703 16th Street, Suite 100 San Diego, California 92101
P (619) 296-3150 F (619) 501-7725
As we look back on last year, we are taking a moment to reflect on the projects we’ve designed. Our community continues to grow, and we’re pleased that our work makes a positive impact on people and on the environment. It was a great 2015 for MLA and we thank all of our clients, colleagues, family and friends for helping us make it a rewarding year.
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This fall, we are happy to announce an addition to our growing family of designers. Tommy King is from the Pacific Northwest where his design talents were utilized for urban, public and healthcare projects. From civic parks and universities, public housing and hospitals, Tommy’s design and project-management abilities led him to San Diego as an Associate Landscape Designer. He graduated from Ball State University in Indiana, one of the top landscape architecture institutions in the country. His philosophy is based on sculpting the landscape with the notion of creating “place.”
"I believe outdoor environments must be functional, engaging, attractive, memorable and sustainable,” said Tommy. “Well-designed public spaces are crucial in stitching the built environment together—thus strengthening our communities.”
Being outdoors is second nature to Tommy, who spends time with his wife and two kids hiking, going to the beach and camping. He’s a dedicated amateur musician who can play a number of wind and string instruments. “Playing guitar is a good way for me to decompress.”
The Building Industry Association has named us as a finalist for one of their prestigious Icon Awards. The recognition for Best Landscape Design for a Single-Family Development reflects our mission to provide a more sustainable urban environment. The landscape design is for a residential development in La Mesa, located close to downtown and reflects the ongoing efforts of San Diego’s urban redevelopment. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency on September 19. The homes were designed with the first-time home buyer in mind who appreciates the value of having an ecologically small footprint without sacrificing aesthetics and comfort. Based on the concept of “Americana” and our affection for spending time with family and friends on the front porch, MLA designed spaces to include picket fences, DG pathways, small parklets, BBQs, old-school picnic tables, even a citrus orchard. With our fantastic San Diego weather, the landscape design supports our outdoor lifestyle—with flair and ecologically is friendly!
Development: Stanford Place
Client: CityMark Development
The City of San Diego at 1.3 million and counting according to 2014 data, and notably the 8th largest city in the country, is unique at best and honestly still a small town. Planners, politicians and policy makers to name just a few, are in constant pursuit of definition for this city and our region. Ironically, this pursuit has been going on for the past 100 years with the first Panama-California Exposition in 1915.As the story goes, arguably one of San Diego’s most notable architects, Irving Gill was originally selected as the assistant architect of record. The prime architect selected was New York firm, Bertram Goodhue. Shortly into the endeavor Gill resigned. Apparently he was pushing for a style that he felt exemplified Spanish-influenced, progressive California. The New York team had in mind a temporary version of the then-popular Spanish Colonial style.
Over and over again, the question has been asked, what makes this city unique, what can we truly call ours? For many, it’s what we are not. San Diego is not L.A. and I have seen some cringe when we are compared, by outsiders, to Orange County.
This summer we are happy to add Alli Wilson to our growing roster of talent. With a Master's Degree in Architecture and Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon, Alli has solidified her passion for the "great outdoors." With diverse experience working for a number of architects and on a family farm, she has gained a full perspective of the business side of our work and a practical understanding of the environment.
"Having grown up in San Diego, I appreciate the outdoors and have built my career around how we as landscape architects can promote environmentally conscious, functional and beautiful environments."
Her focus and expertise is on drought-tolerant landscapes, having been an undergraduate at the University of Arizona. When she's not working, Alli is growing hops in San Diego's back country. With San Diego's booming beer industry, she'll certainly have buyers.