Maha Balachandran to Speak at Bisnow Northern California Summit

 We’re proud to share that our Senior Associate, Mahalakshmi Balachandran, will be speaking at the Bisnow Northern California Student Housing & Higher Education Summit on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Maha will join a panel of industry professionals for “Planning for Tomorrow: Capital Projects & Campus Expansions,” a conversation focused on balancing enrollment demand, affordability, and infrastructure to support resilient campus communities. Her session begins at 11:50 AM.

As campuses continue to evolve, the conversation extends beyond buildings. It’s about the spaces between them, where connection happens, where nature is integrated, and where daily campus life takes shape. Maha brings a perspective rooted in designing environments that support both people and place.

We’re excited to see her contribute to this important dialogue shaping the future of higher education environments.

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David McCullough to Speak at 2026 Student & Workforce Housing Conference

Student & Workforce Housing Development Conference & Expo 2026 returns to Los Angeles this May, bringing together leaders shaping the future of student and workforce housing. McCullough Landscape Architecture is proud to share that David McCullough will join a featured panel focused on the realities of building student housing in dense urban environments.

Titled “Site Challenges for Student Housing in the Urban Environment,” the session takes place Friday, May 8 from 11:10 AM to 12:00 PM. David joins a multidisciplinary group including Dr. Joel Peterson of San Diego Community College District, Scott Cooper of The Michaels Organization, and Lisa Majchrzak of TCA Architects.

As community colleges expand housing to support student success, project teams are navigating tighter sites, complex approvals, and growing expectations around wellness and sustainability. This conversation will explore how collaboration across institutions, developers, and designers can unlock solutions.

From maximizing constrained urban footprints to integrating meaningful open space, David will share McCullough’s perspective on designing landscapes that support mental health, foster connection, and bring ecological value to high-density campuses.

We look forward to contributing to this important dialogue and connecting with peers advancing student housing across California and beyond.

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Presidio Terrace Apartments: Elevating Student Living at USD

The University of San Diego (USD), in collaboration with The Michaels Organization and Carrier Johnson + Culture, is embarking on a transformative journey to expand student housing on campus, and we are honored to be part of this visionary team.

Introducing Presidio Terrace Apartments—a groundbreaking 10-level graduate student housing community spanning approximately 3.5 acres. Designed with around 320 units aimed to house about 700 graduate students, this project draws inspiration from the charm of European village markets, seamlessly blending academic life, architecture, and nature. The design unfolds a series of terraced outdoor courtyards, gracefully ascending from Linda Vista Road to a pedestrian bridge that connects directly to the heart of USD’s campus. This intentional integration ensures that the new development feels not just like an addition—but a natural extension of the university.

Built into the natural slope of the land, the project embraces terraced themes throughout, offering three expansive courtyard plazas and three thoughtfully designed rooftop amenity decks. With over 40,000 square feet of open space, students will have unparalleled opportunities to engage, relax, and thrive—whether studying in private outdoor nooks or gathering in vibrant communal spaces featuring grills, fire features, open turf, exercise zones, and lots of seating. More than just a residence, Presidio Terrace Apartments redefines campus living, prioritizing well-being, social connection, and student success.

Our continued partnership with The Michaels Organization and Carrier Johnson + Culture has been a testament to what strong leadership, collaboration, and open communication can achieve. This synergy has allowed great design to flourish, with minimal challenges along the way. And with the expertise of Noctiluca Lighting Design and Consulting, we are ensuring that this project comes to life not just during the day, but well into the night. Thoughtfully designed lighting enhances both independent study spaces and dynamic social areas, allowing students to make full use of the amenities at any hour.

Moreover, by aligning with the City of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan, we are integrating sustainable landscaping solutions that go beyond aesthetics. With an emphasis on tree canopy coverage to mitigate the urban heat island effect, our approach ensures that the landscape itself becomes an integral part of the student experience, enhancing comfort, promoting sustainability, and fostering a profound sense of place.

This is more than just a housing project, it’s an elevated living experience, a community-driven vision, and a new benchmark for student housing at USD. We are proud to contribute to a project that will enrich the lives of students for years to come.

Adam Crowell
Associate Landscape Designer
Project Manager

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Welcoming Mark Ross to the McCullough Team

At McCullough Landscape Architecture, our work is built on collaboration, creativity, and strong partnerships across disciplines. Behind every successful project is a team that keeps things running smoothly—and we are excited to welcome Mark Ross as our newest Project Accountant.

Mark brings more than a decade of experience in finance and accounting, supporting large-scale financial operations and helping organizations improve the way they manage billing, reporting, and internal systems. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with teams across departments to create efficient processes and bring clarity to complex financial structures.

At McCullough, Mark will play an important role in supporting project teams and helping maintain the transparency and organization that keeps our work moving forward. His thoughtful, solutions-driven approach and attention to detail help ensure that both our internal teams and our clients have the financial insight they need to succeed.

Mark earned his MBA from California State University, Chico, where he developed a strong strategic and analytical perspective on business operations. Known for being collaborative, detail-oriented, and steady in fast-paced environments, he brings a calm presence and a commitment to finding smart solutions.

Outside of the office, Mark is an avid runner who has completed seven half marathons and is currently training for his first full marathon. He enjoys setting ambitious goals and pushing himself to grow—both professionally and personally.

We’re thrilled to have Mark on board and look forward to the many ways he will contribute to the continued success of our team.

Welcome to McCullough, Mark!

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Connecting at the Housing California Conference

Our Senior Associate, Mahalakshmi Balachandran, will be in Sacramento this week attending the Housing California Conference, one of the state’s leading gatherings focused on addressing housing challenges and opportunities across California.

The conference brings together developers, designers, public agencies, and community leaders who are all working toward solutions that support more equitable and accessible housing. These conversations are especially important as communities continue to look for innovative ways to deliver housing that supports long-term resilience and quality of life.

At McCullough Landscape Architecture, we’re passionate about designing outdoor environments that strengthen communities and enhance the experience of living spaces. Thoughtfully designed landscapes can support wellness, encourage social connection, and create welcoming environments for residents of all ages. Events like the Housing California Conference provide a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and collaborate with others who are shaping the future of housing across the state.

If you’ll be attending the conference and would like to connect, Maha would love to meet and discuss housing, community-focused design, and potential future collaborations.

Connect with Maha:

Email: maha@mcculloughla.com

Phone: 619.296.3150 x 107

We look forward to seeing familiar faces and making new connections at the conference.

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