703 16th Street, Suite 100 San Diego, California 92101
P (619) 296-3150 F (619) 501-7725
This year, McCullough celebrates our silver anniversary, bringing 25 years of “perfectly imperfect” landscape design to San Diego and beyond. Over the next year, we will be reflecting on our journey as a firm, the progress of natural design, and a look at what’s to come.
We hope you will join us as we celebrate this incredible milestone. Stay tuned for an announcement coming soon about a celebratory event to mark your calendars.
Excitement is building as the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Resilience Summit approaches, set to take place in New York City on April 12th, 2024. David McCullough, Principal Landscape Architect, and Andrew Schlesinger, Associate Landscape Architect, will be attending and facilitating a roundtable discussion on Wildfire Resilience and Fire-Adapted Communities, offering a unique opportunity for collaborative exploration and knowledge sharing.
The roundtable, strategically scheduled during lunchtime to encourage informal networking, promises to delve into pressing issues surrounding wildfire resilience. Attendees can anticipate a rich dialogue informed by recent work and writings, including insights from Maha Balachandran’s article on the subject. Central to the discussion will be the concept that fire-smart buildings must be complemented by fire-smart landscaping, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and mitigation efforts.
Participants can look forward to exploring best practices in defensible space, innovative approaches to fire safety, and the latest updates in fire policy. The roundtable aims to align sustainable development and design strategies with the realities of increased fire risk in our modern age. By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, this session holds the potential to catalyze actionable solutions and drive progress in wildfire resilience efforts.
McCullough is proud to support the ULI 2024 Resilience Summit. For more insights into climate resilience, check out Andrew Schlesinger's takeaways from last year's ULI Climate Resilience Summit and Spring Meeting.
Register for the ULI 2024 Resilience Summit here.
Landscape architects are uniquely positioned to advocate for and implement the successful greening of the urban realm. Specifically, trees are the powerhouses of livable, vibrant, and healthy spaces. Our profession moves beyond policy and the written word and is charged with the implementation of this precious resource on every project to achieve the many benefits they provide to our communities. Three of the most critical benefits trees offer are health and wellness, ecological resiliency, and climate adaptation.
Trees are essential to promoting the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities, as well as the health and wellbeing of our natural environment. Green streets, for which trees are a critical component, can be considered green infrastructure. Such ‘green’ infrastructure offers environmental, social, and economic advantages in several ways: Skin cancer is mitigated through shading; a green environment reduces asthma, lung infections, colds, and eye irritation by cleaning the air and lessening the impact of smog; trees also calm vehicular traffic, thus enhancing pedestrian and bicycle paths by making them safer and more enticing to use; lastly, trees can remove critical toxins from the environment such as sulfur dioxide, cadmium, nickel, and lead, among others.
Per the Urban Landscape Institute’s (ULI), 2002 publication Planning for Extreme Heat in San Diego County, roughly 13 percent of all land within American cities is covered by trees when they could support four times this amount. Tree roots are critical to the performance of trees allowing them to absorb and contribute nutrients to the soil, communicate with other trees via mycorrhizal relationships, and respond to localized adverse conditions. Surprisingly, tree roots spread two to four times further than the width of the canopy and are concentrated in the upper 12” of soil. Trees, like all other living things, need food, water, and nutrients to survive. They make their own food through photosynthesis, using energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide (CO2) to create sugar that is used to fuel the rest of the tree. Water is carried from the roots to the leaves through xylem cells. Roots store essential food reserves needed by the tree to produce leaves in the spring. It takes a few years for a tree to complete its roots system, growing surface roots horizontally and only a few anchoring roots vertically.
There are clear advantages to keeping mature trees in urban environments over planting new ones. Mature trees provide instant benefits. Their large canopies offer shade, reduce glare, and enhance aesthetics without waiting for years of growth. Older trees have well-developed root systems that contribute to soil stability, stormwater management, and nutrient cycling. Mature trees also already host various species of birds, insects, and other wildlife due to their complex structure and longevity.
We discussed the topic of mature trees in more detail in our February 2021 news blog article, Trees as a Valuable Resource in Development: “While species are significant, size matters, too. Since carbon storage is directly correlated to the amount of biomass, a key factor in capturing the most carbon in our cities lies in the existing trees because the green infrastructure is already there. The larger the tree, the greater capacity it has to make an impact in the air pollution. Don’t take comfort in planting new trees to replace the demolished ones. The new 24-inch or 36-inch boxes are not going to cut it. Old tree growth is not replaceable.”
Mature trees positively impact property values by beautifying neighborhoods and creating desirable living environments. Therefore, the practice of removing older trees and planting new does not always serve the immediate needs of the community.
Restaurant Depot, San Diego, CA: Planting in various locations, such as a parking lots, proves beneficial for climate mitigation and adaptation, and overall human health.
Planting in various locations, such as a park, streetscapes, parking lots, and outdoor amenity spaces, proves beneficial for climate mitigation and adaptation, and overall human health. However, during dry periods, compacted soils and manmade toxins can make for unfavorable root growing conditions. This increased soil density and poor growing conditions leads to roots that are less able to penetrate the soil and generally form in a shallow and malformed pattern. Despite challenges such as compacted soils and competition for space, effectively managing root systems can improve the viability of trees.
Adequate root space and soil volume are crucial, requiring thoughtful engineering considerations, root management, irrigation, drainage, aeration, and support measures. In practice, giving trees enough root space through structural support using structural cells or soil can allow trees to be healthy and develop large canopies. Adding root barriers helps to mitigate damage around foundations, concrete, and pavers.
As irregular and unforeseen climate events continue to express themselves across the globe, dense tree canopy and extensive tree roots can serve to help mitigate the negative effects of such events. Established trees, through transpiration and evaporation, mitigate urban heat islands, acting as sustainable coolants. Each well-established tree can have an impact equivalent to 10 air conditioners, contributing to challenging CO2 reduction targets. To meet the Climate Action Plan (CAP) per County of San Diego 2017, targets of 15% canopy cover by 2020 and 35% by 2035, the urban tree canopy assessment data must be analyzed at a fine scale to identify opportunities, as well as programs or strategies, to preserve and grow tree canopy. San Diego recently received $10 million in federal funds to enhance the city's urban forest, and Mayor Todd Gloria said this funding will be put toward the 2035 CAP goal. Specifically, this grant is estimated to plant and preserve 8,400 trees, with an emphasis on underserved communities. City residents can find details about the city’s urban forest plans and also request a free street tree by filling out an application at sandiego.gov/trees.
Robust Ginkgo trees line the walkway at biotech campus, GradLabs, in La Jolla. Ginkgo trees have the ability to capture 105.8 lbs. of carbon per tree, per year.
The integration of green urban spaces, particularly through tree planting, brings multifaceted benefits. Trees serve as effective carbon absorbers, sequestering carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Streets with trees are 3°F lower temperature than unforested urban areas per (EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency), additionally UV exposure is significantly lower. A single mature tree annually absorbs 21.6kg of CO2 and provides enough oxygen for two people. They act as natural anti-flood reservoirs, with 100 mature trees capturing 1,137,500 liters of rainwater, reducing stormwater runoff by 2% for every 5% tree cover in a community.
Proper planting of trees is critical for their long-term health and resilience. A few key strategies to consider when planting trees are soil biome, soil structure, irrigation, and micro-climate. The soil biome, or soil microbiome, consists of diverse microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, which play a vital role in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and overall soil health. Soil structure refers to how soil particles clump together. Well-structured soil for trees allows for water infiltration, root penetration, and aeration. If one has compacted or poorly drained soil, it is suggested to amend it by adding organic matter to improve its structure. After planting, adequate water must be provided to help the tree establish its root system. While water conversation is key, and many trees can do well with low water, it is important to water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Even after the first few months, weekly irrigation is key until the tree is fully established. Micro-climate considerations include sun exposure, wind direction, tree structure, rooting space, and positioning. Thoughtful planning and proper planting techniques set the stage for healthy, thriving trees that benefit a city’s community and the environment.
San Diego City College, San Diego, CA
McCullough Landscape Architecture endeavors to achieve the highest good in conservation through our implementation of green urban spaces, thus providing more opportunities for our communities to connect with nature. Trees serve a critical role in that pursuit and features heavily in our design work. Through our mindful practice we merge context, creative passion, health and wellness, ecological resiliency, and climate adaptation through the use of urban trees. In this way we seek to root our work in empathy, community, and the human spirit.
The City of San Diego has a plethora of useful and informative links to planning documents, City Council policies, and City Municipal Code on the following landing page: sandiego.gov/trees.
One important local community-based organization providing resources is Tree San Diego. They often collaborate with other public and private agencies to provide San Diegans with free trees. Visit them at treesandiego.org.
On a State level, the California Urban Forests Council's mission to expand the health, vitality, and condition of urban and community forests has resulted in significant impacts for many Cities. Visit their Resources page here, caufc.org/resources.
On a national level, Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition does incredible work educating and advocating for trees. Visit their resources page for more information sufc.org/resources.
San Diego Regional Urban Forests Council (SDRUFC) is a member driven coalition of agencies, businesses and educators working to improve our urban forest assets. They promote the benefits of trees for a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous San Diego region. Visit their website here: sdrufc.com.
Adis Tutusic
Junior Associate
Adis, a Bosnia native, holds both a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture and a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Sarajevo. He has gained diverse experience in landscape architecture, notably leading the design of a resort park themed after Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” ensuring meticulous implementation of the artistic vision.
Zeek Magallanes
Studio Team Leader
With a master's degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Southern California, Zeek brings over eight years of industry experience characterized by steadfast leadership and accountability. He is deeply passionate about the convergence of urbanism, social and environmental resilience, and the intricacies of design entrepreneurship.
We're thrilled to introduce you to Futuro Space, the newest gem nestled within the historic San Diego Design Center. Located at the heart of Hillcrest, this mid-century modern office campus has been revitalized by a dynamic collaboration of local design leaders, including Sean Slater and Frank Wolden of RDC, David McCullough of McCullough Landscape Architecture, and Graham Hollis of Blue Sapphire Holdings.
Grau’s Futuro prototype located behind the Design Center, 1975. Photo courtesy of Todd Pitman.
Together, we are launching a set of community gathering spaces dubbed Futuro Space after the iconic UFO-like Futuro House that inhabited the Design Center parking lot in the 1970s. We are working together to offer and manage Futuro Space as a hub for community meetings, creative collaboration, and other design-focused gatherings.
“The San Diego Design Center is not just a building, but a place where history and creativity meet,” said Sean Slater, AIA, Senior Principal at RDC.
Futuro Space is a collection of gathering spaces intended to reinvigorate the spirit of the original intent of the Design Center, opening a collective of community collaboration rooms and event spaces for the community of San Diego and the surrounding area. It is comprised of large and small meeting rooms, patio event space and individual workstations, with plans to add more community resources and engagement tools as time goes on. It opened in late 2023 and has already become the place for dialogue on issues of design and the built environment, both formally and informally. Groups Futuro has hosted include the Urban Land Institute (ULI San Diego-Tijuana), the American Institute of Architects (AIA San Diego), the San Diego Architectural Foundation, and Creating Civic Community (C-3), formerly Citizens Coordinate for Century 3.
“The San Diego Design Center is more than just a place. It is a symbol of San Diego's artistic and creative history, and a space where minds and ideas thrive. It is a place for productivity, collaboration, and innovation, and a forum where ideas that will shape the future of San Diego,” said Frank Wolden, Urbanist at RDC. “We are excited to welcome creatives to thrive in this space with us.”
“Ruocco’s original intention for The Design Center was for the space to be a hub of creativity and innovation, a space dedicated to new ideas and devoted to pushing the envelope and improving the city it served. Our intention is to further that mission,” said David McCullough, ASLA, PLA, Principal at McCullough Landscape Architecture.
Lloyd Ruocco standing in front of the Design Center, one of his most significant designs. Photo courtesy of Todd Pitman.
The Design Center complex, located at 3605 Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest, was designed by prominent San Diego architect, Lloyd Ruocco, FAIA. Upon completion of construction in 1949, Ruocco moved his architecture studio to the Design Center, along with the studio and showrooms of his wife, interior designer, and professor, Ilse Hamann Ruocco. Focusing on the creative community, the couple transformed the space into an incubator for artists, designers, photographers, and architects who were invited by Ruocco to help shape the city’s arts community.
Constructed of primarily redwood and glass, a style reminiscent of many of Ruocco’s early designs, its open floor plans and rectilinear structures are hallmarks of the California Modern style—a style he helped pioneer. The openness of design and extensive use of glass reflects Ruocco’s sensitivity for a built environment’s relationship with the outdoors that became a trademark of some of his most notable designs. Lloyd Ruocco is quoted as saying, “Good architecture should call for the minimum use of materials for the most interesting and functional enclosure of space.”
1967 Design Center, Photo courtesy of Todd Pitman.
Ruocco was instrumental in founding several community design organizations, including co-founding Creating Civic Community (C-3), an influential group of thinkers and leaders concerned with urban design that successfully fought a California Department of Transportation plan to widen State Highway 163 where it passes through Balboa Park. Founded in 1961, C-3 continues today as a nonpartisan, nonprofit group of informed citizens in San Diego, answering the question: “How can we make a city that is fit to live in?”
When Blue Sapphire Holdings LLC acquired the Design Center, Graham Hollis and his team restored its facade. The company used the lower level of the property while renting the other floors to design professionals. Hollis commented, “We had a vision to return this space to its original purpose, serving as a center where design and ideas flourish. We are pleased to be taking that idea to the next level with Futuro Space.”
The Design Center is a symbol of San Diego’s importance in the global design community. Recently the World Design Organization jointly designated the cities of San Diego and Tijuana as World Design Capital 2024 for their commitment to human-centered design and shared legacies of cross-border collaboration. Futuro Space is currently working with World Design Capital San Diego-Tijuana to discuss strategies for the World Design Capital 2024 celebration events.
To learn more about Futuro Space or inquire about hosting an event at our location, please fill in the contact form at futurospace.com and a team member will be in touch.
David looks forward to contributing on the Creating Extreme Value & Unleashing Investment Panel at the BISNOW Los Angeles Multifamily Market Update & Forecast, happening on Thursday 2/29. We hope to see you there!
