SAN DIEGO—The global integrated design firm DLR Group has unveiled its new San Diego studio, a purposefully designed space that not only reflects a post-pandemic, human-centric approach to workplace environments but also positions the studio for growth in justice and civic design, as well as cultural and performing arts. Located at 770 First Avenue, Suite 300, the studio serves as a dynamic hub for DLR Group’s ongoing work in K-12 and higher education, while laying the foundation for possible broader civic engagement and community-centered design.
Positioned in the heart of downtown, the new office embodies DLR Group’s commitment to creating environments that empower people—clients, communities, and employees alike. The clean, modern space is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and well-being, with flexible work zones and amenity-rich areas that support a growing team of 40 design professionals.
“The new San Diego studio is a welcoming place because employees have the freedom to choose how and where they work,” said Scott Moreland, AIA, LEED AP, San Diego Office Leader. “Whatever you need to do, you’ll have the tools and supportive environment to deliver design work for clients.”
DLR Group’s design approach recognizes that no two people work or think alike. The studio accommodates a wide spectrum of work styles and sensory needs through distinct spatial experiences. High-energy zones such as the hospitality-forward work café encourage informal interaction and team synergy, while quieter retreats—including a wellness room and focus rooms with diffuse lighting—offer restorative spaces for concentration and calm. The office also includes intimate nooks for one-on-one conversations, built-in banquettes with integrated power, and meeting rooms of various sizes to support ideation and problem-solving across disciplines.
Acoustic comfort is thoughtfully addressed through spray-applied insulation in open workstations, complemented by felt wall panels and sound-absorbing drapery in enclosed conference rooms. These elements ensure privacy and reduce distractions, reinforcing the studio’s emphasis on mental clarity and productivity.
Materiality plays a central role in shaping the atmosphere. Minimalist architecture, natural textures, and a warm-toned color palette create a calming, non-institutional feel. Wood fiber ceilings, plywood table edges, and cork pin-up walls add tactile richness and visual warmth, reinforcing the studio’s human-centered ethos.
Natural light floods the open studio, where focus and collaboration rooms line the perimeter, ensuring that frequently used work areas remain bright and inviting. The building’s angular central atrium defines a welcoming entry sequence and introduces intuitive wayfinding geometries. Biophilic elements, including indoor plantings, connect occupants to nature, while amenities such as a fitness room and covered outdoor spaces offer opportunities for movement, fresh air, and mental breaks throughout the day.
Technology and analog tools coexist seamlessly in the studio, supporting a hybrid design process. Communal writable surfaces, multi-angle conference cameras, and magnetic walls that integrate digital projection with hand sketching allow teams to visualize and iterate in real time. A dedicated maker space equipped with a 3D printer and CNC machine enables the creation of detailed, movable site models—ideal for participatory design sessions and community planning.
“Showcasing thoughtful attention to employee wellness, preferences, and participatory design processes, the new office provides a compelling counterpart to working from home and attracts prospective new hires,” Moreland added.
