HGA San Diego

Incubating Growth in Southern California

This project demonstrates the beauty of restraint in defining what is essential for an office. Through that exploration, adaptability and sustainability were key while also respecting the unique architectural characteristics of the space.

The design features a simple sequence of spaces, organized into 3 essential zones: collaboration, work, and well-being. The workplace not only provides the key functional elements the organization needs to do their best work, but the architectural interventions were meant to be minimal to not distract from the historical character of the space. The design aimed to treat the existing building as an archeological site — maintaining the textural brick, exposed structure, and wood paneling that existed while strategically placing solid and void elements where they could serve the essence of their function. Intentional alignments of glass and void are used to create visual connectivity throughout the double height space and to allow natural light to permeate from the large exterior windows. A key moment is highlighted by the ribbon of pin-up wall in the studio that intersects the conference room and becomes the backdrop for technology — a visual representation of the analog and the digital nature of the practice of architecture.

Sustainability and well-being were a focus for the project, with a minimal palette to limit the carbon footprint of the materials used for the project, thoughtful consideration of the material specifications to limit toxins, integration of local planting to support biophilia, height adjustable desks in the studio, and energy-efficient lighting.