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  • The Neurosciences Institute

    completed 1995La Jolla, CA BACK TO PROJECTS < PREVIOUS NEXT > HIGHLIGHTS COLLABORATORS Design & Architect of Record: Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects Landscape Architect: Burton Landscape Architecture NSI Lab Mechanical Engineering: TKG NSI Lab Electrical Engineering: Randall Lamb PRESS The Neurosciences Institute soothes, challenges the mind - San Diego Union Tribune AWARDS Energy Efficiency Integration Award - San Diego Gas & Electric National Honor Award - American Institute of Architects Best of Design 1996 - TIME Magazine Honor Award - AIA San Diego Grand Orchid - San Diego Architectural Foundation Engineering Excellence Platinum Award - NYACE Design Honor Award - ASLA Architectural Concrete Award - San Diego ACI 2024 Legacy Award - AIA San Diego The Neurosciences Institute (now home to the Scripps Research Institute) is a research and educational complex, its design inspired by the vision of NSI founder and Nobel Laureate Dr. Gerald Edelman for a “scientific monastery.” Comprised of three distinct, yet interconnected buildings linked by walkways and a central plaza, the facility includes laboratories, administrative offices, a research library, and a 352-seat performance space recognized as one of the most acoustically impressive small auditoriums in the United States. In 2014, the Institute moved to smaller quarters. The space is now used by Scripps for its molecular imaging department. STATUS completed 1995 SIZE 56,000 SF CLIENT The Neurosciences Institute / Dr. Gerald M. Edelman SERVICES | ROLE Associate Architect in association with Tod Williams and Billie Tsien The Neurosciences Institute La Jolla, CA

  • Tomas Vega-Tapia

    Associate Tomas Vega-Tapia Associate with JWDA since 1991 Education - B. Arch., NewSchool of Architecture & Design BACK TO TEAM

  • Bert Shear

    Principal Bert Shear, RA Principal with JWDA since 1988 Bert Shear is a native San Diegan with decades of experience in architectural design, project management, and construction management. As Principal and Senior Project Architect, Bert oversees technical issues related to all phases of Architectural Design including planning and programming, schematic design, design development, design drawings, and construction documents. As a JWDA lead in specifications and construction administration, Bert also thrives on the job site and excels in his talents for coordination, creative solutions, and communications with and between consultants and contractors, ensuring the most seamless construction process as possible. Education: - B.S. Arch., California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo Registered Architect in: - State of California BACK TO TEAM

  • Diega

    completed 2021San Diego, CA BACK TO PROJECTS < PREVIOUS NEXT > HIGHLIGHTS 41 stories Two towers 617 units COLLABORATORS Interior Design: Jules Wilson Design Studio Landscape Architect: Connect Landscape Architecture Electrical Engineer: Nemetz & Associates, LTD Mechanical/Plumbing Engineer: Reinbold Engineering Structural Engineer: Glotman Simpson Civil Engineer: Kettler Leweck Engineering General Contractor: BOSA PRESS Best Mixed-Use Project - San Diego Business Journal Downtown Apartment Project Features a Metal Forest - San Diego Business Journal AWARDS Best Mixed-Use Project - 2021 Commercial Real Estate Awards , SD Business Journal Award of Merit, Best Multifamily Housing Community - PCBC 2022 Gold Nugget Awards Rising 41 stories from a residential/retail podium with two towers and a colorful glass façade, Diega is a mixed-use, high-rise residential community in downtown San Diego, CA, and at the time of completion San Diego’s largest-ever residential project at approximately 1,082,000 SF and 617 studios, one, and two-bedroom apartments. A striking addition to the downtown skyline, Diega's modern apartments feature spacious interiors, panoramic views, and amenities including ground level retail and commercial spaces, a fitness center, and a 25,000 SF sky terrace with pool, spa and outdoor leisure space — all in a central and highly walkable downtown San Diego location. STATUS completed 2021 SIZE 1,082,000 SF CLIENT Bosa Development SERVICES | ROLE Design Architect | Architect of Record Diega San Diego, CA

  • Harrington Heights Affordable Housing

    completed 2025San Diego, CA BACK TO PROJECTS < PREVIOUS NEXT > HIGHLIGHTS 15 stories 273 units Nearly 100% affordable housing Nearly 50% permanent supportive housing Resident support services provided by Alpha Project COLLABORATORS Interior Design: Parisi Portfolio Landscape Architect: Schmidt Design Group Civil Engineer: Nasland Engineering Structural Engineer: DCI Engineers M/E/P Engineer: Robison Engineers General Contractor: Level 10 Construction PRESS Affordable Housing Development Harrington Heights Opens in East Village - ABC News New Affordable Housing in East Village with Opening of 15-story Harrington Heights - Times of San Diego New Affordable Housing in San Diego - Rock 105.3 Harrington Heights Grand Opening in East Village - Fox News AWARDS Harrington Heights Affordable Housing is a 15-story, 273-unit residential tower located in downtown San Diego’s East Village. Designed as a vital resource for low-income and vulnerable residents, the development provides safe, dignified housing for hundreds of individuals and families, including those previously experiencing homelessness. Of the 273 apartments, 270 are designated affordable and three are reserved for on-site managers. Within the income-restricted units, 65 are set aside for individuals who are literally or chronically homeless, 10 for homeless veterans, and 40 for residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Resident amenities include outdoor gathering spaces, community and multipurpose rooms, shared laundry facilities, and a spacious lobby and leasing center. The ground floor features nearly 10,000 square feet of commercial and office space, creating opportunities for neighborhood activation and supportive programming. On-site supportive services, operated by the Alpha Project for the Homeless, include instructor-led education and skill-building classes focused on computer literacy, job counseling, financial literacy, and health and wellness. Additional services include a food pantry and social activities that encourage resident involvement, reduce isolation, and foster a strong sense of community. Harrington Heights reflects a community-focused approach to urban housing—combining affordability, accessibility, and supportive services to serve San Diego’s most at-risk populations. STATUS completed 2025 SIZE 202,837 SF CLIENT Chelsea Investment Corporation SERVICES | ROLE Design Architect | Architect of Record Harrington Heights Affordable Housing San Diego, CA

  • 6th & Palm

    under constructionSan Diego, CA BACK TO PROJECTS < PREVIOUS NEXT > HIGHLIGHTS 20 stories directly adjacent to historic Balboa Park 1.3 acres | 442,000 square feet 214 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and townhomes Incorporation of the historic, 5,200 SF Hazard House COLLABORATORS Interior Design: Jules Wilson Design Studio Landscape Architect: EPT Design Civil Engineer: Kettler Leweck Engineering Structural Engineer: Kor Structural Electrical Engineer: Salas O'Brien M/P Engineer: McParlane & Associates General Contractor: Greystar Construction PRESS Bankers Hill Adding Luxury Apartment Tower - San Diego Business Journal AWARDS Occupying a full city block along 6th Avenue overlooking San Diego’s historic Balboa Park, 6th & Palm is a 442,000 SF, 214-unit luxury residential tower that pairs contemporary architecture with historic preservation, pedestrian activation, and thoughtful neighborhood integration. Rising 20 stories above the Banker's Hill neighborhood, the tower’s exterior color palette of sea-inspired glass, champagne bronze mullions, and light-hued tile present a warm and contemporary counterpoint to the surrounding historic and mid-century context, and a fresh and complementary standout to other new residential developments in the area. At ground level, 6th & Palm creates a welcoming streetscape where interior amenity spaces, including the lobby, lounge, co-working areas, and fitness center, connect directly to the sidewalk through large expanses of glazing. The development provides enhanced landscaping, a free-standing retail pavilion, a second retail space, and five two-story live/work units with front entry porches along 5th Avenue, adding to the neighborhood’s vibrant and growing mixed-use energy. A meticulously preserved 1911 Italian Renaissance Revival residence is incorporated into an entry court off 6th Avenue. Designed to provide an elevated and exclusive sense of arrival, the structure offers supplemental amenity spaces for co-working, conferences, and celebrations, while serving as a meaningful historic reference point for the neighborhood. Residential units, walled with floor to ceiling aluminum and glass, provide sweeping views of Balboa Park to the east, the downtown San Diego skyline to the south, and San Diego Bay with the Pacific Ocean beyond to the west. The building is crowned with a spectacular rooftop amenity deck spanning the entire south side of the upper level, providing unparalleled panoramic vistas and a range of amenities including a plunge pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and dining areas, and a variety of lounges. Scheduled for a 2028 completion, 6th & Palm is a community-first development where history, design, and urban living converge. STATUS under construction SIZE 442,089 GSF CLIENT Greystar SERVICES | ROLE Design Architect | Architect of Record 6th & Palm San Diego, CA

  • The Lindley

    completed 2025San Diego, CA BACK TO PROJECTS < PREVIOUS NEXT > HIGHLIGHTS LEED® Gold Certified 37 stories 6-story podium 422 units COLLABORATORS Interior Design: STREETSENSE Landscape Architect: EPTDESIGN Civil Engineer: PDC Structural Engineer: Kor Structural Electrical Engineer: LPG Engineering, Inc. Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer: Robison Engineering General Contractor: Swinerton Builders PRESS Toll Brothers Apartment Living® Breaks Ground on The Lindley, New High-Rise in San Diego - Yahoo! Finance Developer Breaks Ground for 37-Story Apartment Tower on Edge of Little Italy - Times of San Diego Developer Breaks Ground on 285M Downtown Apartments with Extended Stay Rooms - San Diego Union Tribune AWARDS Best Architectural Design of a Multifamily - for Rent - BIA Icon Awards Gold Award: Best Amenities - Multi-Housing News 2025 Excellence Awards The Lindley is an 800,000 SF, LEED® Gold Certified, 37-story mixed-use development located at the boundary of San Diego's downtown and Little Italy neighborhoods. One of the largest buildings in the area, it features a combination of residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces. Notably, The Lindley includes 60 hotel rooms, setting it apart from other recent residential projects. Residential unit types range from studio, one-bedroom and one-bedroom plus den through two- and three-bedroom units, each equipped with its own private balcony. Lindley’s tower sits atop a 6-story podium comprised of double-height retail and lobby spaces at grade and parking wrapped within the podium levels above-grade, with an additional four stories of parking below. The podium is topped with a 17,000 SF terrace featuring a resort-style pool and spa, large lounge area, and catered landscape and hardscape areas throughout. Interior amenities merge high-end hospitality with a diverse residential program including separate hotel and residential lobbies, mail parlor and package room, leasing offices, co-working space, business room, conference room, game room, club lounge, club room, private reading rooms, spa parlor, sauna, massage rooms, and expansive interior and exterior fitness areas. The building design is inspired by a modern, urbanized architecture; sleek in profile, with polished materials including metal paneling and floor-to-ceiling glass storefront used to define the podium and tower structures. A tight pattern of vertical aluminum slats adorns the podium exterior, with up-lighting used throughout the exterior to better articulate the architectural detailing. Metal-framed overhangs outline the main entrances and corners of the podium and tower roof for visual prominence. STATUS completed 2025 SIZE 800,000 SF CLIENT Toll Brothers Apartment Living SERVICES | ROLE Design Architect | Architect of Record The Lindley San Diego, CA

  • Sophia Del Mar English

    Associate Sophia Del Mar English, Assoc. NOMA Associate with JWDA since 2016 Education: - M. Arch., New School of Architecture and Design - B.S in Zoology, University of California Santa Barbara BACK TO TEAM

  • Eduardo Franco

    Associate Eduardo Franco Associate with JWDA since 2015 Education: - B. Arch., NewSchool of Architecture & Design - AS Architecture/Architectural Drafting, Bakersfield College BACK TO TEAM

  • Alexan Camellia

    completed 2026San Diego, CA BACK TO PROJECTS < PREVIOUS NEXT > HIGHLIGHTS 531 market-rate and affordable units Detached, 676-stall above-grade parking structure COLLABORATORS Interior Design: Parisa O’Connell Interior Design Landscape Architect: EPTDesign Civil Engineer: Fuscoe Engineering Structural Engineer: VCA Structural Electrical Engineer: Candela Engineering Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer: FARD Engineers General Contractor: Trammell Crow Company PRESS San Diego announces plans for new housing, roads and parking in Convoy Asian Cultural District - KPBS New Vision for Convoy – Mayor, Local Leaders Celebrate New Housing, Signage in District - Times of San Diego AWARDS Alexan Camellia is a new 531-unit apartment and mixed-use development located in the Convoy Asian Cultural District (CACD) of San Diego, CA’s Kearny Mesa neighborhood. Providing market-rate and affordable housing, the project will transform the CACD — among the largest Pan-Asian business districts in the U.S. — by bringing much-needed housing and commercial uses to the locality. The overall master plan of Alexan Camellia’s 5-acre site resembles a campus community; with five and six-story apartment buildings, a detached 676-stall above-grade parking structure, recreational spaces with resort-style pools, built-in BBQ stations, fire pits, dining furniture, and lounge seating areas, all complemented and easily accessed by multiple walking paths and gardens. Interior amenities include numerous private offices, conference rooms, a work lounge, garden lounge, karaoke/theater room, clubroom, fitness rooms, and sky lounge connected to an outdoor roof terrace with picturesque views of the primary pool area and spa below. STATUS completed 2026 SIZE 700,708 SF CLIENT Trammell Crow Residential SERVICES | ROLE Design Architect | Architect of Record Alexan Camellia San Diego, CA

  • Atmosphere Affordable Housing

    completed 2017San Diego, CA BACK TO PROJECTS < PREVIOUS NEXT > HIGHLIGHTS LEED® Silver certified 12 stories 205 residential units COLLABORATORS Interior Design: JWDA, Inc. Landscape Architect: Garbini and Garbini Civil Engineer: Latitude 33 Structural Engineer: DCI Engineers M/E/P Engineer: Emerald City Engineers Design/Build Contractor: Suffolk Roel Construction PRESS AWARDS Merit Award - Engineering News Record Excellence in Energy Leadership Award - San Diego Gas & Electric Ruby Award | Project of the Year - San Diego Housing Federation Award of Merit - Gold Nugget Development of the Year - Our City San Diego Atmosphere Affordable Housing is a 31,000 SF, 12-story, 100% affordable apartment complex providing safe and supportive housing for a diverse downtown San Diego, CA population including homeless individuals, qualifying families, and young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. LEED® Silver Certified, the project contains 205 residential units, each with a private balcony. Common spaces include a community meeting room, computer room and several multi-purpose rooms. Outdoor passive recreational spaces are located at ground floor and 7th level, with a community garden on the 8th. Subterranean parking is included for a total of 186 vehicles, including six accessible stalls. STATUS completed 2017 SIZE 195,000 SF CLIENT Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation SERVICES | ROLE Design Architect | Interior Designer Atmosphere Affordable Housing San Diego, CA

  • Cathy Hadley

    BIM Manager Cathy Hadley, RA BIM Manager with JWDA since Education: - B. Arch., University of Oregon Registered Architect in: - State of California BACK TO TEAM

  • Chengdu Luhu Headquarters Park

    completed 2017Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China BACK TO PROJECTS < PREVIOUS NEXT > HIGHLIGHTS COLLABORATORS Interior Design: Shanghai JWDA Architects Co., Ltd. Landscape Architect: Famous Garden, USA PRESS AWARDS Best Office and Business Development - MIPIM Asia Credaward - Credaward.com Best International Commercial Development Project - PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Located at the core of the southern Chengdu suburb called the Luhu Eco-City, this site was originally farmland; but after undergoing substantial site work and irrigation the land was transformed into a finger lake dotted with small islands, all of which are connected via bridges and boats. One of the unique features of this site is that this eco-city is a wetland for migrating birds. The dynamic characteristic of the bird and its wings can be seen reflected in the ‘soaring’ aspirations as that of the client- Langjiu Group. The headquarters design incorporates the special qualities of the bird in its design. The Headquarters program includes an exhibition hall, restaurant, VIP chambers, chess and card chambers, wine and cigar bar, reading bar, swimming pool and boutiques. STATUS completed 2017 SIZE 410,000 SF CLIENT Chengdu Widehorizon Real Estate SERVICES | ROLE Design Architect | Interior Architect Chengdu Luhu Headquarters Park Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China

  • Columba Affordable Family Housing

    completed 2024Chula Vista, CA BACK TO PROJECTS < PREVIOUS NEXT > HIGHLIGHTS COLLABORATORS Landscape Architect: GMP Landscape Architecture Structural Engineering: DCI Engineers M/E/P Engineer: Gouvis Engineering General Contractor: Emmerson Construction, Inc. PRESS Latest Affordable Housing Project in Chula Vista’s Millenia Urban Village - Times of San Diego Groundbreaking for a $102 million project in Chula Vista - Chula Vista Today AWARDS Columba Affordable Family Housing is a 200-unit affordable apartment complex; the third such community by Chelsea in Millenia, a vibrant 210-acre urban village developed by Meridian Development for Stratford Land. The development features two residential buildings of four/five stories, and a two-story parking structure. One-to-three-bedroom apartment units range from 585 to 1,027 SF. In keeping with the modern aesthetic and overall design of Millenia, the stepped building facades create an attractive, varied roofline with streetscape elements contributing to the pedestrian-friendly community atmosphere. Exteriors featuring siding, stucco, metal panel and ceramic tile accents offer residents a warm, welcoming, and accessible living environment. Interior amenities include two community rooms, a computer lab/lounge, and laundry facilities. Outside, residents have access to two landscaped courtyards totaling more than 35,000 SF and featuring two tot lots, a bocce ball court, eight barbecues with shaded picnic areas, open grass areas, and a community garden. On-site services include adult education and skill-building classes such as computer literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL), art, job counseling, financial literacy, health, and wellness. An on-site after-school program during the school year for school age children offers tutoring, mentoring, arts and crafts and other educational enrichment activities. All services are on-site and free of charge to residents. STATUS completed 2024 SIZE 307,953 SF CLIENT Chelsea Investment Corporation SERVICES | ROLE Design Architect | Architect of Record Columba Affordable Family Housing Chula Vista, CA

  • Simone Little Italy

    completed 2023San Diego, CA BACK TO PROJECTS < PREVIOUS NEXT > HIGHLIGHTS LEED® Gold (BD+C) certified 36 stories 395 market-rate and affordable units COLLABORATORS Interior Design: Parisa O’Connell Interior Design Landscape Architect: EPTDesign Civil Engineer: Nasland Structural Engineer: KOR Structural Electrical Engineer: LPG Engineering Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer: Robison Engineering General Contractor: Swinerton Builders PRESS JWDA Wins National Award for Little Italy Apartment Tower - San Diego Business Journal Little Italy Tower Will Go to New Heights - San Diego Business Journal AWARDS Multifamily Community of the Year - BIA Icon Awards Best Multifamily Architectural Design - BIA Icon Awards Best Community Amenity Feature - BIA Icon Awards Multifamily Community of the Year - PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Best Multi-Family Housing Community / 200 DU/Acre or more - PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Best Interior Design: Multi-Family Community / Common Areas/Spaces - PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Best Residential Building Award - American Concrete Institute Simone is a 36-story, 612,579 SF mixed-use residential tower, and upon its 2023 completion, the tallest building in downtown San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. Simone’s polished figure enhances the city's expanding skyline while its program reaches new heights as a vibrant, sustainable, and connected community. LEED® Gold BD+C certified, Simone is designed to deliver eco-and-pet-friendly housing near existing and planned job centers. Added offerings include spectacular city and bay views, easy access to high quality transit, and a plethora of restaurant, retail, and gallery options mere moments away on foot. Perched atop a five-story podium, the 405’ tower presents contemporary elegance with exposed concrete, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and architectural projections and offsets augmenting its rectangular form. Simone’s 27,600 SF site is less than half of a typical city block, yet within its small footprint the tower contains 395 market rate and affordable studios, one, and two-bedroom apartments with five penthouses. More than 18,700 SF of indoor and outdoor amenity spaces include 16,600 SF of common outdoor decks equipped with living rooms, chef’s kitchen, and dining areas: a state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio. The tower is topped with a tiered, two-story sky lounge and pool deck with zero-edge pool and spa. Simone provides three levels of underground parking, and 4½ levels of parking in an above-grade podium, with the first level split between parking and a mixed-use residential lobby and leasing offices, a lux mailroom and package center, lounge spaces and co-working office spaces. The parking structure is concealed with cladding comprised of black metal panel and a combination of perforated and translucent screens, that when illuminated at night, creates a soft glow from inside the building along the streetscape. STATUS completed 2023 SIZE 612,579 SF CLIENT Trammell Crow Residential SERVICES | ROLE Design Architect | Architect of Record Simone Little Italy San Diego, CA

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