Santa Monica College Arts Complex
Santa Monica College Arts Complex
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Embedded Files
Firm
Grimshaw
Project TypeEducational / Cultural
Duration2019 - Present / 6 Years
Completion2025
Phases Involved In
Competition
Schematic Design
Design Development
Construction Documentation
DSA Approval
Size32,000 sq ft
Project Description
Project Description
The new Arts Complex aims to consolidate Santa Monica College’s dispersed arts program into a single, prominent gateway building. Positioned at the corner of Pico Boulevard and 14th Street, this two-story structure will house flexible learning spaces, a 140-seat lecture theatre, an art history library, faculty offices, and unifying external courtyard. The courtyard, extending towards the heart of the SMC campus, is intentionally designed to engage the community and host various events. This versatile space will serve as a hub for both formal and informal gatherings, as well as the exhibition of student and faculty artwork.
I have been actively engaged in this project since 2019, initially working on the RFP response and the competition scheme. Following our success in winning the project, I have remained involved throughout all phases of design and am currently performing Construction Administration duties.
Competition
Competition
Upon relocating from the New York studio to help establish Grimshaw’s presence on the West Coast, I was engaged in various BID opportunities. I contributed to the RFP response for this project, which led to an interview with the college and an invitation to compete. I played a key role in developing five different competition schemes that we presented as models, ultimately securing the project.
Collaboration
Collaboration
Our approach to collaboration was pivotal in shaping the scheme, and included engaging with the SMC Board of Trustees, faculty, and student user groups. The new building’s functional adjacencies were carefully planned to foster a collaborative learning environment, centralizing Art and Art History classes. I participated in the community outreach team, engaging with residential neighbors to ensure that the spaces were programmed and organized to manage concerns related to light pollution, acoustics, and privacy.
Design Development
Design Development
Advancing into the scheme, I assumed responsibility for interior planning and development. I organized heavy art workshops requiring a high level of technical building performance in close proximity to lighter art workshops. Managing the interior scope package, including Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E), I also led the full coordination of MEP and structural coordination of the perforated metal façade and canopy.
Construction Administration
Construction Administration
As the design architect, I have been overseeing construction administration in collaboration with the architects of record, Little. This involves attending weekly site meetings with contractors, reviewing submittals, addressing Requests for Information (RFIs), and monitoring LEED certification. I have managed the CA responsibilities, ensuring timely responses to requests and effectively overseeing overall CA duties alongside the architects of record.
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