All Our Projects in California.

The Palmetto is a 21-story, 346-unit apartment building in the heart of the L.A. Arts District, a neighborhood defined by transition, industry, and creativity. Our design embraces the district’s industrial past and its emerging future. Inspired by the historic warehouses that shaped this area, The Palmetto maintains the raw, minimal aesthetic of its surroundings through large spans, modular structures, and an authentic material palette. Yet, within this industrial framework, we introduce a layered experience: a series of interconnected spaces that invite both residents and the community to engage, connect, and create. The Arts District itself is a canvas, its blank facades transformed into storytelling surfaces. This project hopes to preserve that legacy, serving as a place for art and creativity to remain. The massing responds to the irregular forms found in the district, a varied composition of volumes that play with light, shadow, and texture. Perhaps the most interesting observation of the district is a concept we call "inner grit and outer love," our description of the district’s hard-edged and gritty exterior revealing unexpectedly warm and inviting interiors. The Palmetto retains this tension, balancing an industrial presence with a luminous core.

The Worldmark Anaheim is an urban high-rise hotel in a bustling neighborhood which aims to be the perfect home base for visitors to northern Orange County. Timeshare owners and their guests can return from excursions to Disneyland and other local attractions to relax and unwind in the outdoor pools, spa, fitness center, and game room. The design of this hotel ensures that all rooms have engaging views of the metropolitan area with large windows and Juliette balconies.

Responding to the growing popularity of Universal Studios next door, the original Hilton Universal City hotel was built on top of this hill in 1983. This American movie studio theme park attracts over 10 million guests a year, and having a beautiful, relaxing place to stay nearby elevates their experience of the entertainment capitol of the world. This new tower addition to the hotel will share multiple new pool, spa, bar and restaurant amenities with the existing hotel. From the rooms and the roof top, guests are able to look out over the sun-filled San Fernando Valley and soak in the magic and glamour of Southern California. The form and exterior of the hotel was a close collaboration with a Chinese design firm well known to the international owner and investors.

Menlo Park is one of the most desirable addresses in Northern California, with a vibrant downtown, adjacency to Stanford University, and easy access to the culture and beauty of the San Francisco Bay Area. But finding housing that feels like home in this technology mecca can be a challenge. Middle Plaza is a three-building, 215-unit residential complex designed and built for Stanford University faculty, staff, alumni and affiliates. As the Interiors team on this vital addition to downtown Menlo Park, our Urban Living team was charged to create elevated living environments that provide both respite from and essential ties to the lively university town that surrounds the 8.4 acre site. Our Urban Living team designed the common amenity spaces to be versatile and conducive to planned and impromptu social interactions. Going far beyond the typical amenity lounge, these spaces boast game and media rooms, chef-worthy kitchens for larger upscale entertaining, wellness and fitness studios, and focus rooms to extend the work-from-home possibilities beyond each residence. Each of the three building’s common areas has a bespoke design and unique “vibe,” giving residents the ability to customize their experiences based on their needs, or even frame of mind, truly curating their choices. Knowing how important it is to stand out in a multi-unit multi-family residence, the amenity spaces are purposefully designed to be aesthetically harmonious inviting multiple age groups to enjoy them at once, cultivating community that ultimately leads to happier, healthier, more connected residents. An inside-out approach to the one- and two-bedroom residences takes advantage of Menlo Park’s temperate climate and nearly 300 days of sunshine each year. Light-filled with a seamless flow to patio spaces dotted with all-season and native plantings, the wellness benefits of satisfying residents’ innate biophilia are abundant. While the city outside is bustling, a warm palette and elegantly simple fixtures and finishes lend a relaxed and tranquil feel, enabling essential reconnection to oneself and one’s family. Thanks to the futures thinking approach, the Urban Living team tapped into the increasing trend of “forever renters,” designing each residence to function as an adaptive and evolving space, rather than the revolving door of a typical apartment community. The result is a living space with both an immediate and lasting sense of home.

Park Fifth revitalizes LA’s urban landscape with a timeless, curated living experience. Developed with MacFarlane Partners, this 25-story luxury tower blends housing and retail, capturing the legacy of Pershing Square while offering residents access to high design. The building’s full-height marquee and floor-to-ceiling windows reference the grandeur of the former Philharmonic Auditorium, while a custom laser-cut granite slab at the base honors the site’s rich history. Inside, sculptural finishes define refined amenity spaces and elegant residences. Park Fifth integrates urban living expertise, 3D modeling technology, and historical research. Through collaboration with the City of Los Angeles, we successfully appealed to redefine the city’s 240-foot height limit, allowing for a stunning rooftop amenity with panoramic views, a pool, lounge, bar, and fitness area—an innovation that set a precedent for future high-rises. The design draws from the energy of Pershing Square and nearby transit corridors. The wide south-facing facade blends vertical and horizontal elements, creating a balanced composition that draws the eye upward. At street level, stone references the area’s historic buildings, giving way to modern metal and glass above. A key innovation came with the redesign of the rooftop. By relocating mechanical systems, we created an additional floor of leasable space. The rooftop offers luxurious outdoor spaces, including a west-facing pool deck with cabanas and an outdoor fireplace at the apex of the marquee. Targeting LEED Gold, Park Fifth incorporates sustainable features such as wastewater collection and rainwater harvesting, reducing water use by 35% annually. An underground parking garage provides easy access to the building. With thoughtful design, technical innovation, and historical respect, Park Fifth reimagines Pershing Square for a new generation of Angelenos.

Inspired by its rich history, our design concept for Trademark combines kinetic motion, contrast, and reflection to create an experience of effortless living and contextual luxury. Drawing from Art Deco style and the legacy of train travel, we infuse the space with elegance and dynamic energy, resulting in a luxurious living experience. Trademark’s façade plays with the historical style of downtown Los Angeles, using natural materials like concrete and zinc to relate to the site’s legacy as a transit hub. Backlit bronze elements illuminate the street façade, creating a marquee-like effect that adds richness and prominence to the building. Ground-floor retail spaces and stoops on Olive Street invite interaction with the neighborhood, bringing vibrancy and pedestrian life to the streetscape. The building’s design also embraces its historical roots with a square façade reminiscent of a vintage streetcar, using zinc and concrete materials to achieve a simple, yet innovative look. The backlit bronze features evoke classic marquees, connecting Trademark with the neighborhood’s entertainment-era history while setting a new standard for future high-quality developments. Through efficient design, Trademark increased its apartment count from 615 to 660 units—without exceeding the floor area ratio (FAR) limit. By reconfiguring the garage structure and reducing its area by one-third, we maintained the same number of parking spaces, ultimately delivering more square footage, more leasable units, and a stronger market position for our client.

Montrose is a reflection of the Prometheus brand that delivers a home—crafted with regional influence and curated to inspire. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the interior design syncs the brand with the context and creator culture of the area through branded expressions, strong geometric forms, dynamic art, and vibrant colors. In true California style, our design centers on outdoor amenity space, offering enclaves for entertaining, working, and reflection. Residents can start their day with a quiet sunrise meditation and end it with an intimate cocktail party on the rooftop lounge. Inside, bolder design elements interlock with subtler, traditionally crafted materials, creating a home as inspiring as the people who live there.

Guided by the vision of creating a warm, resort-like space, our design team transformed the town center of Covenant Living at Mt. Miguel in San Diego into a modern, peaceful community hub. This gathering space is flexible, inviting, and rooted in a Santa Barbara Spanish Colonial style, becoming the heart of the campus’s updated comprehensive plan. The town center is a central gathering spot where residents and families reconnect. Drawing inspiration from the La Costa Resort & Spa, the design combines rustic charm with high-end elegance. The dining room connects to a multipurpose room for events, while new amenities like a salon, billiard room, and outdoor spaces with water and fire features offer opportunities for socializing. The outdoor pool, with ramp access, further reinforces the resort-like atmosphere. The project followed a phased construction approach to keep the existing center operational. Our team collaborated closely with the client and staff to ensure smooth execution. The design cohesion is apparent, with indoor and outdoor spaces sharing elements like colorful tiles and a patio trellis brought indoors to the bistro. The Spanish Colonial style, with its ornate wood trusses, arches, and hand-hewn wood finishes, creates a rustic luxury that complements the surrounding campus. Every detail, from the tile roof on the fitness center to the inviting outdoor pool, contributes to a sense of community and relaxation. Mt. Miguel Town Center successfully fosters a spa-like atmosphere, offering residents and families a welcoming space to connect, relax, and celebrate.

St. Paul’s Plaza is a four-story senior community in Chula Vista, designed to offer a warm, home-like environment for assisted living and memory care. We began by engaging with seniors and families from our client’s other communities to understand how they spend time together and what they value most. Their feedback shaped our design, from playgrounds for seniors and children to the signature clock tower that anchors the site. Located in Otay Ranch, St. Paul’s Plaza blends seamlessly into its Southern California neighborhood. The building’s massing steps down from the retail area to create a private oasis at the center, with wood archways, landscaping, and textural details that humanize the scale. A Mission-inspired clock tower at the northwest corner acts as both a landmark and a connection to the surrounding community. The main entrance opens to large courtyards with walking paths and a playground. These outdoor spaces can be cordoned off for private family use or larger events like movies and concerts. Designed to maximize Southern California’s mild climate, the campus features outdoor roof decks, dining areas, and a solarium that connect residents with nature. Inside, the building includes a bar area, grand staircase, and easy access to outdoor spaces, as well as an elevator for full accessibility. Wellness facilities such as a fitness pool, exercise room, and outdoor terraces encourage physical and social activity. Memory care neighborhoods are designed as individual homes with shared living rooms for a more personal experience. St. Paul’s Plaza successfully integrates the physical, emotional, and social needs of residents, creating a community where families and residents feel truly at home. We’re proud to be part of this meaningful project.

Located in the heart of California’s wine country, The Meadows at Napa Valley Senior Living Life Plan Community recently underwent a long-awaited remodel and expansion. Designed to support the active, engaged lives of residents who wish to stay in their beloved Napa community, the new space blends sophistication with comfort, creating a welcoming environment that encourages connection. Inspired by Napa’s distinctive aesthetic, the exterior features Spanish Revival architecture with terra cotta roofing and wooden accents. Inside, warm exposed wood details and a welcoming concierge desk set the tone for a full-service Life Plan Community, now offering memory care, assisted living, and 60 new independent living units. At the core of the redesign is a focus on community. The remodeled dining spaces now offer three distinct dining options, from a casual bistro to an elegant formal dining room, accommodating 160 residents in 4,500 square feet. The new indoor pool and fitness center provide spaces for wellness and social interaction, bringing residents together in shared activities. Outdoor spaces further enhance community life, with a vineyard for winemaking education, a putting green, bocce ball courts, and pickleball courts. A new gathering area with fire pits and room for live music offers the perfect venue for socializing and events. Managing a complex renovation amidst an active campus, the project team navigated overlapping permits and multiple contractors while ensuring minimal disruption. Through clear communication, residents not only saw their vision realized but appreciated the smooth process. The expanded Meadows is now a thriving, connected community that reflects the spirit of Napa.

Avanza 490, located in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District, is the first fully affordable housing project to break ground in the area in a decade. Designed with an emphasis on wellness and livability, this seven-story, mixed-use building provides 81 affordable apartments for formerly homeless and extremely low-income families and individuals. The design of 490 South Van Ness balances the need for maximum unit density with a focus on creating a family-friendly environment. Key features include a central courtyard and playground visible from the laundry room, offering parents a chance to monitor their children while giving kids the freedom to play. Partnering with local organizations like BRIDGE and Mission Housing, we also integrated comprehensive on-site support services, including health and wellness resources, stabilization programs, and leadership training. These services ensure that residents have access to the help they need without leaving the building. The building’s location, just a block from public transit, further enhances its accessibility for residents. The architectural design of 490 South Van Ness responds to the neighborhood’s historic brick structures, with bricklike tile used on the first two floors and a warm, earthy palette of browns and beiges throughout. The interiors feature sealed concrete floors and wood-paneled walls, nodding to the area’s midcentury industrial roots. The inclusion of rooftop solar panels underscores our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, anticipating a lower-carbon future while enhancing the building’s performance. Avanza 490 is more than just a place to live—it is a community-focused solution designed to uplift residents and provide them with the stability and resources they need to thrive.

Jewish Home of San Francisco, a senior living nonprofit, understands that wellbeing encompasses not just physical health, but also social and emotional connections. To support this holistic approach, we helped transform their 130-year-old, nine-acre campus into a vibrant oasis, guided by three core principles—discovery, equity, and beauty. The design includes two new buildings: the Frank Residences, offering 190 units of memory care and assisted living, and Byer Square, a new public community center. The campus plan integrates green spaces and three distinct parks, connecting the Frank Residences and Byer Square to the neighborhood while providing the privacy and safety necessary for residents. A newly revitalized gateway on Mission Boulevard and a public urban park offers well-lit, natural areas for gathering and relaxation, creating a peaceful contrast to the surrounding city. Byer Square focuses on wellness, offering spaces for nutrition, entertainment, arts, and day-to-day care. Key amenities include a fitness center, dining spaces, an auditorium, library, craft room, and pool, all designed to encourage activity and social interaction. The heart of the campus is surrounded by parks and designed to promote spontaneous engagement. The Frank Residences are connected to these green spaces, offering views of the central park and Lawrence Halprin’s fountain courtyard. Units include studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, with large windows that bring the outdoors in. The design emphasizes discovery, with spaces that unfold gradually, allowing social activities to spill out onto outdoor patios. Equity is central to the design, with outdoor spaces and common areas adaptable to various physical abilities and needs, ensuring all residents feel included. This revitalized campus fosters community, engagement, and a true sense of belonging for residents at every stage of life.

Approached with the challenge of creating dense student housing just south of San Diego State University, amidst single-family homes, our strategy for this development focused on community outreach. Understanding local concerns about aesthetics, traffic, and noise allowed us to align the project with both SDSU's needs and those of the neighborhood. M@ College features 327 beds in one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, fulfilling the university’s density requirements while integrating seamlessly with its surroundings. Public outreach revealed a preference for a modern architectural style, prompting us to adjust the design and scale. We removed units from the upper floors and oriented the taller side toward campus to enhance sunlight in the shared courtyard. To reduce traffic, we included bike parking and car-share access, encouraging walking. The steep slope posed a challenge, which we addressed with a stepped podium design that minimized construction costs. We enhanced the building’s appeal by using projections and pop-outs in the façade, making it inviting for pedestrians. Inside, we emphasized communal spaces, focusing on a main kitchen and living area connected to the courtyard. This layout buffers noise from the neighborhood, with study and gaming spaces nearby and reservable study rooms on each floor. With its reduced scale and contemporary California aesthetic, M@ College fits seamlessly into the community, fostering meaningful connections between students and residents while enriching campus life at San Diego State University.

Casa de las Campanas, a 25-year-old Life Planned Community in San Diego, tasked Ankrom Moisan with revitalizing its existing facility. With our expertise in senior living and hospitality, we focused on enhancing the structure while maintaining its warmth and familiarity for residents. The renovation centered around wellness, outdoor space, and dining to appeal to both current and future residents. The first phase transformed underused areas into vibrant, functional spaces. A neglected outdoor area became a multifunctional courtyard with a putting green, bistro, and outdoor patio with a barbecue, ideal for al fresco dining. The new fitness building supports various exercises, including a yoga studio and equipment, with NanaWalls opening to the outdoors. The pool area was upgraded with a new hot tub and repurposed as a meeting space for residents and the board of directors. A key part of the renovation was expanding the dining experience. The new bistro, with a skylight bringing in natural light, features an interactive piano bar, full kitchen, and upgraded seating, offering a variety of dining options. The salon was renovated to provide a luxurious, accessible self-care experience. Phase two will replace the skilled-nursing building with a new three-story facility focused on private occupancy, while phase three will add five stories of independent living, assisted living, and memory care units, along with expanded common spaces and parking. By integrating natural materials and Southern California design elements, we modernized Casa de las Campanas, attracting new residents while retaining the familiar comfort that current residents value.

Located at the intersection of San Francisco’s vibrant Hayes Valley, the Market Street corridor, and the Mission District, 1 Franklin is a luxury mid-rise condominium that seamlessly integrates into its eclectic urban community. By extending the scale and architectural language of Market Street—one of the city’s most iconic thoroughfares—into an intimate, eight-story building, we were able to create a home that complements the neighborhood without overwhelming it. Central to this design philosophy was the understanding that 1 Franklin, positioned in the heart of the city, didn’t require over-the-top amenities. The city itself was the greatest asset, providing residents with unparalleled access to restaurants, cultural experiences, entertainment, and social spaces. While many luxury condominiums demand attention, 1 Franklin takes a quieter, more refined approach. Its contemporary design is defined by complementary color palettes, fiber-cement exteriors, and sleek, simple detailing—like the porcelain tilework at the building’s base and the wood-veneer rain screen panels. This understated aesthetic allows 1 Franklin to stand out as a sophisticated, well-scaled place to live while still blending seamlessly with the surrounding architecture. The success of 1 Franklin’s design was rooted in strong community engagement from the outset. Our team worked closely with neighborhood groups, property owners, and local business owners to integrate the building into the urban fabric. This collaborative effort not only helped refine the project’s scale and detailing but also expedited its development, ultimately resulting in a quick, efficient build at a low cost, despite the challenges of a down economy. 1 Franklin encourages residents to engage with their vibrant neighborhood, offering units with flexible layouts that cater to a range of living situations, from roommates to mixed families. Large bay windows capture the iconic San Francisco aesthetic, while private decks extend living spaces outdoors. A secluded courtyard on the second floor provides a peaceful retreat, and a spacious, landscaped rooftop deck serves as a gathering place for residents to host events or enjoy the outdoors. Ironically, the site where 1 Franklin now stands was once a parking lot, but today it exemplifies San Francisco’s demand for denser housing in urban areas. With secure bike parking and no extra space for cars, 1 Franklin was fully rented within 30 days of completion—proving that smart, design-forward urban living can meet the needs of the city’s ever-growing population.

The George tower is a key element of the 5M Development, transforming San Francisco’s historic Chronicle Site at 5th and Mission. As one of the city’s largest housing projects, this 21-story high-rise blends bold design with functionality, creating 302 residential units and amenities for a socially conscious, tech-driven community in SoMa. Our design harmonizes with the evolving neighborhood while anticipating its future growth. SoMa is a unique mix of diverse cultures—home to a vibrant Filipino-American community, major tech firms, and cultural institutions. The George’s architecture reflects this complexity, balancing authenticity with modernity. By integrating interior and exterior elements, we created a seamless connection between The George and its surroundings. The tower’s design emphasizes the human scale, respecting the site's history while preparing it for future development. At street level, the base features textured terra-cotta and copper accents, while the upper floors incorporate variegated metal panels, drawing the eye upward and adding visual interest. The concept of "gradients" guides our design, celebrating the imperfections and natural aging of materials. Copper, rust-inspired colors, and weathered metals form a dynamic, evolving facade. This blend of craftsmanship and contemporary materials elevates the neighborhood’s design, creating a building that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. The George is more than a residential tower—it’s a reflection of SoMa’s diverse identity and an architectural vision that honors the past while shaping the future.

Once an underutilized city-owned parking lot, the site at the north end of San Jose’s historic Japantown is about to be transformed into a vibrant hub of activity. Our vision for Sixth and Jackson combines housing, retail, and public spaces, creating a lively environment for residents, neighbors, and visitors to gather, shop, and connect. This development acts as a bridge between new and existing communities, injecting fresh energy into Japantown’s bustling commercial core. At its heart, Sixth and Jackson represents the first wave of change in the Japantown area, with two sister buildings that unfold new discoveries from every angle. The 518-unit apartment community is designed with San Jose’s temperate climate in mind, offering residents easy access to amenities that embrace the outdoors. Each building responds uniquely to its surroundings, incorporating energy-efficient photovoltaic panels, stormwater collection systems, and flood-proofing design, underscoring the commitment to sustainability. The South building serves as a place to relax and socialize, featuring a pool, bar/lounge, and an outdoor movie wall. Its design harmonizes with the nearby historic Japantown building, respecting the scale and character of the area. In contrast, the North building combines wood and brick elements that soften the retail corner, while decorative screens and a woven pattern of contrasting materials create a striking visual identity. The east side of the building is soundproofed to buffer the noise from the adjacent train, ensuring a more peaceful living environment. Central to the development is a new community park that will serve as the heart of this multi-block project—an active space designed to inspire creativity and leadership for generations to come.

Mason on Mariposa addresses San Francisco’s pressing need for multi-family housing, offering 299 new homes in the heart of the Potrero Hill neighborhood. As Executive Architect, we played a pivotal role in delivering this complex, three-building development on 3.5 acres, which includes residential units, retail space, and a new publicly accessible greenway. This greenway connects Mariposa Street to the 18th Street retail corridor and the nearby elementary school, establishing a welcoming, community-focused environment. Designed to meet the challenges of urban living, Mason on Mariposa reflects a deep commitment to collaboration. Working alongside three design architect teams, our team led the project from initial permitting through to final completion. The development’s three buildings were a feat of engineering and construction, requiring seamless coordination among the client, city officials, engineers, and contractors to meet key milestones. The complex sits nestled into the Potrero Hill landscape, strategically designed with a mid-rise profile to preserve open views of the Bay and San Francisco skyline. At-grade entrances ensure families with strollers or young children can easily navigate to open courtyards designed for gatherings, events, and play. These inviting spaces foster connection, creating opportunities for residents to come together in this family-friendly neighborhood. Sustainability and energy efficiency were top priorities, with innovative solutions like a curtain wall system that combines glass with solar technology to reduce energy loads. Our team, working with experts in accessibility, interior design, and building systems, meticulously coordinated every detail to ensure Mason on Mariposa was both functional and environmentally conscious. Targeting LEED Gold, Mason on Mariposa represents one of the first new multi-family developments in the area, bringing much-needed housing to a neighborhood that’s ideally located near schools, jobs, and retail, all while maintaining strong ties to the city’s dynamic urban fabric.

How does an established global retail brand engage thousands of sports fans, follow their brand standards, and push the experience forward into an original moment? Through expert coordination, streamlined communication, and smart, informed decisions that bring the client’s vision to life. The result is a brand-specific, completely original retail brand experience at a 3,100 SF bank inside a major urban sporting facility.

Located on a former parking lot adjacent to one of San Francisco’s busiest BART stations and nestled against Oakland’s I-580 freeway, MacArthur Commons reimagines a once car-centric site into a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented village. This mid-rise housing development brings 400 new homes, retail and flex spaces, and a public mews to the heart of Oakland, all designed at an intimate residential scale that’s grounded in the area’s rich history. The design of MacArthur Commons reflects a thoughtful transition from a past of garages and parking lots to a lively, community-focused environment. Street-level pathways, communal courtyards, and people-friendly landscapes infuse the area with energy, while a colorful, eye-catching exterior welcomes travelers from the nearby BART station to this dynamic neighborhood. Spanning two parcels of an 8-acre vacant lot, the development’s three distinct buildings offer diverse living experiences for Oakland’s young professionals and families, with easy access to major transit lines, bus shuttles, and ample bike parking. Each building responds to its surrounding environment in its own unique way. The building adjacent to the BART station features a façade that echoes the movement of transit, with vibrant green, gray, and black patterns evoking the feeling of speeding cars. Inside, modern, clean, and efficient units open onto a rooftop lounge with sweeping views of the city. The courtyard building, MacArthur Commons’ largest structure, offers spacious apartments and ground-floor retail, with its strong, white exterior corners and balconies designed to attract pedestrians along Telegraph Avenue. The corner building balances its bold urban presence at the busy intersection with a quieter, more private residential experience on a neighboring side street, its red walk-up units gradually transitioning to calmer, restful spaces. At the heart of the development, the shared public mews serves as a buffer from the highway, featuring an outdoor kitchen and raised planting beds, offering a serene space for relaxation and community gathering. This thoughtfully designed space encapsulates the overall vision for MacArthur Commons—catalyzing the neighborhood’s growth through architecture that integrates seamlessly into the existing urban fabric while standing out with its artistic character and vibrant spirit.