Magazine Article | October 31, 2022
The process of 3D printing to create three-dimensional objects from digital files is utilized at many differing scales, mediums and industries. For example, manufacturing has long harnessed the advantages of 3D printing for use in the aviation, transportation, aerospace, fashion and health industries. As this technology becomes more widely accessible, the construction industry has tested the viability of 3D printing as an alternative construction method. With housing demand at an all-timMagazine Article | October 31, 2022
KTGY’s interior designers sought to understand the current state of golf clubs in order to reposition and redesign the PGA National Resort. Through a deep dive into current challenges – memberships and competition, how to appeal to the tried-and-true golfer, the non-golfer and what new generations are looking for – the team set out to break the mold. Palm Beach Gardens was a city planned and fashioned to harmonize with nature. Pulling inspiration from this locale and its history, tMagazine Article | October 31, 2022
The magical relationship between art and architecture lives at an intersection of discipline, craft and the individual. As we begin to imagine interactive spaces, experiences and brands, the dynamic dialogue between the two is what makes our environments unlike any others. Conceptualization begins with plotting and planning how art can help us craft our narrative, make connections, and, most importantly, elevate our aesthetics beyond good design to deliver experiences that inspire. MovinMagazine Article | October 31, 2022
There is no shortage of innovators trying to “disrupt” the residential design and construction world. From construction techniques to creative floorplan variations, numerous companies are touting their innovations as the thing that will revolutionize housing as we know it. However, while the venture capital money pours into what they hope will be the Uber or Instagram of construction, the impact, so far, has been mainly around the edges, with a considerable amount of marketing hype and notMagazine Article | October 31, 2022
Young adults heading off to college often experience a rude awakening when living on their own for the first time. The dramatic transition toward increased independence and autonomy thrusts young people into a new reality, far from the stability of their parents’ oversight and guidance. Former university psychologist Dr. Beth Staehling Becerra noted that teens transitioning to the independence of college life often struggle to cope with even common disappointments. A breakup or poor grMagazine Article | October 31, 2022
By Marissa Kasdan Director, Design After graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 2016 and accepting an entry-level, full-time position in KTGY’s Oakland office, a young designer moved into a nearby single-family detached home – with 10 other young professionals. Clearly, the house was not initially intended to accommodate 11 young adults. However, with folding dividers and the creative use of sizeable storage areas, the roommates managed to find a solution for housiMagazine Article | October 31, 2022
KTGY partnered with Domain Companies to conceptualize a mixed use enclave to activate the downtown core. With a focus on delivering needed housing, the team looked to solutions that increased speed to market and construction efficiency. This goal was accomplished by leveraging Infinity Structures’ light gauge load-bearing stud system, and the 412-unit building was completed in early 2022.Magazine Article | October 31, 2022
The build-to-rent neighborhood in the Dellrose master planned community is an example of excellence born of innovation. KTGY’s experts knew of the growing desire for those renting by choice to move from traditional stacked flats into detached rental homes. KTGY brought forward its Research + Development Studio concept, The Patch – a green space focused cottage-style community – as an aspirational way to enhance Empire Communities’ build-to-rent portfolio. Architectural designersMagazine Article | October 28, 2022
Adjacent to a bustling retail corridor resided a small neighborhood center and sea of parking. Tucked approximately 22 feet from road grade, there was no engagement with the street, and the site sat in opposition to the pedestrian-oriented community that surrounded it. When AvalonBay approached KTGY with the opportunity to take this underutilized site and transform it into a sustainable and connected mixed-use residential building, architects had to immediately overcome the challenge ofMagazine Article | June 2, 2022
Tasked with an adaptive reuse project – that of converting the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters building into a full-service, four-star boutique hotel – KTGY’s interiors team set out to transform this landmark into the Detroit Foundation Hotel. With the design theme focused on “Coming Home to Detroit,” the hotel conveys the essence of the Motor City. Transforming the historic firehouse into a hotel was an opportunity to help revitalize Detroit. With input from the coMagazine Article | June 2, 2022
The KTGY Oakland studio was recently awarded an affordable housing project through a Request for Proposal issued by Santa Clara County and the city of Los Altos in California called 330 Distel. As a firm, KTGY designs for various communities across the nation and, as a result, we navigate an array of city processes. Though most cities share a similar goal of creating better built environments for their citizens, every city goes about reaching this goal in a different way. Our recent expeMagazine Article | June 2, 2022
Winslow is a collection of contemporary apartments situated in University Heights amidst San Diego’s most culturally rich, dynamic neighborhoods. Encompassing a city block, surrounded by tree-lined streets, craftsman bungalows and colorful murals, this infill site was once home to the New Vision Christian Fellowship. As such, KTGY was sensitive to the existing community. Our interface with neighbors and community stakeholders allowed the designers at KTGY to build upon and contribute tMagazine Article | June 2, 2022
Los Angeles is a city deeply rooted in the automobile as well as the culture that surrounds it. The regional culture continues to be shaped, to some degree, by the prevalence of cars and the services that support them. Throughout the heart of the city, valuable real estate is occupied by auto-focused uses such as dealerships, parking structures, service repair stations, and the gas and charging stations that keep them on the road. As L.A. attempts to address its housing shortage with theMagazine Article | June 2, 2022
Within the building and construction industry, embodied carbon refers to the carbon dioxide emissions produced from building materials and construction methods throughout the manufacturing and construction process, including building maintenance and future demolition. Additionally, buildings generate carbon dioxide emissions through their operations. Operational carbon includes carbon generated from heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation and other mechanical systems integral to the dailMagazine Article | June 2, 2022
Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.” Although this quote is over 100 years old, it couldn’t be truer today. This sums up the mindset of so many that are moving into senior housing communities. They want to continue to play, to live life, and to have new experiences. They don’t see themselves retiring to a suburban campus. In fact, a 2017 survey conducted by Welltower found that 80 perceMagazine Article | June 2, 2022
The Lodge at Autumn Willow is an affordable senior housing community designed to minimize its impact on the adjacent natural environment while providing a uniquely immersive experience of living within the woods. The building sits on the top of a steady slope with pedestrian trails accessing a stream called Little Rocky Run at the bottom of the valley to the south with a public park to the north. Surrounded by existing developments of Fairfax County in Northern Virginia near Washington,Magazine Article | June 2, 2022
In areas like the Silicon Valley in California and Cherry Creek in Denver, Colorado, where land for development is scarce and the housing stock is aging, many homebuyers are left with limited options – purchase an older home that has been thoroughly loved but near the end of its life and renovate it or demolish it entirely and build a custom home. Thomas James Homes saw a need for a third option, one that allows buyers to purchase a brand-new home in the neighborhoods they love, closeMagazine Article | June 2, 2022
Photographer: Nathan Kirkman Our vision for Yours Truly DC was to design an inviting, unexpected environment for locals and visitors to gather. The resulting space — a “communal living room” first and a hotel second — celebrates and engages with the neighborhood’s rich, local bohemian counter-culture history and welcomes the community into a whimsical environment that allows experiences to begin. Public spaces were designed with bespoke amenities and unwavering hospitality withMagazine Article | October 30, 2021
Located on 14 acres in Madison, Wisconsin at University Avenue and Segoe Road, Madison Yards at Hill Farms is envisioned as an authentic new downtown destination, providing opportunities for shopping, entertainment, working, and living. The mixed-use development consists of six individual blocks including office, retail, residential, parking, and a Central Green, connected to the surrounding neighborhood context through a network of private roads and open spaces. KTGY worked with SummitMagazine Article | October 30, 2021
Sunroad Enterprises and KTGY worked together with Cohn Restaurant Group to design Park Social, a twist on the traditional neighborhood café which boasts brews on tap. The café is located on the ground level corner of Vive on the Park, a San Diego, CA mixed-use development. One of the few local dining establishments to flourish over the past year, Park Social’s flexible design offers a walkable gathering spot for local neighborhood residents and visitors to safely meet, eat, drink, anMagazine Article | October 30, 2021
Due to the pandemic, the bustle of Chicago city living ground to a halt when quarantine was sanctioned. Like many cities, walkable neighborhoods became ghost towns and joggers turned streets into their own personal running track. As directed, downtown businesses closed, parks and recreational areas locked gates while retail storefronts went dark. Seen as essential, some restaurants held a semblance of normalcy, offering delivery and pick-up service. These sudden changes forced businessesMagazine Article | October 30, 2021
For retail locations challenged by the lack of walkability and supporting foot traffic, the RE-DWELL concept proposes reimagining vacant retail spaces with residential units. Exceptionally deep units maximize natural light through expansive storefront glazing, high ceilings, and interior windows. Whether attracting potential residents, visiting customers, or even internet fame, developers strive for their new developments to stand out amongst other, similar projects. ThrouMagazine Article | October 30, 2021
Throughout the pandemic, we have heard predictions of the demise of cities. Indeed, the world’s cities have taken a mighty hit due to the impact of COVID-19. The primary expectation was that the virus would fuel new growth and development further from the existing city centers. However, as urban locations now begin to regain their normalcy, the benefits of urbanity are becoming apparent due to our inherent need and desire for social connections. My personal observation of the re-habitaMagazine Article | October 30, 2021
As Colorado experiences a boom in jobs and an influx of new residents, the need to add more residential communities continues to grow. Conveniently located between Denver and Boulder, the town of Superior, Colorado boasts easy access to transit and beautiful mountain scenery. Identifying the opportunity to create a desirable residential enclave with a walkable town square along the new Main Street, connecting to commercial and civic spaces, Ranch Capital collaborated with Carmel PartnersMagazine Article | October 30, 2021
While traditional brick-and-mortar retail continues to struggle for success across the United States, retail spaces sit vacant and city planners and developers look for new ideas to reimagine outdated retail spaces with alternative solutions for activating the urban ground plane. At the same time, community development advocates search for opportunities to bolster local small businesses, support community needs, and foster equitable neighborhoods. Non-profit community organizations proviMagazine Article | October 30, 2021
Once thought to have been replaced by suburban malls and shopping centers, a core need has remained for communities beyond economic waves and online shopping impacts: the “Main Street” hub. Walkable, adaptive and vibrant, bringing together and defining community the Main Street hub serves as an anchor that draws people in for practical and social reasons. For El Paseo de Saratoga in San Jose, California, developer Sand Hill Property Co. drew from these elements with a bold vision toMagazine Article | October 30, 2021
Titletown is part of an economic strategy and multi-phased real estate development of land immediately adjacent to historic Lambeau field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Titletown neighborhood delivers a vibrant mixeduse community featuring a luxury hotel and spa, contemporary dining options, a tech hub, creative office spaces and KTGY-designed luxury townhome living community centered around a public plaza with a full-sized turf football field, one-acre children’s playground, sledding hiMagazine Article | October 30, 2021
Like many over the past year, I took advantage of the opportunity to work remotely from “anywhere” and ventured on a working RV tour of much of the United States. My wife, dog and I piled into a pickup with a 150-square-foot travel trailer and hit the road across the entire southern expanse of America. During the eight collective months of traveling, I found myself in regions, cities, and towns that I might not have prioritized visiting previously. I began to note how each communityMagazine Article | June 1, 2021
Plaza Verde, a student housing community on the University of California Irvine (UCI) campus, was called “the greenest housing facility in the entire University of California system” by UCI Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, Enrique Lavernia. Plaza Verde represents the first half of the fourth phase of UCI’s East Campus student housing village, in a public-private partnership between the university and American Campus Communities (ACC), a publicly traded real estate investmentMagazine Article | June 1, 2021
Mesa Ridge provided a rare opportunity to create a complete neighborhood within the Summerlin masterplan. Typically, multiple builders are brought together within a village of Summerlin, but Mesa Ridge allowed for Toll Brothers, along with KTGY and other architects and planners, to develop and design the entire village. With this opportunity, the team was able to create something truly extraordinary. Mesa Ridge is nestled against the Spring Mountain ridgeline, providing a pristine, unobsMagazine Article | June 1, 2021
THEO delivers a modernist experience rooted in historic surroundings and is the result of an intense collaboration between KTGY, SummerHill Apartment Communities, Pasadena city planning department, and Pasadena Heritage. It sets the standard for quality while integrating historic design and style to build upon and strengthen the city’s architectural legacy. This new community provides the perfect balance of urban, mindful living blended with Southern California’s famed laid-back lifeMagazine Article | June 1, 2021
4300 San Pablo, designed by KTGY and developed by EAH in partnership with the city of Emeryville, leverages thoughtful and innovative solutions to create a development that delivers measurable outcomes in relation to neighborhood diversification, sustainable and affordable housing, economic revitalization and opportunity, and pedestrian use and mobility. With many people in the Bay Area struggling to afford housing, the team sought to create an apartment community that brings people togMagazine Article | June 1, 2021
For the last 200 years, wood has been a consistent player among building construction materials. Historically, large members of old growth timber have been used as structural components, only to be replaced in the ninetieth and twentieth centuries by structural steel and concrete as large, old-growth forests became more limited for sourcing raw building materials. Further research and development led architects and builders in Europe to reevaluate the merits of wood construction,Magazine Article | June 1, 2021
The Farm at Brush Creek, an addition to The Brush Creek Ranch Luxury Resort Collection, celebrates the craftsmanship of the food and beverage arts. It brings together master chefs, sommeliers and more to provide a seed-to-table culinary experience that showcases the bounty of the land. Today, the finest culinary and educational opportunities the nation has to offer are showcased within this ultra luxurious, one-of-a-kind destination. Integral to creating continuity of design language betMagazine Article | June 1, 2021
March of 2020, at the onset of the global pandemic, saw much of the American workforce rapidly relocating their workspaces from traditional, shared offices to designated spaces within their homes. While many of these shifts were initially temporary, they further supported a preexisting trend toward remote working and flexibility in work-from-home scenarios. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 29 percent of college educated employees worked from home atMagazine Article | June 1, 2021
Elati Lofts is in the Globeville neighborhood located about two miles north of downtown and one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver, Colorado – a state which has seen a 15 percent increase in population since 2010, creating a greater need for housing with connectivity to jobs. This new apartment community, at 4055 Elati, is thoughtfully integrated into its environment in both design and function. Sitting on a less than half-acre infill site with a high water table, architects createdMagazine Article | June 1, 2021
Increasing urban density is inherently sustainable because it avoids resource-intensive sprawl. Paradoxically, increased density also relies upon materials that are the least sustainable in terms of embodied energy, such as concrete and steel. An imminent change to the building code has the potential to address this contradiction, offering new ways to create sustainable and diverse building types for cities. The new code will allow, for the first time, the use of mass timber for buildings up toMagazine Article | May 27, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused monumental changes to the way people live and interact. It has also increased awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As design professionals, we have a unique opportunity to positively impact the health of the occupants of our buildings through design and sustainability. In the past, the conversation about health and sustainability has primarily involved the physical health of the occupant. Today, however, the focus on mental andMagazine Article | December 4, 2020
The alarming trend of retail closures has both retail landlords and developers searching for answers and struggling to effectively adapt. The big-box chain stores that were retail anchors 10 to 20 years ago are shutting their doors and leaving a vast network of oversized vacant spaces. These spaces are typically misaligned with the more recent retail trends: small-format shops, transient retailers, and multi-channel retail. By creating a framework to support moveable, modular retail shopMagazine Article | December 4, 2020
Today’s families are more diverse than ever, requiring housing that accommodates a wide range of household configurations, as well as the changing needs typical to growing families. While single-family and lower-density housing options in suburban and rural settings often include considerations for families, urban development has typically not followed suit. Diversity and flexibility of unit configurations and housing types designed specifically for families provide opportunities for fMagazine Article | December 2, 2020
Left at the surface level, the best of architectural intentions can miss the mark with heavy impacts for the most vulnerable of stakeholders. This is particularly true in the case of a project with as complex of a history as Lineage at North Patrick Street in Alexandria, Virginia. Hired by the Alexandria Redevelopment Housing Authority (ARHA), KTGY’s thoughtful and steadily engaged design approach through the redevelopment of Lineage resulted in a vibrant and affordable rental communiMagazine Article | December 2, 2020
Sterling Grove is a multigenerational master-planned community that provides diverse ownership opportunities, from first-time homebuyers to empty nesters. With a quaint farm-aesthetic inspired by the origins of the site, once a working farm, front porches welcome you home.Magazine Article | December 2, 2020
On an October night, a group of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), refugees, and small business owners joined a Zoom meeting to testify at the Denver Planning Board public hearing. Up for discussion was a neighborhood plan that included a strong language favoring single-family zoning. One after the next, the speakers argued racial origins of this zoning and pleaded for more inclusive housing options. This was the first time that an underserved community spoke up against single-family zMagazine Article | December 2, 2020
Alvarado Street is not one of the main arteries of Los Angeles. Travel its length, however, from Pico-Union to the south, past MacArthur Park and north to Echo Park, and the diversity and character of many of the city’s neighborhoods is on display. Less famous than the areas of Los Angeles that draw tourists, these communities offer an engagingly authentic vibrance and variety. It’s also easy to see many people experiencing homelessness, camped on the margins of these neighborhoods.Magazine Article | December 2, 2020
Providing new residential housing units within walking distance of employment centers, restaurants, entertainment venues, schools, walking and biking paths, as well as regional intermodal transportation hubs is the ideal for any and all new infill development. Considered “very walkable” with a walk score of 78, Gables Pointe 14 accomplishes these goals in a dynamic collection of buildings on a small triangular-shaped, hillside site in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac RiveMagazine Article | December 2, 2020
In 2015, Eden Housing was chosen by Alameda Point Partners to fulfill its inclusionary housing requirement to provide affordable residences to low- and very low-income households as part of the redevelopment of the former Naval Air Station (NAS) Alameda. This requirement was driven by a longstanding engagement with Renewed Hope, a community-based organization passionate about seeing affordable housing come to the site. Earlier this year, the first building to rise from the ground as partMagazine Article | December 2, 2020
2020 has delivered a series of events that have surfaced long-standing inequities within our society and communities. The confluence of COVID-19, Black Lives Matter, increased climate related events such as wildfires and hurricanes has shown that marginalized communities, especially those of color, have been for a long time subject to a life of increased stress, risk and early death. While this year has been challenging, testing our resilience and our capacity to adapt, it has also proviMagazine Article | May 22, 2020
At 255 South State Street, KTGY and Brinshore Development, LLC are creating a mixed-use destination. More than a place to call home, the new community will provide event and art spaces, retail, creative office and affordable housing for the neighborhood. Situated on a prime site in the Downtown Business District of Salt Lake City, the new development, which is anticipated to break ground in summer 2020, will provide much needed affordable and workforce housing invigorating the neighborh