with Nature” concept brings ecological ideas in planning to the forefront of development. Although planners understand ecological balance and the benefits of having rivers and water bodies, they have become a second priority due to immense urban pressures. According to the World Bank, 56% of the world’s population lives in cities, which will double by 2050. That means 7 of 10 people will live in cities globally. The recent catastrophic floods and climate change have amplified these issues. The situation is dire in the developing world since rapid urbanization causes rivers to be utilitarian drains. In the city of San Diego, for example, creeks, rivers, and watersheds fall under the supervision of the Stormwater Department, which deals primarily with moving water through and out of the city as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Various civilizations flourished along the river

After the Industrial Revolution, polluted rivers caused environmental degradation and social behavioral changes. It is still true in the developing world. 

Creating sustainable cities with clean rivers that brings ecologically sensitive public spaces to the city core.   

Water covers 71% of the earth’s surface. Only 0.5% of the water is available in freshwater. The remaining water is found in the earth’s oceans, glaciers, polar icecaps, atmosphere, and soil. Conversely, 785 million people on our planet lack access to safe, clean drinking water. The World Bank predicts that by 2025, 2/3 of the global population will have a shortage of fresh drinking water. A lack of access to clean drinking water would cause disease, which would cause an inadequate supply of food, causing hunger and starvation and ultimately affecting the global economy (7). Water is an important resource, and an integrated water management approach is necessary to consider water systems, environmental protection, and design holistically.

Hydrologic water cycle – It is essential to provide interventions in the watershed due to interconnected ecology

Multiple approaches are being explored to solve water challenges, including “low-impact development” in the United States (5), “Sponge City” in China, and “Water Sensitive Urban Design” (WSUD) in Australia (6). All these techniques suggest we need a comprehensive multidisciplinary strategy to improve ecological balance and protect Mother Nature from climate change.

Almost all cities have rivers and waterways. Rapid urbanization and weak urban policies without strong implementation directly deteriorate residents’ interaction with rivers and waterways. Infrastructure barriers along the rivers and waterways are detrimental to riverfront development. Historically, highways and railroads were built because capturing land for infrastructure development was easier. These barriers assist in the loss of access to waterways. Without access, they become unsafe and neglected. Conversely, there is an opportunity to make these viable public spaces since water flows through most cities. We should promote a public space adjacent to the water. It would also bring ecology into the city core (2). Ecologically, colluvial and alluvial soil is good for vegetation and crops, benefiting wildlife and aquatic life. It also very simply connects people to nature. Riverfronts also reduce urban heat island effect by improving tree canopy. Riverfronts promote carbon sequestration to remove carbon dioxide from the air and assist in its absorption into vegetation. An increase in carbon dioxide is a primary cause of the increase in Earth’s temperature. Rivers also reduce sulfur and nitrogen from the air, which helps to make spaces healthier (1).

Bringing ecology into city core

Infrastructure barriers along the river reduces access to river

Most importantly, public places along the river could be a catalyst for revitalizing neglected waterways, which would benefit the economy. For example, restoration of the South Platt River in Denver triggered 36% property value, directly resulting in tax revenue. It also provides $1.4 billion in economic benefit annually to Denver for all indirect ecosystem services for the rivers and their tributaries. And it provides green jobs for the community (1).

Providing pervious surfaces along the river

Rivers or waterways are an essential source of recreation for communities. At the same time, they are a linear ecosystem that connects regions together. Riverfront development is a balance between ecology, flood protection, and amenity 2. Athletic or recreation fields and parks along rivers are potential floodplain areas (these could include agriculture, campsites, and walking trails). Their uses could be temporary but essential gateways for the residents to enjoy the outdoors. The development of these areas has significant positive momentum towards quality of life and people’s health. These are also essential parts of the ecosystem where the higher probability of floods can be absorbed. It is essential to keep pervious areas within floodplains. Good zoning analyzes the percentage of rainfall—usually, 1% of the floodplain has development restrictions. Keeping recreational fields and nature preserve areas at 1% minimum within a flood zone is recommended. However, we believe this number is a little low and should be reconsidered.

Water flows faster on the cut bank channel, whereas a meandering river can hold a lot of water and also promote ecology along the banks of the river. Embankment walls and promenades would focus on amenities, providing more access to rivers and waterways. Vehicular access would often become a nuisance and increase safety issues and should be kept to a minimum (2).

Water flows fast and stores less water in linear water channels. On the other hand, meandering rivers store more water, and promote water percolation into local aquifers.

The multiple ways to revitalize Waterways

Broadening the intermediate level with pedestrian access along the waterfront, integrating recreation areas and retail, and providing authenticity to the place to generate more human interest. For example, waterfront in San Antonio, Texas

Waterfront in San Antonio, TX

Riverbank steps along the waterways would create clear sight lines and provide access to water. However, it is essential to include pervious surfaces. Stone steps in the water create a dual purpose. They act as rip-rap walls and stepped areas for access.

Creating overhangs and balconies along the waterways in historic cities provides more “eyes” on the environment and helps to promote safety.

Floating islands provide valuable ecological habitat. It is a low-cost, sustainable way to improve water quality. It removes phosphorous, which is the main contributor for increasing algae growth in water. It is also aesthetically pleasing as well as reduces wind and erosion impacts at the shoreline.

Providing vegetation is the best solution for waterfront development. It reduces water temperature, reduces soil erosion, provides habitat and aquatic life along the shore. It further reduces flood impact. It also helps nature take its course.

Providing dikes and pathways along the waterways as a means of transportation within the region. Often, areas along the rivers are flat, which provides an ideal space for bikers. Converting transportation areas for waterways would reduce the dependence on road transport and resolve transportation issues in the city core (2).

Building structures on piles reduces the overall footprint of the impervious areas (2).

Building houses on stilts

While we study interaction with the water in the urban core, it is important to acknowledge that climate change threatens humanity. Climate change is real. According to NASA, since the pre-industrial period, human activities have been estimated to have increased Earth’s temperature by one degree Celsius, and it is increasing rapidly by more than 0.2 degrees per decade. This climate change is affecting humidity and rainfall patterns, creating floods and thunderstorms, to name a few. NASA identified that global sea levels have risen eight inches since 1880 and will likely rise further by one to 6.6 feet by 2100, directly impacting our coasts. These changes will affect infrastructure and affect the economy directly. It will also affect the ecology dramatically. Therefore, using stormwater management practices, conserving and protecting water resources is essential.

Effects of Climate Change

Principals of designing with water include protecting and enhancing creeks, rivers, and wetlands within an urban environment. The reuse of stormwater, recycled water, and gray water reduces dependency on potable water. Reducing peak flow and runoff within urban environments simultaneously provides infiltration and groundwater recharge. Integrating stormwater treatment into the landscape offers multiple beneficial uses: wildlife habitat, recreation, and open public space.

Strategies to Design with Water

• Use reduced building footprint or impervious surfaces around the building or go vertical if possible.

  • Porous paving

  • Sand filters

  • Sedimentation basin

  • Construct or preserve active wetlands.

  • Swale and buffer strips adjacent to roadways

  • Preserve and enhance ponds and lakes

  • Use of a native plant palette with minimum water use in new plantings

  • Provide vegetated swale

  • Provide rain gardens

  • Stormwater planters

  • Use of cisterns for collection

  • Use vegetation for stormwater filtration purpose

  • Use bio-retention systems to slow peak event stormwater run-off

  • Bioretention basins

Floating homes are predominantly used in the areas which are affected by frequent flooding. The access to floating is mainly through jetty. These units require a lot of maintenance. However, these units are highly suited for recreation and hospitality markets (2).

Breakwaters are very useful to reduce ocean currents and protect shorelines. Currently, breakwaters are being installed in New York and other major cities worldwide (4). A recent technological innovation has developed an eco-concrete module. Eco-concrete’s chemical composition promotes the growth of microorganisms. It protects the shorelines while promoting fish and wildlife within water system (8).

Overall, rivers and waterbodies are low areas in the watershed. It is vital to provide interventions to the overall catchment area on every scale, including homes, and strategic planning to promote positive economic impacts and enhance ecologically responsive without compromising people's health and safety. It requires a high level of policymakers’ determination and strict enforcement while involving the “user” in the decision-making process for long-term sustainable development.

Resources

  1. https://www.denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/2/doti/documents/projects/water-resiliency-program/south-platte-ecosystem-benefits-summary.pdf

  2. River.Space.Design, Planning Strategies, Methods and Projects for Urban Rivers, Martin Prominski, Antje Stokman, Susanne Zeller, Daniel Stimberg, Hinnerk Voermanek

  3. https://climate.nasa.gov/what-is-climate-change/

  4. https://www.nps.gov/articles/breakwaters-headlands-sills-and-reefs.htm

  5. https://www.epa.gov/nps/urban-runoff-low-impact-development

  6. https://www.melbournewater.com.au/building-and-works/stormwater-management/introduction-wsud

  7. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water/overview

  8. https://econcretetech.com/econcrete-technology/

Written by Akshay Badwe, ASLA, PLA
Associate Landscape Architect

Akshay earned his bachelor’s degree in Architecture and two master’s degrees in Landscape Architecture and Urban Design. With extensive experience in the profession, Akshay is a licensed landscape architect in California and Maryland, as well as a licensed architect in India. Akshay focuses on the relationship between urbanism and landscape architecture. Throughout his travels and working globally, he has a strong appreciation for diversity awareness and has rich global development perspectives.


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Exploring Diversity, Equity & Sustainable Design at the ASLA National Conference

November 20, 2023  /  Zeek Magallanes

Minneapolis, Minnesota

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Conference on Landscape Architecture is an eagerly anticipated event that many students and professionals look forward to every year. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with old acquaintances, student cohort groups, and coworkers. It’s a special time and place set aside for professional growth, inspiration, and exposure. This year’s conference in Minneapolis placed a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, representation, and practical application. It was my great fortune to attend this year alongside David and Catherine McCullough, as well as one of our Junior Associates, Adis Tutusic.  Below are a few take-aways from the various presentations I attended. 

Taking a Critical Lens to Urban Planting

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Speakers Gentry K. Lock, Claudia West, and Nancy Prince dove into the critical lens of urban planting. An important consideration which any design professional needs to study when approaching a project from a sustainable point of view is how they intend to ensure the continued viability of the planting material. Very often we idealize the context and environment within which we perform our work and make decisions based on our ‘sense’ of the place instead of factual conditions. We imagine that the conditions are, or will remain, ideally suited to our preconceived notions of what a planting scheme should be. Very often we overlook the required infrastructure and forethought necessary to ensure the continued success of our landscapes. This session sought to demonstrate ways in which others have thought about this issue and have attempted to address the design of infrastructure in a way that would ensure landscapes within harsh and everyday contexts would continue to look beautiful, while evoking the qualities initially intended.

Learning with the Land

Speakers Brad Howe, Ann M. Fraioli, and Jasmine Stokes focused on developing a curriculum to engage students in fostering social resilience and urban ecology through landscape architecture. As landscape architects, we establish spaces that seek to serve the community at large. However, the everyday person’s experience of that landscape tends to be very superficial. They experience the landscape, not the narrative. While users establish their own memories of the place, the design intent behind many of the decisions that went into the place-making process cannot be easily deciphered. Establishing a curriculum to engage local school children in landscape architecture and the design process goes well beyond creating a place that ‘looks good’; instead establishing a place that becomes a living laboratory and classroom. This approach inspires young people to learn about places and spaces around them, while also encouraging them to become stewards and protectors of the environment.

Reimagining the Master Plan

Speakers Megan Born, Kristina Bigby, and Jenn Low masterfully exposed, critiqued, and demonstrated responsible replies to a topic that is critically important to the work that landscape architects do, which is the so-called ‘Master Plan’. We find ourselves today in a different cultural milieu than our predecessors after the deeply sobering Covid pandemic, and the shockingly real and impactful tragedies that sparked the Black Lives Matter movement. In this, our United States or America, it becomes ever important to see our work within its historical and cultural context. We can begin this by asking ourselves what it means to develop a ‘Master Plan’. Whose vision does the master plan serve, and why? Who is entitled to develop a master plan, and what considerations are they obligated to entertain? Are master plans supposed to be idealized expressions of individualistic capitalism at play, or are they meant to be how we ensure equitable access to resources and success in a world dominated by self-aggrandizing?

As landscape architects hired to develop such master plans, we need to be fully conscious of all those impacted by our designs. We need to be conscious of the delicate balance between natural and cultural resources alongside challenges. Social media has been both a positive and negative tool in our most recent cultural affairs, and landscape architects need to find a way to use it for the aspirational attainment of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Ultimately, our jobs as designers should be to develop new and innovative ways to engage the community to create spaces that matter to them, while moving away from traditional models that place ourselves and our opinions on pedestals of privilege that unfairly disadvantage or ignore those whose voices and opinions are quite as valid as our own.

Cultivating Climate Justice

Speakers Grant Fahlgren, Michelle J. Delk, and Kelty M. McKinnon addressed a portion of our nation that is seldom seen or engaged for who they are, Indigenous Native Americans. In alignment with our aspirations as landscape architects is the untapped engagement of indigenous communities in the design process. While resolutions such as reparations are unlikely to occur, we as designers can engage indigenous knowledge and to uncover the coded narratives of those whose ancestors occupied the lands we intend to develop. Their shared knowledge carried across multiple generations, and across multiple nation groups provide a collective understanding of what it means to define a place. Native peoples have observed, engaged, and improved upon the landscapes we now occupy. Such placed-based knowledge helps Native American groups reestablish their authority as stewards of the environment. However, we should not imagine that such pursuits are the de facto role Native American communities seek to fill.

Native landscapes are not native peoples, which is why asking questions and truly listening to the needs of the indigenous community is the first step for landscape architects to begin to engage such a widespread and sensitive topic. It’s important to remember Native American ‘tribes’ are sovereign nations in the United States and we as professionals need to engage them with the same level of respect afforded to any such recognized body.

Unraveling Urban Myths

Speakers Ashley Ludwig, Amanda Craig, and Lynn Brown discussed strategies for building community investment in rural America. The pursuit of such an endeavor inevitably reveals the deep diversity and cultural richness of rural America. Whether native or not, rural communities are often held in the minds of designers as synonymous with portrayals in media such as movies, television, and novels. However, several rural myths are inaccurate mis-portrayals that can derail any honest attempt at place making and community engagement.

  • To begin, rural communities are not homogenous. Instead, rural America is home to millions of first- and second-generation immigrant families, as well as Native Americans.

  • Secondly, they do not have unlimited access to food or nature, which one would suppose is easily attainable where farmlands or forests exist. Many such amenities are privately owned and are reserved as exports or for pay-to-play tourism.

  • Nor do they have immediate access to global information or reliable transportation, which to those living in large cities seems to be a given part of daily life in the 21st century. Thus, design solutions to development proposals need to prioritize the implementation of engaging, safe, and accessible spaces through community understanding and participation.

Relationship building starts by hiring locally, attending existing events, and perhaps sponsoring others. Community members of all ages should be sought for their understanding of what makes their town, county, city, or state unique to them. When they engage in the community in this way, landscape architects can propose solutions within the network of existing maintenance infrastructure, as well as within the means of economic districts and existing budgets.

Rural America is a manuscript with a rich and varied history to draw far from, however, landscape architects can only hope to uncover such locally defining solutions when the community itself is engaged in an equitable relationship with us, developers, city agencies, and other stakeholder groups.

Landscape Architecture: A catalyst for Positive Social Change

The annual ASLA Conference not only provides a platform for professional connection but also showcases the industry's commitment to diversity, sustainability, and community engagement. This year’s focus on equity and engagement with underserved or marginalized communities underscore the importance of critical thinking in design and the potential for landscape architecture to serve as a catalyst for positive social change in the United States and abroad. Therefore, I ask you, dear reader, to challenge yourself to find the unheard voice in your next endeavor and amplify it to the benefit of those it represents and the vision of the project.

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Written by Zeek Magallanes, MLA, ASLA
Studio Team Leader

With a master’s in landscape architecture and urbanism from USC and 10 years of experience in the field, Zeek brings a reliable history of leadership and accountability to the projects he works on and is passionate about the intersection of urbanism, social and environmental resiliency, and the business of design.



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Client of the Month: HPI Architecture

October 30, 2023  /  Melanie Loria

Mt. SAC Library, Conceptual Design, Image courtesy of HPI Architecture

McCullough is thrilled to feature HPI Architecture as our October Client of the Month, by sharing the history of the firm, exciting projects in the works, and our flourishing collaboration.  We had the privilege of sitting down with Lawrence A. Frapwell, Architect, NCARB, LEED AP, the President of HPI Architecture, to gain deeper insights into the firm's rich background.

Founded in 1975, the firm has solidified its reputation as a leading force in the world of planning, architecture, and interior design.  With a dynamic team of 70 professionals and offices strategically located in Newport and San Diego, HPI Architecture has thrived on two core pillars of expertise. Their dedication to higher education, with a particular focus on community colleges, has resulted in serving an impressive roster of 26 different colleges and 20 districts, many of which have been long-standing partners. Notable institutions in this list include Orange Coast College, Mt. San Antonio College, Long Beach City College, Cerritos College, among others. The firm's portfolio spans a wide range, encompassing everything from comprehensive planning to innovative project design, covering instructional facilities, student services, and diverse academic support spaces.

In addition to their leadership in the higher education sector, HPI Architecture has extensive experience in the housing sector, with a primary emphasis on senior living and high-density infill projects. Their specialized approach includes a focus on assisted living, memory care, and independent living within the landscape of senior living. The firm's recent expansion into community college student housing, such as at Orange Coast College and collaborations with McCullough on multiple student housing initiatives, underlines their commitment to evolving with the ever-changing needs of the communities they serve. With a primary focus in Southern California, HPI’s influence extends to Northern California, with student housing projects scattered across the state, and noteworthy projects in Santa Rosa, Napa, and San Mateo, along with an array of planning studies for student housing in the Bay Area. The firm has also engaged in affordable housing project, emphasizing that their housing projects are program-driven, prioritizing the unique needs of the communities they engage with.

Collaborative Culture at HPI

At HPI, the company's culture is driven by the dedication and loyalty of its long-term employees, with some individuals having served for up to 40 years. Collaboration is a fundamental aspect of their philosophy, and they extend this spirit of teamwork to their valued consultants, engaging them early in the projects as an integral part of the design process. Particularly in the field of education, and especially within the community college sector, they are committed to uncovering the unique narrative that each project holds.

The Story Behind HPI and McCullough

HPI Architecture seeks out consultants who embody creativity, those who are not confined by the project's boundaries but are eager to explore possibilities beyond those limits. HPI's collaboration with McCullough originated a few years ago, and blossomed through a shared connection with Woody Dike, a landscape architect. Woody and David had previously collaborated, leading to introductions between McCullough and HPI in the San Diego area. Initially, Woody's expertise in planning and conceptualization complemented HPI's needs, evolving into a collaborative design partnership. Together, they embarked on projects such as a student housing renovation at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. The shared commitment to higher education and campus integration remains central to their collaboration, emphasizing the broader campus environment rather than individual buildings.

For HPI, it's not solely about providing spaces for students; it's about creating environments that seamlessly integrate with the campus, enhancing the student experience. This philosophy is exemplified in their conceptual design work on the library at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), where their focus extends beyond the structure itself to consider the larger campus context, branding, and the holistic student and public experience. McCullough is enthused to be collaborating with HPI on this project.

"We don't limit ourselves to the definition of the site. We aim to consider how this project fits into the broader campus - David McCullough and Maha Balachandran understand that. It's about how this project connects to the larger campus and supports connectivity, student life, and service."

- Lawrence A. Frapwell, President at HPI Architecture

Mt. SAC Library, Conceptual Design, Image courtesy of HPI Architecture

McCullough and HPI are also collaborating with the San Bernardino Community College District on a “vision” for student and community housing at San Bernardino Valley College. This development extends beyond typical student housing, encompassing various apartment-style units, community housing, and workforce housing within a just under 15-acre site. The conceptual vision prioritizes pedestrian, bicycle, and transit-oriented connections to the campus and community over auto-centric solutions, to create a sustainable, affordable housing community that seamlessly integrates with the campus and broader San Bernardino Community. The “vision” is intended to support conversations between the District, potential community partners, developers, and other local and regional agencies to secure funding, construct, and operate the project. The HPI team has actively participated with the college and their team in several community outreach programs including a recent webinar designed to introduce and showcase the project to the development community, initiate the solicitation process and seek the right partners to support the college's vision.

“Larry never stops with the essentials. His question, ‘How can we connect the site to the campus as a whole and activate it?’ is always a push to explore possibilities beyond the boundaries of the project.”

– Mahalakshmi Balachandran, Senior Associate at McCullough

San Berardino Valley College Student Housing Conceptual Vision, Image courtesy of HPI Architecture

The Future for HPI

HPI Architecture is a firm renowned for its commitment to service, firmly establishing enduring client relationships and serving as a trusted team. The firm's reputation is reinforced by a multitude of returning clients. Their approach is characterized by a commitment to collaboration that fosters creativity.

As they look ahead, while they are open to new opportunities that may arise, their focus remains dedicated to the field of education, encompassing higher education institutions such as community colleges, private colleges, and universities, alongside a drive to expand their presence in the K-12 education sector. Simultaneously, their dedication to housing solutions continues, spanning senior housing and student housing, with a keen eye on exploring low-impact, program-driven housing alternatives. These paths represent the core of their future endeavors, reflecting their commitment to innovative solutions.

McCullough is grateful for the creative collaboration with HPI Architecture, and we look forward to continuing to connect communities and join forces on future projects.

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San Bernardino Valley College Student Housing, Images courtesy of McCullough

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Mt. SAC Library, Conceptual Design, Images courtesy of McCullough


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Fire-Smart Buildings Begin with Fire-Smart Landscaping

October 27, 2023  /  Mahalakshmi Balachandran

In this article written by Senior Associate, Mahalakshmi Balachandran for Western Real Estate Business, Maha shares advice on how we can evolve design strategies to build healthy, fire-adapted communities.

Read the full article published on Western Real Estate Business here.


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Recent Expansion into Los Angeles & Team Additions in San Diego

October 25, 2023  /  Catherine McCullough

McCullough Expands Los Angeles Team and Office Footprint

On the heels of our recent Bay Area office expansion, McCullough is excited to announce its increased capabilities and fresh faces in Southern California with a new associate in Los Angeles and four new team members in San Diego.

Addition of a Los Angeles Team Member

Kira Becker is our newly appointed Associate Landscape Designer in Los Angeles. She has had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects, spanning residential, commercial, and multi-family housing. Her passion lies in crafting innovative solutions that cater to the unique needs of each project and weave rich history and character into the heart of the design. Kira's arrival is a significant step in the firm's expansion in the dynamic LA area.


Strengthening the San Diego Office

Along with the Los Angeles expansion, the San Diego office is also undergoing a transformation with the addition of four talented professionals:

Olivia Wax - Junior Associate: Olivia received her Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and is excited to translate what she has learned into practice and leave a mark on the world of landscape architecture. Olivia’s knack for plants stems from living part of her childhood on a 40-acre organic farm.


Bianca Zeto - Project Accountant: With over 10 years of accounting experience, Bianca has worked with various architecture and design firms throughout Southern California. She managed properties such as 52-unit apartment complexes and helped budget the build and launch of multi-million-dollar construction projects.


Lindsey Bonjean - Office Administrator: Lindsey loves working with creative minds and found McCullough to be a place filled with extremely talented and creative people. She’s excited to utilize her exceptional organization and administration skills to ensure the smooth operation of the McCullough office and provide support to an incredible team of designers.


Haya Abboodi - Student Intern: Haya received her Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture, Magna Cum Laude, from Cal Poly Pomona and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Architecture at the NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego with a minor in Urban Design and Development. She believes in creating an impact through design, preserving culture within communities, and healing through nature.


Celebrating Growth and Innovation

The entire team is excited to embark on this new chapter, with fresh talent on board and a collective determination to push the boundaries of landscape architecture. McCullough looks forward to contributing to the vibrant, ever-evolving Californian design scene, and we can't wait to see what incredible projects lie ahead.


Read more on the following publications:

Done Deals Blog, McCullough Landscape Architecture Expands in Los Angeles

Landscape Management, People on the move: Updates from Bartlett Tree Experts, Wright Manufacturing, SingleOps and more

CityBiz, McCullough Expands in Los Angeles

Patch Los Angeles, McCullough Expands in Los Angeles


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