California Archives - 91Ƶ /tag/california/ K-12 + Higher Education Market Coverage Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:00:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.5 /wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cropped-SCN_favicon-32x32.png California Archives - 91Ƶ /tag/california/ 32 32 Building the Future: Erickson-Hall Construction Co. Delivers Multiple Major Southern California Campus Transformations and Kicks Off ‘Summer Sprint’ /2026/09/16/building-the-future-erickson-hall-construction-co-delivers-multiple-major-southern-california-campus-transformations-and-kicks-off-summer-sprint-2/ Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:37:23 +0000 /?p=55830 With decades of local experience and a diverse portfolio, Erickson-Hall Construction Co. continues to set the standard for building world-class educational facilities across Southern California.

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]]> School leaders and project partners gather for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Upper Athletic Fields at Beverly Hills High School. | Photo Credit (all): Erickson-Hall Construction Co.

By Justin Sinnott

With decades of local experience and a diverse portfolio, Erickson-Hall Construction Co. continues to set the standard for building world-class educational facilities across Southern California. And while summer typically signals a quiet period on school campuses, this is when the San Diego-based firm steps into its busiest, high-energy season: the annual “Summer Sprint.”

During a tight, eight-week window, Erickson-Hall delivers major infrastructure improvements across multiple district sites before the school year begins. By making the most of the summer months, Erickson-Hallis able toupgrade campuses with minimal disruption to students and staff. As the firm gears up for another summer sprint in 2026, it is building off the momentum of several recently completed milestone projects. These large-scale buildsshowcaseErickson-Hall’s deepexpertisein design-build, constructionmanagementand multi-phase modernizations.

School leaders and the project team celebrate the grand opening of the new Center for the Arts at Hesperia High School.
School leaders and the project team celebrate the grand opening of the new Center for the Arts at Hesperia High School.

Erickson-Hall’s delivery of brand-new Upper Athletic Fields at Beverly Hills High School in March marked a major milestone in Beverly Hills Unified School District’s multi-phased campus transformation. This ambitious design-build project required upgrading aging recreational infrastructure while carefullymaintainingthe school’s historic character. The scope of work included the construction of brand-new tennis courts, a lighted softball field, comprehensive utility improvements,retainingwalls and a permanent modular restroom building — delivering a dynamic environment for the district’s 3,300 students.

With a similar focus on multi-use athletic spaces, Erickson-Hall also unveiled thestate-of-the-artWiseburn Sports Complex for Wiseburn Unified School District in April. Designed to function as both an athletic engine for student-athletes and a cornerstone for local youth sports organization events, the complex integrates fields for Little League baseball, high schoolsoftballand youth soccer. More than upgrades to playing surfaces, the scope of work extended to player and spectator amenities, including new dugouts, batting cages, scoreboards, upgraded parking and a full concession building with modern restrooms. These facilities are backed by heavy infrastructure upgrades including underground utilities, irrigation,fencingand low-voltage systems.

Shifting focus from athletics to the arts, in April, Erickson-Hall also cut the ribbon on a new Center for the Arts at Hesperia High School in San Bernardino County. This projectrepresenteda significant investment in the school’s arts education, providing modern, high-capacity spaces designed for student learning, professionaldevelopmentand community engagement. At the heart of this 40,500-square-foot versatile hub is a 500-seat performance stage and a flexible multi-purpose area. To accommodate the new facility, the project team also managed broader campus adjustments, including the relocation of existing tennis courts, alongside landscaping and surrounding site improvements to enhance the general campus environment.

The seamless delivery of these projects highlights Erickson-Hall’s strong focus on preconstruction and early planning. Engaging corporate expertise early provides school districts and civic leaders withconstructibilityreviews and cost-saving strategies that eliminate expensive surprises and delays down the road.

Ultimately, navigating these complex, multi-phase buildsrequiresdeep trust and transparent communication among owners,architectsand subcontractors. As an employee-owned company, this collaborative spirit is built directly into Erickson-Hall’s culture. Every team member has a stake in the firm’s success, translating a personal commitment to quality into tangible, high-efficiency results for clients.

This dedication to community-driven excellence is fully on display as Erickson-Hall works on this year’s Summer Sprint, which is well underway. The firm is carrying this momentum forward to build the next generation of spaces where Southern California communities can thrive.

About Erickson-Hall Construction Co.

Celebrating 28 years of excellence in the construction industry, Erickson-Hall is a recognized industry leader,having completedover $4.9 billion in successful construction projects, of which $4.3 billion has been for K-12 and higher education developments.The employee-owned company has been serving the Southern California markets of San Diego, Imperial, Orange, South Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties since 1998. Services include preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, design-build, progressive design-build, design assist-build, lease-leasebackand program management for educational, fire, essential services, civic, parks, recreation, faith-based, office and healthcare facilities. The company has an award-winning portfolio of completed projects and has receivednumerousawards for safety. For more information, visit. Find us on LinkedIn and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. 

Justin Sinnott is Vice President of Corporate Servicesat Erickson-Hall Construction.

See this article featured in the Design & Construction issue of 91Ƶ, available now.

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]]> HMC Architects’ Oliver Nicolas on Regional Trends,Deferred Maintenance andEarly Collaboration /2026/09/09/hmc-architects-oliver-nicolas-on-regional-trends-deferred-maintenance-and-early-collaboration/ Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:31:22 +0000 /?p=55811 HMC Architectsrecently welcomedOliver Nicolastothe firm’s PreK-12 practice asPrincipal-in-Charge.

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]]> Pacific Elementary School TK-Classroom Modernization for Manhattan Beach Unified School District, designed by HCM. | Photo Credit (all): Courtesy of HMC Architects

By Lindsey Coulter

Located at Pacific Elementary School in Manhattan Beach, California, the project forms part of a broader district-wide initiative to support expanding Transitional Kindergarten (TK) programs and modernize aging early education environments
The Pacific Elementary School project is part of a district-wide initiative to support expanding Transitional Kindergarten programs and modernize aging early education environments.

HMC Architectsrecently welcomedOliver Nicolastothe firm’s PreK-12 practice asPrincipal-in-Charge.

With a dual foundation in architecture and civil engineering,Nicolasbrings more than 23 years of experience delivering impactful PreK–12, healthcare, and residential projects. He also spentsix years at a structural engineering firm and as a specification sales representative for a wood manufacturing company, giving him a comprehensive perspective on efficiently managing and delivering school construction projects.

“My background gives me a unique perspective on design and delivery,” Nicolas said. “Understanding structural engineering andavailable materials influences how I viewa space. Everything we design must be buildable, so as I design,I’malready thinking about how structural and architectural elements will be attached and how important detailing is in construction.”

Based in the firm’s Ontario, Calif.,studio, Nicolas will work closely with district clients across Southern California, ensuring strong collaboration anda seamlessclient experience. Drawing on more than two decades of experience guiding projects from design through construction administration and certification, he will provide strategic oversight to align project goals with client priorities throughout the project lifecycle.

Nicolas spoke with 91Ƶaboutregional trends, how districts areapproachdeferred maintenance projects andhowearly collaboration can helpprevent problems later in the project lifecycle.

SCN:What makes working within an existing school building particularly challenging,and where do you see the greatest opportunities for creative design?

Nicolas:Renovations challenge designers because existing buildings impose strictparameters. Wemust delivereverything the client needs withinaconfined space.Ionce worked with a healthcare client todevelopa tinyADAcode-compliant single-user restroom. Due to space limitations, wecouldn’texpandandhad to find everyopportunitytomeet codewithin the tight space.Schools face thesesamechallenges,andIfind that the spaces that seem thesmallestare themost challengingto workwithin yetprovideamazing opportunities for success.

SCN:Across Southern California, what are you hearingmostfrequentlyfrom school districts about their facility needs and priorities right now?

Nicolas:Ourdistrict clients are mostconcerned aboutdeclining enrollment and howtorepurposeunderutilized or aging spaces.Schools don’twant tosellextraproperty,finding new uses for these spaceswill beone of the biggest challenges, and opportunities, forschool architectsin the near future.Districts are alsoexploringways to serve diverse community needs with workforce housing, wellness spaces, and other shared use spaces.Thisapproachraisesimportant questions aboutafter-school access,operationsand maintenance—and how to openthe campus to thewidercommunitywhilemaintainingstudent safety.

SCN:Many districts are balancing aging facilities and deferred maintenance with limited funding. How should districts think strategically about modernization versus new construction?

The project modernizes existing spaces into state-of-the-art TK and kindergarten classrooms, configuring environments optimized specifically for early learners with flexible layouts and age-appropriate design structures.
The project modernizes existing spaces into state-of-the-art TK and kindergarten classrooms, configuring environments optimized specifically for early learners.

Nicolas:Before a district focuses on repurposing underutilized or aging spaces,it shouldstart with acomprehensive,long-termfacilitiesmasterplan. The planning process shouldevaluateeach school sitein its full context, consideringexisting conditions,educational adequacy, adaptability, and total cost of ownership, rather than relying solely on a building’s age.Modernization is often a smart investment whenastructure has good bones and can be transformedto meet thedistrict’s needs. New construction should be consideredwhen the existing siteor building limitations prevent the district from achieving its goals.

SCN:What are some of the biggest misconceptions about what can—or cannot—beaccomplishedwithin an existing school building or site?

Nicolas:Thebiggest misconceptions about working within anexistingspace arethatit isexpensive ortearing it downis easier.However,I’veseen that working within anexistingspaceoften costs less,promotessustainability,andproducesmagnificent learner-focused spaces. Architectscanmake something out ofanything. Ifthe district has a vision,architects are savvy enough tocome up witha solution.Whenwe think creatively and look at a space in its full context,we canalwayscome up withsomethingthat achieves the client’s vision.

SCN:With your experience on the construction and materials side, what are some of the decisions architects and districts can make earlier in the process that have the greatest impact on cost,constructabilityand schedule?

Nicolas:It’simportant that architects and designers understand that cost escalation is a majorissue, andwe mustdeliver the project soonerratherthan laterto help clients save time and money.It’simportant to find the right balance ofthe program,materialsand construction type.For example,I knowbuildingwithwoodmight presentanup-frontsavingscompared to steel.However,with an efficient design and construction strategy, steel canalso helpreducetimelines andtheoverall budget.Whenweinvolveevery voice—districts,communityand builders—early inour thought process,we canspeed up theprocessand create a visionary project on time and within budget.

SCN:How can architects improve collaboration among districts, contractors,engineersand other project partners early enough to prevent problems later in the project lifecycle?

Nicolas:At HMC Architects,we engage clientsand partners inamulti-dayimmersive design process.During the day,we host interactive workshopsand brainstorming sessionswithall interest holders.After hours,ourdesign teamworks onapreliminarydesign based onthese conversations. Wereconvene with the full teamtorefine the design.This approachallows us to resolveissues that often take weeks or months to settle in a week or less.When we bringeveryone togetherearly,weseethebest solutions to problems,identifypreviously unrecognizedopportunities, and alloweveryone to see the project develop in realtime.

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]]> Los Altos School District Breaks Ground on New San Antonio Campus /2026/08/27/los-altos-school-district-breaks-ground-on-new-san-antonio-campus/ Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:42:33 +0000 /?p=55689 Los Altos School District has broken ground on a new San Antonio Campus in Mountain View, Calif., a project intended to add space for students in transitional kindergarten through eighth grade as enrollment grows.

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]]> Plans call for six buildings, outdoor learning and recreation areas, and athletic fields. | Photo Credit (all): Courtesy of Quattrocchi Kwok Architects
  • Los Altos School District has started construction on a new 70,000-square-foot San Antonio Campus serving transitional kindergarten through eighth grade.
  • The six-building campus will include 29 classrooms, a library, gymnasium, multipurpose room, administration space, outdoorareasand athletic fields.
  • Blach Construction and Quattrocchi Kwok Architectsare deliveringthe project using the Folia Ecosystem, a customizable prefabricated building approach.
  • The City of Mountain View is contributing funding for a new two-acre public park and joint-use athletic fields and gymnasium.
  • Completion is expected in fall 2028.
The 70,000-square-foot campus is being delivered by Blach Construction and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects and is expected to be completed in fall 2028.
The 70,000-square-foot campus is being delivered by Blach Construction and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects and is expected to be completed in fall 2028.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. —Los Altos School District has broken ground on a new San Antonio Campus in Mountain View, Calif., a project intended to add space for students in transitional kindergarten through eighth grade as enrollment grows.

The 70,000-square-foot campus is being delivered by Blach Construction and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects and is expected to be completed in fall 2028.

Plans call for six buildings, outdoor learning and recreation areas, and athletic fields. The campus will include 29 classrooms, with dedicated spaces for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten, along with an administration wing, library, gymnasium, multipurposeroomand a restroom building serving the athletic fields.

The district selected the Folia Ecosystem, a customizable prefabricated building solution developed by Blach Construction, Quattrocchi Kwok Architects and GPLA Structural Engineers. According to the supplied release, the system is intended to improve schedule and cost predictability while allowing the district to use adaptable one- and two-story structures for classroom, administrative and library functions. Separate multipurpose and gymnasium buildings are also planned.

The campus will include 29 classrooms, with dedicated spaces for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten.
The campus will include 29 classrooms, with dedicated spaces for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten.

The project also emphasizes campus access, neighborhoodintegrationand shared community use. Plans include dedicated bike lanes, updated parkingroutesand circulation improvements intended to support safer movement for students and families.

Los Altos School District is working with the City of Mountain View on recreation components at the site. The city is contributing funding for a new two-acre public park, while the athletic fields and gymnasium are planned for joint use with the city.

District officials said the campusisthe result of several years of planning and collaboration. The project team also described the design as focused on flexible, student-centered learning environments and long-term adaptability.

Los Altos School District serves students across nine schools in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, MountainViewand Palo Alto.

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]]> UC Berkeley Breaks Ground on Genomics, Biotech Lab Building /2026/07/06/uc-berkeley-breaks-ground-on-genomics-biotech-lab-building/ Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:46:29 +0000 /?p=55208 The University of California,Berkeley(UC Berkeley)has broken ground on the Innovative Genomics Institute-Bakar Labs building,advancing a major life sciences project intended to connect academic research,entrepreneurshipand biotechnology growth.

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]]> The facility will provide laboratory, research and collaboration space for the Innovative Genomics Institute and Bakar Labs, supporting genome engineering research and companies moving from incubation into larger-scale operations. | Photo Credit: Weiss/Manfredi Architects, DGA

  • UC Berkeley, the Innovative Genomics Institute,BakarLabsand Turner Constructionmarkedthe groundbreaking of the IGI-Bakar Labs buildingon July 1.
  • The project will add laboratory,researchand collaboration space for genomics researchers and emerging biotechnology companies.
  • The building is planned as a cornerstone of Berkeley’s Innovation Zone and will support CRISPR-based research and life science startups.
  • The July 1 announcementidentifiesWeiss/Manfredi as lead design architect and DGA as executive architect.

BERKELEY, Calif. —The University of California,Berkeley(UC Berkeley)has broken ground on the Innovative Genomics Institute-Bakar Labs building,advancing a major life sciences project intended to connect academic research,entrepreneurshipand biotechnology growth.

The facility, designed by lead architect Weiss/Manfredi and executive architect DGA will provide laboratory, research and collaboration space for the Innovative Genomics Institute and Bakar Labs, supporting genome engineering research and companies moving from incubation into larger-scale operations.

The groundbreaking brought togetherbuilderTurnerConstruction as well as representatives fromUC Berkeley, the Innovative Genomics Institute, Bakar Labs,projectpartners,researchersand community leaderto celebrate thesignificant milestone for one of the Bay Area’s major life sciences developments.

“This groundbreaking is a celebration of partnership,” said Manu Garg,ProjectExecutive for Turner, according to. “Projects of this significance are only possible when owners, designers, builders, researchers, and community stakeholders come together around a common vision. We are honored to work alongside UC Berkeley, the Innovative Genomics Institute, Bakar Labs, and the entire project team to help create a facility that will empower the next generation of scientific breakthroughs.”

The building is expected to become part of Berkeley’s Innovation Zone and further strengthen the city’s role in biotechnology and climate-focused research. Turner said the project reflects years of planning and collaboration among UC Berkeley, IGI, Bakar Labs, philanthropic supporters, architects Weiss/Manfredi and DGA, engineers,consultantsand construction partners.

When complete, the new building will support IGI’s genomics research and Bakar Labs’ network of emerging biotechnology companies. Turner said the facility will expand capacity for CRISPR-based research while creating infrastructure for life science startups moving from early-stage incubation to growth.

“This is a pivotal moment for genome engineering around the world, and the IGI and UC Berkeley are at the leading edge,” said Jennifer Doudna, founder of IGI and Nobel laureate, according to. “This new building is an exciting opportunity to grow the longtime partnership between the IGI and Bakar Labs, and to show the power of combining impact-driven research and entrepreneurship in one space.”

For Berkeley, Turner said the projectrepresentsan investment in innovation, economicdevelopmentand opportunity by creating space where researchers, entrepreneurs and emerging biotech companies can collaborate inclose proximity.

Turner said the facility is intended to help discoveries made in Berkeley continue to grow and scale within the city. The groundbreaking marks the start of construction on a project positioned to support scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators working on research and technologies with broad potential impact.

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]]> Hillsborough City School District Starts Construction on New Multipurpose and Administration Facilities at Crocker Middle School /2026/06/30/hillsborough-city-school-district-starts-construction-on-new-multipurpose-and-administration-facilities-at-crocker-middle-school/ Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:04:28 +0000 /?p=55142 Hillsborough City School District (HCSD) recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a major redevelopment project at Crocker Middle School.

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]]> The new Multipurpose Building (MPR) will replace the school’s existing kitchen, stage, and assembly space. | Photo Credit (all): Robert Becker

HILLSBOROUGH, Calif. — Hillsborough City School District (HCSD) recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a major redevelopment project at Crocker Middle School. Designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and being built by Blach Construction (Blach), the new Multipurpose and Administration Buildings will modernize outdated facilities for the campus’s 450 students in grades sixth through eighth. Van Pelt Construction Services (VPCS) serves as program and construction manager.

“We are thrilled to begin construction on these new facilities, a critical investment for our students and staff,” said HCSD Superintendent Ana de Arce. “These modern and adaptable spaces will provide the backbone by which the campus functions, reflecting the district’s dedication to our community’s future. We would like to thank the community for its support of local bond measures that make facilities upgrades a reality, as well as our dedicated project team.”

A center piece of the project, a retractable back wall will open directly out to the campus’s new expansive outdoor courtyard.
A center piece of the project, a retractable back wall will open directly out to the campus’s new expansive outdoor courtyard.

The new Multipurpose Building (MPR) will replace the school’s existing kitchen, stage, and assembly space. The facility is set to include a raised performance space, a meal servery, and a warming kitchen. A center piece of the project, a retractable back wall will open directly out to the campus’s new expansive outdoor courtyard. This student quad will serve as a flexible gathering space for lunch, performances, school events, and community activities, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor learning and gathering spaces.

“Alongside HCSD, Blach and Van Pelt, we are honored to contribute to this project that will replace some of the school’s more outdated facilities with contemporary, flexible, and cohesive environments,” said Lyanne Schuster, principal and studio lead at QKA. “These new facilities are designed to foster collaboration and gathering, ensuring the long-term success of the Crocker Middle School campus.”

The project also includes a new Administration Building, connected to the MPR by a covered walkway. In addition to administrative offices, a nurse’s station, and a reception area, the building will feature a courtyard and partial roof terrace that expand the campus’s outdoor gathering spaces.

“This project illustrates how building success is driven by strong partnerships between the district, and project and construction management teams,” said Blach Construction Project Director Dean Leyshock. “By prioritizing a safe, streamlined process, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, modern facilities for faculty and students.”

Funded by Local Bond Measure H, construction of the 17,000 square-feet of new facilities is projected to conclude in Winter 2027.

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]]> Joel Williams on Leading QKA’s New Colorado Office and Taking on a New K-12 Market /2026/05/26/joel-williams-on-leading-qkas-new-colorado-office-and-taking-on-a-new-k-12-market/ Tue, 26 May 2026 15:35:17 +0000 /?p=55005 Led by Studio Director Joel Williams, AIA, LEED AP, ALEP, the team also includes Project Designers Joseph Puyot and Spencer Robinson.

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]]> By Lindsey Coulter

The architecture firm —withofficesin Santa Rosa, Calif.,and Oakland,Calif. —recently advancedit’s2030 vision byestablishingan office in Castle Rock, Colo.Thenearly 80-personfirm now has three employees in Coloradosupportingprojects across the company andas theylook to build a strategic pipeline of opportunities inthe region.Led by Studio Director JoelWilliams,AIA,LEED AP, ALEP,the team also includesProjectDesigners Joseph Puyot and Spencer Robinson.

Williams joinedQKA in 2020andhas more than 18 years of experience in education design, fromsmall classroom renovations to large-scale campus master planning projects. With a leadershipstyle rooted in collaboration andcommunication,he will build on his established client andpartner relationships to grow QKA’s presence in the Rocky Mountains.

“Thisexpansion is a natural extension of our community-minded work inCalifornia andoffers greatopportunities to build our talent pipeline in ahighly desirableregion to live and work,” Williams said.

Williams, who will also share his insights at the 91Ƶ (SCN)Design & Construction Symposiumin August, spoke recently with SCN to explain why Colorado is a compelling market for K-12 design, and how architecture can help schools do more with limited resources.

SCN:Colorado has seen significant growth and voter support for school bonds. How do you see those market conditions shaping the next generation of school design in the state?

Williams:Colorado voters approvednearly$6 billionin new school bond funding in the 2024 election cycle, withadditionalmeasuresanticipatedon the 2026 ballot. That sustained community investment reflects the same convictionwe’veseen across the Bay Area: that well-designed schools are worth funding, and that communities willbackthat commitment at the ballot box.

The policy landscape is similarly aligned. Evolving energy codes in both states are driving demand for schools that prioritize efficiency, renewable generation, and reduced fossil fuel reliance. Sustainability strategies that were once aspirational—daylighting, natural ventilation, solar generation, stormwater management—are now baseline expectations in both markets. The frontier of the conversation has moved upstream, from operational energy use to the embodied carbon inherent in the materials and processesrequiredto build and renovate in the first place.

The key distinction between the two markets is demographic. California enrollment islargely stableor slightly declining, while Colorado’s population growth is driving enrollment increases and expanding housing development across the region. That translates into demand for both new campuses and significant modernization of existing ones.

SCN:Many districts are balancing enrollment growth, aging infrastructure, and budget pressure. How can architecture help schools do more with limited resources?

Williams:There is no universal answer to the gap between funding andneedthat every public school district faces. Sometimes a creative renovation is the right investment; sometimes demolition and replacement of an aging facility is the better long-term decision. What matters is that the solution fits the place.

In every case, the goal is the same: buildings that meet today’s needs whileremainingadaptable, and that incorporate systems district facilities staff canactually operateand maintain effectively. Architecture helps schools do more with limited resources whenit’srigorous about long-term cost of ownership, not just first cost—and whenit’shonest about which investments will still be paying dividends in 20 or 30 years.

SCN:Colorado districts vary widely—from fast-growing suburban systems to rural communities. How should education design adapt tovery differentlocal needs rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions?

Williams:Every project starts with active listening. Before we reach for a solution, we work to understand what a particular district, campus, and community actuallyneed. We have decades of experience in school design, but we focus more on bringing thatexpertiseto creatively respond to a client’s goals than on telling them what they should think. The best designs respond to the constraints that make a school community and site unique—not necessarily those with the largest footprint or the biggest budgets. Across a state as varied as Colorado, that postureisn’toptional;it’sthe only approach that works.

SCN:You bringnearly20years of education design experience. What are the biggest shiftsyou’veseen in learning environments over that time, and how will those lessons influence your Colorado work?

Williams:The biggest shiftshaven’tbeen in classroom layout or building configuration;they’vecome from the systems, technology, and construction methods that make schools workover time. As I mentioned previously, this isapparentin the shift in prioritiesregardingsustainability strategies. As certain strategies become the baseline, we can move tofocusingmore on concerns like embodied carbon.

That whole-lifecycle thinking, developed through years of California work, is a direct asset as Colorado districts make long-term infrastructure decisions. Our Colorado presenceisn’tdesigned to function as a stand-alone regional office; the vision is a distributed studio model—one firm,operatingacross multiple geographies, carrying the same design standards, technical rigor, and culture that have defined QKA for four decades. For Colorado districts, that means access not just to a local team, but to the full depth of QKA’s institutional knowledge, built project by project, district by district, over 40 years.

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]]> Milpitas USD Breaks Ground on Final Phase of Innovation Campus /2026/05/18/milpitas-usd-breaks-ground-on-final-phase-of-innovation-campus/ Mon, 18 May 2026 21:49:21 +0000 /?p=54986 Milpitas Unified School District has broken ground on Phase III of its Milpitas Innovation Campus, starting the final construction stage of a multi-phase learning and career training hub in Milpitas.

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]]>
  • Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) and project partners held agroundbreaking forPhase Three of the Milpitas Innovation Campus.
  • The final phase adds a 9,000-square-foot Workforce Development Center and a 3,500-square-foot Early Childhood Education Research Center.
  • Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) designed all phases; Blach Construction is the builder; TBK Construction Management is the construction manager.
  • Phase Three is expected tocompletein Summer 2027.
  • The project is designed with sustainability goals that include CHPS certification and use of renewable power from MUSD’s existing photovoltaic system.

    • MILPITAS, Calif. — Milpitas Unified School District has broken ground on Phase III of its Milpitas Innovation Campus, starting the final construction stage of a multi-phase learning and career training hub in Milpitas.

    District and project leaders said the last phase will add dedicated facilities for workforce development and early childhood education research, building on campus components that opened in fall 2023 and fall 2024.

    Phase III is planned to deliver two separate buildings: a 9,000-square-foot Workforce Development Center and a 3,500-square-foot Early Childhood Education Research Center, according to QKA.

    MUSD Superintendent Cheryl Jordan pointed to the campus’s broader impact, saying, “The multi-year development of this project at the intersection of global Silicon Valley has allowed us to see the benefits these facilities and programs are already bringing to our students, residents and businesses.”

    Jordan also described the role of the final phase within the overall campus plan: “Phase Three is the cornerstone of the MUSD Innovation Campus as it provides our industry, governance, community organizations and educators with a place to convene in partnership for work-based learning and durable skills development for career and life.”

    QKA said the Workforce Development Center will include meeting rooms, offices, conference rooms, a cafe,kitchenand lobby. The meeting rooms are designed to be reconfigured using operable partitions to create larger gathering space for conferences andMUSDBoard of Education meetings. The kitchen is planned to open to a covered outdoor dining areaadjacent tothe campus’s existing main quad.

    The Early Childhood Education Research Center is described as having two classrooms with restrooms, along with breakout and administrative spaces.
    The Early Childhood Education Research Center is described as having two classrooms with restrooms, along with breakout and administrative spaces.

    The Early Childhood Education Research Center is described as having two classrooms with restrooms, along with breakout and administrative spaces.

    QKA President Aaron Jobson said the team emphasized flexibility across age groups and subject areas, noting the goal was to create “adaptable learning environments” that can support “a wide range of subjects and industries.”

    Project partners include QKA as designer for all phases, Blach Construction as builder and TBK Construction Management as construction manager.

    The release also notes sustainability measures such as designing toward Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) certification, using renewable power from MUSD’s existing photovoltaic system, and incorporating energy-efficient lighting, all-electric mechanical systems, stormwatercatchmentand water-efficient landscaping.

    Funding for the $90 million,nearly 100,000-square-footInnovation Campus is attributed to the 2018 Bond Measure AA and California state-matching grants, with PhaseIIIexpected to complete insummer 2027.

    This article is based on a press release originally published by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects on April 28, 2026.

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    ]]>         Affordability, Design and the Next Generation of Student Housing: Takeaways from Bisnow’s San Diego Conference /2026/05/14/affordability-design-and-the-next-generation-of-student-housing-takeaways-from-bisnows-san-diego-conference/ Thu, 14 May 2026 21:13:22 +0000 /?p=54982 As student housing is a growing part of the higher education design and construction conversation,91Ƶ attended the Bisnow San Diego Student Housing & Higher Education Conference on May 13.

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    ]]>     Panelistsnoted adistinctshift in how institutions are thinking about the relationship between unit size and community space.

    By Sarah Clow

    As student housing is a growing part of the higher education design and construction conversation,91Ƶ attended the Bisnow San Diego Student Housing & Higher Education Conference on May 13. The event brought together developers, university administrators, architects, and construction leaders, with a focus on balancing growth with affordability and changingneeds andexpecationsregardingstudent experience. Across the board,panelistsagreed thatinstitutions are rethinkingthe traditional student housing model, and for many students next-generation housing options arenon-negotiable.

    Building For All — Balancing Housing Growth with Affordability

    There is a growingstudent housing crisis in San Diego, where most universities can only guarantee housing for first- and second-year students. Panelistswerecandid about the structural barriers to building more attainable housing — and financing topped the list. When asked toidentifythe biggest hurdle — financing, land,or approvals —nearly everypanelistpointed tofinancing but also pointedto strategiesfor bringing costs down. Chief among them: increasing density.

    Adding more beds to existing builds helps spread construction costs across more units, improving the economics of a project without sacrificing quality. Delivery methods also came up as a key lever, with progressive design-build highlighted as an effective tool for faster, more cost-efficient delivery.

    Panelistsnoted adistinctshift in how institutions are thinking about the relationship between unit size and community space. Square footage per student is shrinking, while investment in recreation and amenity spaces is growing — a deliberate strategy to push students toward shared community while also keeping per-bed costs down. When askedabout must-haveamenities for higher education projects, panelists pointed to outdoor programmatic space and collaborative, community-focused interiors as essential.

    Speakers included:Hemlata Jhaveri, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor at UC San Diego; Bob Schulz, University Architect and Associate VP of Real Estate at SDSU; Abbie Hawkins, VP of Development at The Michaels Organization; Lindsey Sielaff, Operations Manager at Hensel Phelps; Richard King, Principal at Gensler; and Lisa Norombaba, Executive Director of Wesley House.

    Panel 2: From Dorms to Destination — Redefining the Student Living Experience

    Speakers included: Joel Peterson, Vice Chancellor at San Diego Community College District; Barry Howard, Founder & CSO of Core Spaces; Alex Leonard, Senior Director of Development at Greystar; Weston Harmer, Director of Development at The Barone Group; and David McCullough, Principal at McCullough Landscape Architecture.
    Speakers included: Joel Peterson, Vice Chancellor at San Diego Community College District; Barry Howard, Founder & CSO of Core Spaces; Alex Leonard, Senior Director of Development at Greystar; Weston Harmer, Director of Development at The Barone Group; and David McCullough, Principal at McCullough Landscape Architecture.

    Today’s studentsvaluequality over quantity, and thestudent housingindustry is responding.

    The ongoingshift toward wellness-focused designisbringing spas, fitness centers, relaxation spaces, and mental health-supportive environmentsinto student housing. Interestingly,these offeringsare no longerconsideredamenities —they’reexpectations. Panelists noted that younger students are willing to trade square footage for higher-quality finishes and thoughtful design, a trend that is reshaping unit mix strategies toward smaller one- and two-bedroom configurations.

    Landscape and outdoor space took center stage, particularly in the Southern California context. Panelists from McCullough Landscape Architecture emphasized the growing importance of connection to nature, flexible outdoorprogrammingand visibility — both for community building and for safety. Transparency and sightlines in outdoor spaces were called out as important design tools for creating environments where students feel secure.

    However, the panel pushed back on trend-chasing in amenity design. For example,rather thanincluding agolf simulator—a shinyamenity thatdoesn’thold long-term value—panelistsemphasizedcreating genuine “third spaces” for socialization: areas thataren’tover-programmed, allowing students to use them organically.

    Walkability and bike-ability alsoemergedas a priority, with several panelistsadvocating forpedestrian-focused campus design as a means of supporting both student health and affordability by reducing transportation costs.

    The panel also highlighted an interesting tension in the market: while many developers are moving toward smaller bed counts and higher-end amenities to attract students willing to pay a premium, San Diego Community College District is taking a different approach — building higher-density housing with fewer amenities to maximize access for lower-income students. Both strategies reflect the breadth of need in the market.

    On the technology and security front, panelists pointed to smart package and food delivery lockers as an increasingly expected feature — a practical response to the realities of how students live today.

    Finally, the Southern California advantage was hard to ignore. The indoor-outdoor lifestyle is a genuine differentiator in design, and solar energy adoption is accelerating. Core Spaces highlighted a project near UCSD where rooftop and parking structure solar arrays are expected to coverthe majority ofthe building’s energy costs — a compelling case for sustainability as both avaluesplay and a financial one.

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    ]]>         CSUSM Marks Topping-Out Milestone for Hunter Hall of Science and Engineering /2026/05/05/csusm-marks-topping-out-milestone-for-hunter-hall-of-science-and-engineering/ Tue, 05 May 2026 15:53:36 +0000 /?p=54944 Cal State San Marcos celebrated a key construction milestone for its new Hunter Hall of Science and Engineering, bringing campus leaders, donors and community supporters together April 24 to mark the building’s topping out.

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    ]]>     The new$110 millionhall is intended to createadditional capacity for the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (CSTEM) while supporting the campus’ emphasis on student success and social mobility. | Photo Credit: CSUSM
    • Cal State San Marcos held a topping-out ceremony April 24 for Hunter Hall of Science and Engineering, marking the placement of the final structural beam.
    • Theroughly 70,000-square-foot, three-story building is slated to open in fall 2027 with laboratories, a robotics suite and collaboration-focused learning space.
    • CSUSM leaders say the project supports expansion of engineering programs, including growth in engineering enrollment from about 500 students tonearly 2,000and a planned industrial and systems engineering program.
    • The project follows a July 31, 2025,groundbreaking for what CSUSM then called the Integrated Science and Engineering Building, an estimated $110 million facility designed by HGA with C.W. Driver Companies as general contractor.
    • A $10 million gift from Hunter Industries helped advance the project and is tied to CSUSM’s $200 million “Blueprint for the Future” fundraising campaign.

    SAN MARCOS, Calif. — Cal State San Marcos celebrated a key construction milestone for its new Hunter Hall of Science and Engineering, bringing campus leaders,donorsand community supporters together April 24 to mark the building’s topping out.

    The ceremony, a construction tradition that includes signing and lifting the final structural beam, highlights progress on aroughly 70,000-square-foot, three-story facility— designed by HGA being built by general contractor C.W. Driver Companies — isscheduled to open in fall 2027.

    University officials said the new$110 millionhall is intended to createadditionalcapacity for the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (CSTEM) while supporting the campus’ emphasis on student success and social mobility.

    “This facility is social mobility in action.It’sabout providing access for students, many of whom are the first in their families to go to college, stepping into fields that are shaping the future,” CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said, according toan article from CSUSMNewsCenter.

    Hunter Hall is expected to includestate-of-the-artlaboratories, a robotics suite and collaborative learning spaces. The project will help expand engineering enrollment from 500 tonearly 2,000students and support the launch of a new industrial and systems engineering program, building on existing electrical, software and computer engineering offerings.

    The three-story buildingis beingconstructed at the top of campus between Markstein Hall and the Arts Building and willinclude teaching and research labs, classrooms, student support areas, staff offices, acaféand outdoor gathering spaces.

    Hunter Industrieshascommitted a $10 million philanthropic investment to support construction—one of the largest gifts in university history.

    “An educated workforce is the foundation of a thriving economy,” said Greg Hunter, CEO of Hunter Industries, according toan article from CSUSMNewsCenter. “We are proud to deepen our partnership with CSUSM and invest in a facility that will empower students, strengthen our community and drive innovation for decades to come.”

    CSUSM said the gift helped advance its “Blueprint for the Future” campaign, which the university describes as its most ambitious fundraising effort to date, and positioned the project as part of broader plans to expand facilities and STEM programming.

    Get more weekly reports andtimelyupdates by subscribing for free atschoolconstructionnews.com/subscribe.

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    ]]>         San Diego City College Performing Arts Project Enters Schematic Design Phase /2026/04/06/san-diego-city-college-performing-arts-project-enters-schematic-design-phase/ Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:11:25 +0000 /?p=54860 The Saville Theatre Replacement ProjectatSan Diego City College, part of the district’s Measure HH Bond Program,hasofficially movedfrom the programming phase into schematic design.The project will replace the existing Saville Theatre with a new,approximately 28,000-square-footperforming arts facility designed to support academic programs and community use.

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    ]]>     The new center will be a modern, flexible venue capable of accommodating a range of performances and events, supporting both campus programming and broader community use. | Photo Credit: Sundt Construction
    • TheSan Diego Community College District’sSaville Performing Arts Center Replacement project at San Diego City Collegehas moved into the schematic design phase.
    • The project will replace the existing Saville Theatre with a new performing arts facility of about28,000 square feetdesigned for academic programs and community use.
    • Scope includes demolition, hazardous materials abatement, utilityrelocationand upgrades, plus site improvements including new walkways and ADA-compliant paths of travel.
    • The work is part of the Measure HH Bond Program, approved in November 2024, totaling$3.5 billion.

    SAN DIEGO —The Saville Theatre Replacement Projectat, part of the district’s Measure HH Bond Program,hasofficially movedfrom the programming phase into schematic design.The project will replace the existing Saville Theatre with a new,approximately 28,000-square-footperforming arts facility designed to support academic programs and community use.

    The new center will be a modern, flexible venue capable of accommodating a range of performances and events, supporting both campus programming and broader community use.Theprogrammingprocess brought togetherfacultyandstaffmembers, whojoined theDesign-Build team ofandfora series of workshops and discussionsto help shape the project vision, offering insights oninstructional needs,room configurations, andhowto bestsupport teaching,learningand live performance.

    Workwill includethe abatement, demolition, and removal of the existing Saville Theatre and the removal and replacement of associated site utilities and appurtenances in alignment with the campus’s Master Plan.New construction of approximately 20,000 assignable square feet (ASF) includes a street-level lobby with Box Office, restrooms, and manager’s office. Amewmain theatre will include 250–350 seats, including stage, orchestrapitand control room as well as a scene shop and costume shop. Other support spaces include rehearsal rooms, recording/editingspacesand dance studios.

    Planned exterior work also includes new walkways, sustainable landscaping and irrigation, signageand ADA-compliant paths of travelthat will connect to a future outdooramphitheatre.

    “We are honored to continue our partnership with the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) on this important project,” said Ryan Nessen,SeniorVicePresidentand CaliforniaDistrictManager, according toa press release from Sundt Construction.

    “This selection reflects the trust we have built over more than two decades and our commitment to delivering high-quality facilities that serve students and the broader community,” Nessenadded.

    Measure HH, approved in November 2024, is a$3.5 billionbond program that will providestate-of-the-arteducational facilities, address long-deferred maintenance needs, and support accessibility and equity across the district’s colleges.

    The project team also includes structural engineering firm KPFF, civil engineer Latitude 33, and mechanical and electrical engineer MA Engineers/Johnson Consulting Engineers.

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