Wishing You a Happy & Safe Thanksgiving From McCullough

As we gather with loved ones to celebrate the season of gratitude, the McCullough team extends our warmest wishes for a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

This time of year reminds us how meaningful it is to create spaces—both built and natural—where people can connect, reflect, and enjoy moments together. We are grateful for the incredible clients, partners, and communities who allow us to continue this work every day.

Whether you’re traveling, spending time at home, or exploring the outdoors, we hope your holiday weekend is filled with comfort, good food, and the company of those who matter most.

Thank you for being part of our community and for your continued trust in our team. We look forward to closing out the year strong and embracing new opportunities ahead.

From all of us at McCullough,
Happy Thanksgiving!

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Rainford Apartment Community

Written by Adam Crowell, ASLA
Associate, Project Manager

When I joined McCullough in 2021, my colleague Ben Arcia entrusted me with a new multi-family project that had just been awarded to our office. After introducing me to the project team, he ultimately stepped back, giving me the opportunity to lead the effort as Project Manager—my first experience in the role. Working on Rainford provided invaluable lessons and skills that I’ve since carried forward to other projects, contributing to my professional growth. It was my first opportunity to collaborate with many of the consultants I now maintain strong professional relationships with. Working alongside Murfey Company and Stephen Dalton Architects—both on this project and on several subsequent ones—has been a seamless experience. There is constant communication and mutual trust, qualities that can be hard to find sometimes within project teams.

Rainford is a nine-story multi-family development located in the historic Mission Hills neighborhood. The project includes studio, one, and two bedroom apartments for rent, along with amenities such as a fitness center and a ninth-level rooftop deck. While the amenity deck was a significant design focus, the ground-level site design and public right-of-way improvements proved equally complex. Situated on a corner where two slopes intersect, the site presented grading and accessibility challenges. In addition, because the project falls under the City’s Complete Communities program, it was important to carefully integrate key requirements for the public realm into the overall design.

At the ground level, PLSA played a key role in coordinating how the building would interact with and transition into the public right-of-way. Managing the site’s slopes and drainage presented challenges, but through collaboration, we developed a design that worked effectively within the given constraints. Because the project falls under the City’s Complete Communities program, a few specific requirements had to be addressed—something the team was already familiar with from working on Secoya, Rainford’s sister property and a key precedent. One particular challenge involved the street trees along Reynard Way. Normally, street trees are placed along the curb, but an existing gas line running the full length of the property made that impossible. As a result, the trees were relocated to the back side of the sidewalk, closer to the building. While not the most ideal placement, this solution allowed us to meet the City’s street tree requirements and maintain compliance. Over time, the trees will mature and will be pruned as needed, eventually providing additional privacy for residents with balconies facing the sidewalk.

The ninth-level amenity deck is where we really got to have some fun with the design. We made the most of every inch of space, creating a comfortable and social environment for residents to enjoy. The deck features lounge seating centered around a fire feature, an outdoor kitchen complete with a BBQ grill, pizza oven, and prep sink, and a dining area with a large table and chairs. A pergola with string lights defines the kitchen and dining space, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The entire deck is framed by lush, raised planters and supported by space heaters, making it a vibrant gathering spot year-round.

Rainford was a defining project early in my time at McCullough. It challenged me to grow as a project manager, strengthened my ability to coordinate complex urban sites, and reinforced the value of clear communication within a strong project team. Seeing the project come to life from concept to completion was incredibly rewarding and continues to shape the way I approach design and collaboration today.

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McCullough at the 2025 ULI Fall Meeting in San Francisco

This November 4–6, McCullough is heading to San Francisco for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Fall Meeting, and we’re proud to sponsor this year’s gathering at the Moscone Center.

The Fall Meeting is where ULI members from across the globe come together to shape the built environment and spark conversations that influence the future of our cities. It’s an event we look forward to every year: a place where collaboration, inspiration, and innovation converge.

Building Connections

From interactive sessions and roundtable discussions to networking events and small-group tours, the Fall Meeting offers valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues, potential partners, and new friends. Together, we’ll explore the forces shaping our industry today including housing, infrastructure, technology, mixed-use development, public/private partnerships, and more.

Inspiring Conversations

We’re eager to hear from this year’s world-renowned speakers who will be sharing insights on topics like capital markets, AI, and the role of technology in real estate. These sessions always leave us energized, ready to bring back new ideas and perspectives that inform our work at McCullough.

Learning from Place

One of the most exciting aspects of the Fall Meeting is the chance to step out into the city itself. Exclusive, behind-the-scenes tours of award-winning projects in San Francisco provide an inside look at how vision and collaboration transform neighborhoods into thriving, sustainable communities.

At McCullough, we believe in the power of design to bring people together, inspire connection, and strengthen community. The ULI Fall Meeting is a natural extension of that philosophy, a space to learn, engage, and imagine what’s next for the built environment.

We’re looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues and creating new relationships in San Francisco. If you’ll be at ULI, we’d love to connect. Feel free to reach out via email here.

We hope to see you there!

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Celebrating Catherine McCullough: CREW San Diego President-Elect

We are thrilled to share that Catherine McCullough, FSMPS, CPSM, has been named the 2026 President-Elect of CREW San Diego!

As President-Elect, Catherine will lead the San Diego chapter as President in 2027, guiding a dedicated team of volunteers committed to advancing opportunities and equity in commercial real estate. This honor reflects not only her leadership within our firm and industry, but also her ongoing dedication to building meaningful connections and empowering others.

About CREW San Diego

CREW San Diego is part of the global CREW Network, an organization that champions women while welcoming all professionals in commercial real estate. Its purpose is to expand business opportunities, serve as a trusted community resource, and provide professional growth through relationship-building, education, and mentorship. With a vision of equity and inclusion, CREW San Diego helps create an industry where every professional has the opportunity to thrive.

Catherine’s role as President-Elect is a natural extension of her leadership and her commitment to strengthening our professional community. We’re proud to see her step into this position and continue to inspire through her work with CREW San Diego.

Congratulations, Catherine! We can’t wait to see all that you will accomplish as President-Elect, and President in 2027!

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David McCullough to Speak at Bisnow’s Northern California Adaptive Reuse, Repositioning & Conversions Summit

David McCullough, ASLA, PLA
Principal Landscape Architect

We’re excited to share that David McCullough will be a panelist at Bisnow’s Northern California Adaptive Reuse, Repositioning & Conversions Summit in San Francisco on November 18, 2025. Catherine McCullough and Maha Balachandran will also be attending, representing McCullough and connecting with peers.

David will join the “From Old to Bold: Innovative Adaptive Reuse Strategies Powering NorCal’s Revival” panel at 10 AM, alongside:

• Tina Chang, Partner, Associate Capital

• Jack Sylvan, Principal, SDG

• Iman Novin, President & CEO, Novin Development

• Bryan Hromatko, VP, Preconstruction, Build Group

• Sean McGarry, Senior Field Representative, NorCal Carpenters Union (Moderator)

The panel will explore how creative reuse strategies can transform older buildings into vibrant, sustainable spaces. David will share his perspective on how landscape and site design play a key role in these transformations, enhancing both value and experience.

We look forward to bringing back insights and ideas from the summit to continue shaping thoughtful, impactful design for our clients and communities.

Learn more about the event here.

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