by Novid Parsi | Building Design + Construction
In Henderson, Nev., a city roughly 15 miles southeast of Las Vegas, 100,000 sf of unused office space will be turned into an open-air retail development called The Cliff. The $30 million adaptive reuse development will convert the site’s two office buildings into a destination for retail stores, chef-driven restaurants, and community entertainment. CAST and Partners Capital, Inc. recently announced they have finalized design plans for the upcoming mixed-use project. Located in the Green Valley Ranch community, the retail center is designed by AO.
By Ed Cadavona, Managing Partner, AO
With a growing need and rising costs, building affordable housing continues to be a major challenge in the Golden State, California. The demand for housing exceeds current supply with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) estimating the need for 2.5 million new homes over the next eight years, with approximately 1 million designated for lower-income households.
by Emell Adolphus and Jonathan Keller | ENR
Commentary from the Top 500 Design Firms in 2024 reveals a shift in the use of artificial intelligence to complement design services. Last year, AI was the exception more than the rule, but this year more design professionals aim to integrate tech into operations. With ongoing labor challenges, rising interest rates and supply chain disruptions still driving up construction costs, firms say AI could be the X factor that helps projects stay profitable.
by Steven Sharp | Urbanize LA
A massive mixed-use apartment complex is taking shape on the border between Santa Ana and Tustin, per social media posts from architecture firm AO. The Row at Redhill, named for its location at 2300 S. Red Hill Avenue in Santa Ana, will eventually span 14.5 acres of land at the intersection of Red Hill and Warner Avenue. A full buildout of the project would feature up to 1,150 housing units, 80,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, and parking for more than 2,400 vehicles.
by Jennifer Van Grove | The San Diego Union-Tribune
Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield has started construction on an all-new wing of luxury shops and destination eateries designed to further elevate the status of its flagship Westfield UTC property in University City. Thursday, the French firm announced the expansion project, which will introduce 50,000 square feet of space spread across two buildings with nine storefronts and two restaurants on the lot of the original Nordstrom box.
by Steven Sharp | Urbanize Los Angeles
A ribbon-cutting ceremony held on April 4 marked the official debut of a new a new Cambria Hotel next to Hollywood Burbank Airport. The project from Choice Hotels, built at 3501 N. San Fernando Boulevard, is located across the street from Metrolink's Burbank Airport - North Station. The six-story, 150-room hotel includes 1,131 square feet of meeting space, a fitness center, and outdoor courtyard, a library lounge, a grab-and-go market, and the restaurant RhuBAR.
by Reed Dillon | Offsite Builder
Architect Nickolos Gomez works at AO’s Oakland, California office. In addition to being a Principal at AO, he is also the firm’s Director of Modular Design and Construction. AO has completed 18 modular projects, including multifamily apartments, affordable housing, and senior living.
by Samantha Gowen | Orange County Business Journal
AO in Orange launched its 50th anniversary celebration Wednesday, March 27 in the town it’s called home since day one. Mayor Dan Slater, a Realtor by trade, pronounced it “AO Day” for the city as the company celebrated its milestone at the Women’s Club.
by Patricia Kirk | Urban Land Institute
Australia-based Westfield Group converted a former Sears store in Canoga Park, Calif., to Topanga Social, a 55,000-sf food hall that features more than 25 vendors and seats nearly 800 diners. “The whole idea of putting in entertainment is to attract families and extend their visit—eat, maybe see a movie, and then shop,” said Latella, noting that entertainment facilitates cross-shopping opportunities, and the longer people stay, the more they spend.
by Richard Clarke IV | AO
Innovative cities and developments are redefining industrial spaces by seamlessly integrating them into vibrant communities, transcending traditional norms. Rather than isolating massive industrial complexes in peripheral zones, forward-thinking cities are embracing the concept of mixed-use industrial master planned developments that serve the needs of a diverse population.
by Sumer Bowles | Orange County Business Journal
AO, a premier full-service architecture firm renowned for its expertise in commercial and multifamily design, proudly recognizes the promotion of 12 key employees to the position of Associate. The following AO team members were promoted: Minami Baum, Aaron Childs, Ether Dai, Genaro Diaz, Rio Garcia, Brenda Gutierrez, Justin Hebenstreit, Romeo Mangalus, Steve Osdale, Scott Rutledge, Chandni Thacker, and Tu Tran.
by Civil + Structural Engineer
Once home to Riverside's first fire station, a livery stable, and an automobile dealership, a historic structure is being reimagined and incorporated into a seven-story mixed-use podium project with 22,000 square feet of retail space and 165 apartment units.
by Offsight
In this interview, we hear how Nick and his team work closely with owners during the modular design and construction process and hear his feedback for architects looking to design for modular projects and owners assessing whether to undertake these projects.
by Rob Budetti, Managing Partner, AO | Mann Report
Retail centers are evolving, with experience at the forefront and entertainment venues emerging as the new anchors. Consumer expectations are at an all-time high, driving retailers to engage customers like never before. Gone are the days when shopping centers relied on products to drive sales.
by Mann Report
Full-service architecture firm AO is continuing its 50th-anniversary celebrations with additional promotions, including naming William (Bill) Perkins, AIA, LEED AP Principal, marking a significant milestone in his career since joining AO in 1999. Additionally, five senior associates have been promoted: Damian Daniel, Christopher Gutierrez, José Ho, LEED AP, BD+C, Ryan Labrum, and José Mendez.
by Toni McAllister | Patch
An extended-stay hotel from Marriott is planned on a 2.87-acre vacant parcel in Palm Desert. The Palm Desert Architectural Review Commission has pored over design plans of the four-story, 128-room, 67,568-square-foot TownePlace Suites by Marriott eyed for the empty land east of Monterey Avenue, south of Interstate 10, and north of Dinah Shore Drive.
by Sumer Bowles | Orange County Business Journal
AO, a leading full-service architecture firm with design expertise spanning the full commercial real estate spectrum, is proud to announce two new partners: Ruba Awad-Moran and Paolo Leon. Both new partners formerly served in the role of Principal at AO.
by The Oklahoma News Report
The Oklahoma News Report, hosted by Rich Lenz, is a weekly in-depth exploration of news and issues affecting all Oklahomans, featuring topical information and meaningful stories that provide context and meaning to educate and engage every citizen across the state. For more information about The Oklahoma News Report.
by California Centers
The desire to diversify offerings, provide more outdoor space and accommodate today's shopper has brought about an urban design and feel to California's shopping centers - even the ones in suburbia. "Society has fallen in love with the urban fabric of our downtown city centers," explains David McCullough, principal at McCullough Landscape Architects in San Diego.
by AO
Jennifer leverages over three decades of expertise in fostering collaborative people operations and driving human resources initiatives. Throughout her dynamic career, she has held key roles across a spectrum of industries, from startups to mid-sized companies, spanning technology and financial services, to advertising and mental healthcare.