SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Olivenhain Municipal Water District hired us to work on an exciting new project for their District Headquarters Facility. They have formed a Conservation Committee which is tasked with implementing a number of water quality and conservation components throughout their site. We will be working with the Committee to develop a more pedestrian friendly site design, modified vehicular patterns and integrated water conservation measures. The conservation measures will serve as functional site design components, but will also be educational by including signage and interactive elements.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Willie James Jones Apartments is a new apartment development in the South Eastern San Diego neighborhood of Lincoln Park. Around the corner from the newly constructed Lincoln High School, the project will consist of 33 carriage units with individual, enclosed, ground floor parking; topped by two stories of living space. The design seeks a careful balance between a modern approach and a more traditional vernacular that the residents of the area are familiar with. We believe this approach will help bring new energy and momentum to an under served community, in the form of a project that the residents can be proud of.

CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA

The Arc of San Diego - Starlight Center is a 32,000 SF office building and training center for mentally disabled adults with a Joint-use Multi-Purpose Room and Day Care Center. We were asked to take part in a design competition for project award and prepared site planning, modeling and graphics for a presentation to the board. The design encompasses modern mission styling with multi-level outdoor spaces, an entry archway for safety/control and natural daylighting/natural ventilation.

POINT LOMA, CALIFORNIA

Luce Theater at the NTC Promenade is being developed as a multi-function venue for performing arts, cinema and dance. Constructed in the 1920’s and on the National Register of Historic Places, Luce Theater houses 1,800 seats, but the number of seats, the stage size, poor sight lines and lack of a fly gallery make it unsuitable for modern uses. We have worked with the NTC Foundation to develop a program that fits the needs identified by the Foundation through a series of workshops with local dance, cinema and performing arts groups. Since all the interior surfaces, along with the stage and proscenium were considered historically significant, the design consists of a main theater that would seat roughly 450, for dance, cinema and other performing arts. Two smaller theaters would be designed within the larger building, as black-box or cinema venues depending on need.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • CURRENT

We recently joined a team of local North Park architects, landscape architects, planners and business owners in the development of an implementation plan for the preservation and greening of North Park’s historic business district. Interventions focus on maintaining the arts culture and historic integrity of the neighborhood, increasing resource conservation, creating a walkable, bike friendly community and sustaining the growing local economy. The resulting work can now be viewed at www.northparkmainstreet.com.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • CURRENT

In this mixed-use development on San Diego Bay, the Waterfront Promenade anchors the buildings and users to the site, drawing people from the street to the water’s edge for circulation and interaction such as boating, kayaking, walking, running and dining. An enlarged promenade of stamped concrete and reclaimed wood is proposed to jet in and out over the water, to create spaces for stopping, eating and walking for a currently underutilized, dilapidated water’s edge.

POINT LOMA, CALIFORNIA • 2012

Nielsen Beaumont Marine contracted us to design a renovation of their existing office building and boatyard in Shelter Island. Exterior improvements include the replacement of rotted wood siding with a wood panel rain screen system and the addition of full height windows. The boatyard improvements include the replacement of an outdated cradle and rail boat haul-out system with a 50-ton travel lift system, new piers and concrete marginal wharf system.

VALLEY CENTER, CALIFORNIA • 2012

The Boys and Girls Club - Valley Center Branch project converts the existing Multi-Purpose Room at Valley Center Upper Elementary School into an innovative, joint-use facility for the Club and the School. It will house a new Art room, Computer room and Multi-Purpose room along with new restrooms and a redesigned entry that provides better visual security of the parking and drop-off area. The new entry, new windows and colorful interiors are designed to scale the elements down and welcome the students to a new day of play, learning, exploration and creativity.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2010

Teamed with Legacy Building Services, we won a Design-Build competition to renovate and modernize the Medical Reception and Triage Room at the St. Vincent De Paul Medical Center in Downtown San Diego. The revised design reoriented the reception desks to the consumers, alleviating previous confusion about where to go upon entering the facility. Additionally, the employees now have increased visual supervision of the entire entry sequence; from the front door all the way into the triage room and the main clinic. The scope of services included furniture selection and interior design, along with typical architectural services. The project was required to meet OSHPD requirements as administered by the City of San Diego.

OXNARD, CALIFORNIA • 2005

This new joint-use fire station facility houses the City of Oxnard Fire Department and the Ventura County Fire Department. Each half of the station includes a two-story office/residential structure and three apparatus bays. The site also contains a shared yard with a fueling island, carport, and hose drying area. Design , construction documentation, permitting, and construction administration services were performed. The fire station received an award from the AIA Orange County.

Garrick Oliver
Individual experience with RNT Architects

OXNARD, CALIFORNIA • 2005

This project is designed to revitalize an underutilized stretch of coastland and provide an educational component of the adjacent wetlands. The entire project includes a new lifeguard headquarters with a visitor center, maintenance shop building and yard, central storage building, (4) concession buildings, (12) comfort stations and (2) contact stations. The site is 3 miles long, approximately 300 feet wide and includes shade structures, plazas, and a multi-use trail. The project received an award from the AIA Orange County.

Garrick Oliver
Individual experience with RNT Architects

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2006

Designed to replace and resolve several issues from the previous facility, the new 14,800 square foot building is a reflection of the California DMV’s response to a growing need for healthy public facilities. The open, naturally lit public space was designed to provide a comfortable environment for waiting customers and working staff. The project is LEED Gold Certified, with energy efficient building systems, natural day lighting, concrete masonry used as thermal mass and other recycled materials. In 2007, the project received a CMACN Sustainable Design Honor Award, CMACN Civic Design Merit Award and a SANDEE (CCSE) Energy Efficiency Award.

Anney Rosenthal
Individual experience with RNT Architects

OXNARD, CALIFORNIA • 2007

Located in the heart of downtown Oxnard, CA, and adjacent to their City Hall, the Oxnard Parking Structure plays a prominent role in the lives of Oxnard’s people. As such, we focused on creating a pedestrian friendly atmosphere out of a vehicular centered function. Metallic skin elements, awning covered sidewalks and public art were all used in order to take the hard edge off of this utilitarian structure.

Christopher Bittner
Individual experience with RNT Architects

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • CURRENT

The Olivenhain Municipal Water District hired us to perform a renovation and addition to their Operations Building at the 4S Ranch Water Reclamation Facility. The Operations Building serves a dual programmatic function. One function is a forward thinking technology which tests, treats and reuses water for irrigation and other functions within their District. The secondary function of the Operations Building is to provide offices, locker rooms and a lunch area for District Employees. Our design strives to balance and highlight the contrast between this highly technological function and the need for refuge by its habitants.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2009

The Arc of San Diego Training Center is a two story, 16,000 SF office building and training center for mentally disabled adults. On a site with an existing 16,000 SF building and a historic school, the new building houses 8 classrooms, conference facilities, kitchens and administrative offices. The design is inspired by Irving Gill’s take on the modern mission style – clean lines, archways and efficiency in materials.

Christopher Bittner
Individual experience with RNT Architects

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • CURRENT

The NTC Promenade project consists of 26 historic buildings which previously housed the Naval Training Center. The charge for the project was to transform the campus of buildings that were once used for education and housing for the Navy into a new Arts and Culture District with heavy influence on education and instruction. The first phase resident group mix is varied and vibrant, including such uses as dance instruction, painting instruction, galleries, oral histories and business meeting spaces. The second phase of the overall project consists of military barracks that will transform to artist studios and instructional spaces, an event center, arts and culture related retail, administrative spaces and dining facilities.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2007

The conversion of the NTC Promenade into an Arts and Culture destination has continued with the numerous resident group tenant improvements. From Chocolatier to artists, galleries and workshops, the varied uses and design challenges have been seemlessly integrated into the historic fabric of the existing buildings. The buildings are re-energized and re-purposed and have become important incubators for art and culture in San Diego.

Garrick Oliver / Christopher Bittner
Individual experience with RNT Architects

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2007

The New Americans Museum is a tenant improvement in Building #202 of the NTC Promenade. The 3,300 SF project includes a Smithsonian level gallery/exhibit space, administrative offices and a classroom/multi-purpose space. One of the highlights was the conversion of the existing concrete vault into a sound-proof booth and waiting area for recording oral histories for inclusion in the gallery and exhibits.

Christopher Bittner
Individual experience with RNT Architects

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2007

Dance Place San Diego opened in 2007 and filled a long standing void in the San Diego Dance Community at large. It instantly became a top notch destination for all of San Diego’s dancers to come rehearse, watch small shows and train. In addition, it is now home to some of the region’s most influential dance companies including Malashock Dance, San Diego Ballet and San Diego Dance Theatre.

Garrick Oliver
Individual experience with RNT Architects

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2008

San Ysidro High School is one of the newest high schools in the Sweetwater Union High School District; however, it was constructed with the absence of a Performing Arts Center. In order to remedy this, the District embarked on their first Design-Build project delivery contract and provided a facility which would serve as an asset to their campus and the community as a whole. The facility houses classrooms for Folklorico Dance, Mariachi, Band, and Choir; as well as a 400 seat theatre where they can all perform. The theatre is designed with extreme sensitivity to acoustics and lighting, both of which can be operated from a back of house sound and control booth. In addition, there are changing rooms and a scenery shop which support a full theatrical production.

Garrick Oliver
Individual experience with RNT Architects

Surrounded by a new suburban housing tract in Oxnard, this state-of-the-art elementary school was designed to inspire the students and give homage to the site’s agrarian past by developing unique outdoor spaces, well proportioned courtyards and hedgerows of trees like those found in nearby farms and throughout the Oxnard delta. Series of workshops were organized to address the school’s unique teaching programs and strengthen the bonds between the school and surrounding community. The project consists of 27 new classrooms, a community center/multi-purpose room, library, administration center, computer lab, kindergarten classrooms and playground and additional support facilities. This project received awards from both the AIA and CASH.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2004

Originally constructed almost 50 years ago, Jefferson Elementary was in need of revitalization. As a semi-urban site, the outdoor play spaces were extremely limited. When placing the new library and landscaping on the existing site, we pointed our focus squarely on creating unexpected and poignant experiences for the children of Jefferson. We strived to generate spaces where the librarian could provide an interactive and intimate learning environment. In addition, we placed small play striping areas and landscaped planters in order for the younger students to escape from the larger more intimidating playground.

Garrick Oliver
Individual experience with RNT Architects

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2002

The Torrey Pines High School West Campus was the culmination of multiple phases of work on the overall campus. The West Campus expansion included a state-of-the-art permanent 37,000 square foot, 2-story 24-classroom addition which made up one wing of the project and included a small AV theater and publishing classroom. The other wing included 20 environmentally sensitive 2-story modular classrooms and a 7,000 sf counseling center. This project received awards from both the AIA and CASH.

Christopher Bittner
Individual experience with RNT Architects

LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA • CURRENT

This project is a 9,000 SF renovation within the existing Eckart Library Building at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). The design aims to become a permanent installation of sort - a multi layered dialogue of overlays in physical and conceptual form. We are drawing from the local vernacular found at SIO of weathering wood cladding and concrete form patterns. We are also drawing from the Strata of the site, as well as the Strata within the research conducted at SIO. Finally, we are working within a Microcosm of the Library of today. Our end users are utilizing state of the art information technology gathering and distribution systems, while they are being housed in a building originally built for a book based library.

DEL MAR, CALIFORNIA • 2006

The Bardsleys wished to expand their existing house to create a dream home for their retirement. The existing single story residence was expanded by 1,000 square feet to include a second floor addition consisting of an office, master bedroom and bath, an entertainment deck and a private deck off of the bedroom. The existing atrium was converted into a combination stairwell and ventilation shaft for the entire house. That, coupled with detailed sun studies and the addition of Photovoltaic roof panels, has given the clients the ability to power their entire home off grid.

Christopher Bittner
Individual experience with RNT Architects

RANCHO BERNARDO, CALIFORNIA

Having lost their home to the fires in October 2007, Jutta Sellin came to us to help her design a modern home for her family which reflected her personal style and carefully considered fire resistance and the environment. Large overhangs and strategically placed window and door openings encourage natural daylight and ventilation. A concrete masonry core wall divides the private/public functions on the first floor and continues to the second floor, with shelving, closet space and walkways cut into the wall.

TUCSON, ARIZONA • CURRENT

Home is a welcome anchor. A place that is always there - warm, safe and personal. Shipping containers - steel, mass produced and cold. The desert - beautiful, challenging and harsh. This project embraces dichotomy and reflects a lifestyle that can be a struggle but more rewarding than most. The massing and shifting of the containers is meant to reflect the transitory nature of the shipping containers, frozen in a moment when the family is reunited at home. The large glass living room and roll-up door invite the desert to enjoy the interior of the home and share it with the family, while the exaggerated roof works tirelessly to shield and protect the home and its family.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2007

Located on the former site of a historic roller rink, Palisade Gardens is situated at the western gateway to North Park in San Diego. After demolishing the roller rink in the late 1980’s, a five story apartment building was constructed in its place. North Park was a lesser desired area in San Diego for many years after its construction and the building was never cared for. In 2004 the building was purchased amidst a booming economy and a blossoming period for North Park. As a result, the building was converted to “Palisade Gardens,” which now stands as a focal point at that western gateway. Both the name and its prominent marquis sign were borrowed from its roller rink predecessor and relate back to a former cultural boom time for the North Park area.

Garrick Oliver
Individual experience with RNT Architects

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2011

Her sanctuary floats above. The farmer plays with water, needs light, and brings sustenance to the earth, adding texture, meaning and life to the ground. He is grounded and his study is indoors and outdoors, always connected to the earth. His workroom anchors her fleeting thought. The kitchen is the artist’s extended studio, where performance and service rises with the aroma of home baked/cooked meals. They create apart and relish in their independence. They will meet in the garden, where the artist connects back to the earth and the farmer takes a step off. They will fly and they will land, and they will always dance. Their meeting place is a special place for hellos, goodbyes, conversation and exchange of ideas and emotion. Those welcomed in will enter on soft ground and all senses will be activated. A meandering pathway is simple yet special. It is a living breathing gallery of their art of family.

MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA • 2008

In 2008 we were contracted to provide architectural services for the renovation of Spanagel Hall and Root Hall at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey. The project entails the modernization of over 120,000 square feet of science and research classroom spaces. Both buildings were designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill in the early 1950’s and are now registered historic structures. We are working to integrate building and technology upgrades with the Navy’s educational requirements into the modernization of these historic structures.

MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA • 2009

In 2009 we were contracted to provide architectural services for the renovation of Hermann Hall and Halligan Hall at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey. The project entails the modernization of over 120,000 square feet of science and research classroom spaces. Both buildings were designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill in the early 1950’s and are now registered historic structures. We are working to integrate building and technology upgrades with the Navy’s educational requirements into the modernization of these historic structures.

ADELANTO, CALIFORNIA

This operations center designed to serve the South Dunes of Imperial County provides emergency medical services, law enforcement and administrative services to the Imperial Dunes users and consists of the main operations center, supporting garages for vehicle maintenance, storage and site work. The center contains a small visitor center, a full emergency operating room, offices and a small detention facility. The project was designed through a series of workshops with BLM staff, BLM Law Enforcement, BLM Emergency Medical Personnel, the California Highway Patrol, United States Border Patrol and local community groups.

Christopher Bittner
Individual experience with RNT Architects

ADELANTO, CALIFORNIA

This 3,000 square foot building is designed to serve as a fee collection and emergency services contact station, as well as a museum and interpretive center displaying items such as ultra-light Aircraft, land sailors, time trials racing vehicles and off-highway vehicles. The project also includes conference facilities and public restrooms. The visitor center will serve as a community touchstone for the many campers, drivers, off-highway vehicle enthusiasts and pilots that frequent the area.

Christopher Bittner
Individual experience with RNT Architects

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2009

Located in the basement of the Pannikin Building in Downtown San Diego, Bacchus Wine Market was in need of a warmer and more welcoming appearance for the clientele that comes to taste, discuss and buy wine from around the world. The interior improvements included an expanded and remodeled tasting room, new sales counter and a remodeled entry stairway. An updated plan, paint colors, lighting and materials along with a heavy wood tasting bar that anchors the room provides a modern, yet rustic ambiance.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Pacific Tugboat Service is an integral piece of the Port of San Diego daily operations, as well as a partner with the U.S. Navy through their varied maritime operations. In 2009 PTS asked obrARCHITECTURE to help create a vision of a new flexible training option for the military. The vision will merge PTS Deck Barges together with new Laser Shot Shoot House facilities to create the UPSITE-1. If constructed the UPSITE-1 will utilize a 165’ barge, on which a modular shoot house will be constructed. It can be easily docked alongside any commercial or military pier structure, and can just as easily be moved or modified to suit the ever changing needs of our United States Military.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

In 2008, we were commissioned to provide design and project management services for the renovation of the Pacific Tugboat Service tenant improvements which include replacing the existing wood pier with a new concrete pier, the layout of a new parking lot and design of a new perimeter fence with a public art component. The project is investigating alternative fueling practices, operating costs and environmental impacts in order to improve the conditions for the local community as well as the user. The public art piece will be built of steel and wood, recycled from the existing pier planks.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2002

Christopher Bittner was the Architect for the design of this 1,700 square foot café and bakery in Golden Hill. The project included storefront design, renovation of the historic building facades, a full bakery kitchen and a sidewalk café design.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2010

This 'gastro-cantina' is located in the old Apertivo space on 30th Street in North Park. There is a rough, yet sexy and modern quality to the space that features an internally lit front entrance wall that is constructed of recycled poly-carbonate panels and the ceiling joists that were removed from the existing ceiling. El Take It Easy’s dining room features a wandering concrete bar evoking the remnants of the original storefront facade, which are still extant in front of the building. The bar juts through the space at differing heights and angles, promoting conversation between patrons, as every bar seat either faces another patron or is angled in a way that allows for easy conversation. The dropped ceiling and plaster walls were removed to expose the structure of the building and expose the original 1950’s brickwork, making the dining room come alive. As a whole, the project celebrates using hand crafted, imperfect materials to create a comfortable, yet upscale space.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 2011

The remodel of The Linkery involved a complete revamping of the restaurant’s image. Where previously the inner workings of the kitchen were on display to customers, the new ‘stealth kitchen’ wraps the kitchen and server areas in MDF panels painted with chalkboard paint. This simultaneously provides a better scale to the entire restaurant and provides ample space for written menus. The entire focus of the dining room was shifted to allow the dining room and bar area to feel more connected. The entire lighting and color scheme were also completely revised bringing a much more upscale feeling to the restaurant. The construction was completed in only three days, closing the restaurant on a Sunday night and re-opening with a new restaurant on Thursday.

CORONADO, CALIFORNIA • 2011

Saiko Sushi was designed to be a fun, upscale space that focused on the working of the sushi chefs. Using traditional Japanese construction materials of wood and concrete in a modern way on the sushi bar brings a hint of playfulness to the space. The bright white of the sushi preparation area stands out in stark contrast to the deep red color of the rest of the space. The opposite wall is dominated by an art piece that is lit from the top of the banquet. Cutouts in the rear wall of the sushi bar area expose the original block wall and will become highlight areas for saki bottle displays.

POINT LOMA, CALIFORNIA • CURRENT

SOL Markets recently hired us to design the transformation of an existing historic fire station into SOL Markets first retail space. Because SOL’s purpose is to bring local, farm fresh produce from farm to consumer, the design is focused on bringing the farmers market aesthetic to an enclosed space, transforming the fire station into a barn-like setting with exposed wood, metals and raw materials. The retail space will include an indoor/outdoor market, a full bar and demonstration kitchen/cafe to sell and showcase local, organic foods, craft beer and wine.