Platt Whitelaw Architects

08/25/2026

In 2007, as part of a new, 30-acre park, Platt/Whitelaw worked closely for over a year with a community focus group to inform its design of a 10,000-sf community recreation building and 16,000-SF library for the North University City area. Completed through a design-build process, the building earned a LEED Silver certification for sustainable design and construction, it was named APWA Project of the Year, and it earned the ASCE Award of Merit.

08/05/2026

Do you know what Googie-style architecture is? It’s this!

We’re taking a trip back to 1962 when Robert Platt infused elements of car culture and the space age into his mid-century modernist design for San Diego’s North Clairemont Branch Library.

Reflecting the cultural trends of the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s, Googie style often featured bold, futuristic forms and a sense of movement. The style was named after Googie's Coffee Shop in Hollywood.

According to the City of San Diego, the North Clairemont Branch library is included in the self-guided driving tour of Clairemont provided by Save Our Heritage Organization, funded through the City of San Diego's Culture Affairs Department.

07/30/2026

School is almost in session, and we’re excited for the students at Baker Elementary School in San Diego’s Mountain View community to have a new building on campus!

Our design for the building incorporates some of the elements from the campus’ original 1960’s building and the standing seam metal roofing system from the 2000’s buildings to create a cohesive and intentional aesthetic. The new building is next to a park, provides a focal point for the surrounding neighborhood and features a back patio for staff.

Baker students will also return to an updated pickup/drop off area that avoids flood-prone areas and to a new, secure school entrance.

This work is part of a more comprehensive modernization program for the campus that also includes security and safety upgrades, photovoltaics and various interior and exterior improvements. We will continue working with the construction team at Soltek Pacific and San Diego Unified School District through full completion, slated for spring 2027. Thank you to all of our talented consultants! Nasland Engineering, SDSE, Bender Dean Engineering, Turpin & Rattan Engineering, Inc., KTUA Planning and Landscape Architecture, OCMI, Orness Design Group Inc., JensenHughes, Ninyo & Moore Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants. Thank you to Visual Asylum for color, interiors, graphics & signage.
Learn more about this inspirational project on our blog.

Photos by Pablo Mason Photography AIAP

07/23/2026

During the early decades of our firm, single- and multi-family residential design comprised a significant part of our practice.

We love this detailed rendering from Robert Platt, circa 1958. His vision for this residence captures his signature San Diego mid-century modernist style. Note the importance of natural materials and of blending indoor and outdoor elements. Think you could spend an afternoon here relaxing with a Rachel Carson book?

07/21/2026

What an incredible weekend at the 2026 San Diego Pride Parade! 🌈✨ We're so proud to have supported NewSchool of Architecture and Design and their amazing Pride float. Seeing the creativity, teamwork, and spirit of the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community come together was truly inspiring! Congratulations to everyone who helped make this celebration such a huge success. Thank you, NewSchool, for letting us be part of such a meaningful event!❤️ Happy Pride! San Diego Pride

07/15/2026

PWA utilizes the latest technology with LiDAR scanning, drones, and 3D modeling on projects like historical assessments to accurately capture all existing conditions. Getting a clear picture of what is built has helped this church project realize its most complete and accurate set of plans since construction over 100 years ago!

06/30/2026

Congratulations to Associate Yolanda Velazco and Principal Thomas Brothers for being recognized as Leaders of Influence in Engineering and Architecture 2026!

Thank you to the San Diego Business Journal for honoring these deserving leaders, and congrats to all the honorees. Subscribers can read the full article here:

https://www.sdbj.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SDBJ-Leaders-of-Influence-In-Engineering-Architecture-2026-Special-Report-The-List.pdf

06/16/2026

The new East Region Crisis Stabilization Unit just received LEED GOLD certification! Located in the heart of El Cajon, ERCSU is a care resource for those experiencing a behavioral health crisis. PWA designed this vital care center using a host of architecture-for-wellness strategies, but also for sustainability and for long lasting durability. Congratulations to all who worked to make this happen! Thank you to Bob Ruiter at the County of San Diego - Government, Balfour Beatty, Stok, Nasland, AARK, KTUA Planning and Landscape Architecture, Turpin & Rattan Engineering, Inc., Tanner Engineering and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Photos by Pablo Mason Photography AIAP.

06/11/2026

If you frequent Point Loma, you’re probably familiar with Voltaire Court. It’s a distinctive-looking mixed-use property adjacent to Point Loma High School. Our friend Steve Nasland flagged its property listing for us (by Marcus & Millichap’s The Totah Group) touting Voltaire Court’s notable design by one of San Diego’s “most celebrated architects,” Robert J. Platt, AIA, FAIA. Indeed, Robert helped define San Diego’s mid-century modern style in his time, making this property perfect for our 70th anniversary retrospective series.

And if you’re in the market for a period-defining work of architecture, talk to our new friends at the Totah Group. Special thank you to Ross Sanchez and Nick M. Totah for allowing us to showcase this amazing building.

06/10/2026

Architecture can do more than provide shelter—it can support healing, dignity and human connection.

In our latest blog, we explore the emerging concept of civic wellness care and how thoughtful design helps communities serve their most vulnerable residents through behavioral health facilities, substance-use treatment centers, homeless shelters, safe sleeping sites and community resource centers.

From creating therapeutic environments inspired by nature to designing spaces that balance safety, durability and compassion, mission-driven architecture can play a meaningful role in improving lives.

Read the full article: https://plattwhitelaw.com/designing-civic-wellness-care-spaces-for-dignity-safety-and-healing/



Renderings and Photography:
SURTS Renderings: Platt Whitelaw Architects
Oceanside Crisis Stabilization Unit: Bill Robinson Photography
Lemon Grove Live Well Center: Mike Torrey Photography
Crash House: Platt Whitelaw Architects
East Region Crisis Stabilization Unit: Pablo Mason Photography AIAP
Mid-City Juvenile Crisis Center: Bill Robinson Photography

Learn how thoughtful civic wellness care design supports dignity, safety and healing in behavioral health, housing and community service facilities.