# Andre Architecture — Full Site Content > Andre Architecture is a full-service architecture and interior design firm based in New York City. Andre Architecture (legal name Andre Architecture, D.P.C.) is a full-service architecture and interior design firm in New York City, led by founder and architect Andre Gomez. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com · Generated for language models. Each section below is the clean markdown of one page. --- # Andre Architecture | New York Architecture and Interior Design Firm > Andre Architecture is a full-service architecture and interior design firm based in New York City. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com Design is a tool. What can we do for you? ## Featured projects - Gropius Facility (Lincoln, Massachusetts — Adaptive-reuse & addition) ([/projects/historic-new-england](/projects/historic-new-england)) - Ocean Parkway (New York, NY — New, multi-family) ([/projects/ocean-parkway](/projects/ocean-parkway)) - Earth House (Highlands, NC — New, single-family) ([/projects/earth-house](/projects/earth-house)) - Broadway Loft (New York, NY — Apartment renovation) ([/projects/broadway-loft](/projects/broadway-loft)) - Beehive House (Accord, NY — New, single-family) ([/projects/beehive-house](/projects/beehive-house)) - Son Del North (New York, NY — Retail-restaurant) ([/projects/son-del-north](/projects/son-del-north)) - Parquet Wall (Barcelona, Spain — Retrofit facade work) ([/projects/parquet-wall](/projects/parquet-wall)) - Fillmore Place (Brooklyn, NY — Adaptive reuse) ([/projects/fillmore-place](/projects/fillmore-place)) - Live-Learn (San Diego, CA — New, higher education) ([/projects/live-learn](/projects/live-learn)) - Breckenridge (Breckenridge, CO — Home renovation) ([/projects/colorado-house](/projects/colorado-house)) - Fooji, Inc. (New York, NY, and Los Angeles, CA — Business-retail) ([/projects/fooji-inc](/projects/fooji-inc)) - Project Mod (Joshua Tree, CA — Research & development) ([/projects/project-mod](/projects/project-mod)) - Chinquapin (New, single-family) ([/projects/chinquapin](/projects/chinquapin)) - Pacific Ridge (San Diego, CA — New, K-12 facility) ([/projects/pacific-ridge-school](/projects/pacific-ridge-school)) - Ohio House (Westlake, OH — New, single-family) ([/projects/ohio-house](/projects/ohio-house)) - Fly Ranch (Gerlach, NV — Infrastructure art) ([/projects/fly-ranch](/projects/fly-ranch)) --- # Andre Architecture | New York Architecture and Interior Design Firm Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/office · Updated: 2026-05-19 Office 1/1 Why Us— Beyond convention, Andre Architecture leads projects across roles in design, construction management, and real estate development. Our work pairs systematic thinking with technical fluency and decades of field experience to carry bold ideas through feasibility and execution. Based in New York City, our office is led by founder and architect Andre Gomez. Since 2019, environmental stewardship and design innovation remain the guiding principles of our work. Based in New York City, our office is led by architect [Andre Gomez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-gomez-andre-architecture/). The practice has completed projects across the United States, including private residences, multi-family housing, historic adaptive-reuse, commercial interiors, and planning-driven work. Analysis Every project begins with careful observation. We work closely with clients and consultants to understand the unique constraints and opportunities that shape design, cost, and timeline. This enables informed decisions from the outset. Program Communication provides a framework for design and roadmap for project success. Together with the client, project goals are discussed and defined. This alignment establishes scope and priorities early, allowing projects to move forward with focus and efficiency. Research We apply systematic strategies, material science, and emerging construction technologies to inform how a project can meet its intended goals and purpose. Design decisions are grounded in real-world knowledge, ensuring ideas are both innovative and feasible to execute. Mapping Design decisions are continuously tested against project goals. We evaluate how materials, systems, and details perform across scale, cost, and long-term use. This ensures that the project performs as intended in real-world conditions. Integration Integration organizes space, materials, and technical building systems into a cohesive design. We coordinate across disciplines early to align design intent with execution, resulting in projects that perform as seamlessly as they appear. Designer We design buildings and interiors across a range of typologies, including residential and commercial projects, as well as adaptive reuse, urban planning, and land development. Design is not an isolated event, but part of a larger process that incorporates feasibility and implementation. Consultant As consultants, we help define project criteria, influencing factors, and projected results. We analyze and assess, guiding clients through complex decisions so they can move forward with confidence and a clear understanding of constraints and opportunities. Coordinator Coordination amongst engineers, contractors, agencies, and stakeholders unites the project around a shared and legible vision. By managing information flow and resolving conflicts early, we maintain the integrity of the design through every phase of the project. Manager Facilitating construction and preconstruction ensures design intent carries through to execution. Our role as Construction Manager handles budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and subcontractor logistics to maintain project goals. Approach Analysis Every project begins with careful observation. We work closely with clients and consultants to understand the unique constraints and opportunities that shape design, cost, and timeline. This enables informed decisions from the outset. Approach Programming Communication provides a framework for design and roadmap for project success. Together with the client, project goals are discussed and defined. This alignment establishes scope and priorities early, allowing projects to move forward with focus and efficiency. Approach Research We apply systematic strategies, material science, and emerging construction technologies to inform how a project can meet its intended goals and purpose. Design decisions are grounded in real-world knowledge, ensuring ideas are both innovative and feasible to execute. Approach Mapping Design decisions are continuously tested against project goals. We evaluate how materials, systems, and details perform across scale, cost, and long-term use. This ensures that the project performs as intended in real-world conditions. Approach Integration Integration organizes space, materials, and technical building systems into a cohesive design. We coordinate across disciplines early to align design intent with execution, resulting in projects that perform as seamlessly as they appear. Roles Designer We design buildings and interiors across a range of typologies, including residential and commercial projects, as well as adaptive reuse, urban planning, and land development. Design is not an isolated event, but part of a larger process that incorporates feasibility and implementation. Roles Consultant As consultants, we help define project criteria, influencing factors, and projected results. We analyze and assess, guiding clients through complex decisions so they can move forward with confidence and a clear understanding of constraints and opportunities. Roles Coordinator Coordination amongst engineers, contractors, agencies, and stakeholders unites the project around a shared and legible vision. By managing information flow and resolving conflicts early, we maintain the integrity of the design through every phase of the project. Roles Manager Facilitating construction and preconstruction ensures design intent carries through to execution. Our role as Construction Manager handles budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and subcontractor logistics to maintain project goals. --- # Frequently Asked Questions > Common questions about working with Andre Architecture. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/faqs ### Will your firm be involved in the project from start to finish? It's really up to the client. But typically, the best approach is for us to be involved throughout the entire process, including construction. Our comprehensive involvement ensures that your vision is realized precisely and we can advocate for the best interest of the client and project from start to finish. ### How are you able to work nationally? We hold licenses to practice architecture in New York, New Jersey, California, Ohio, and Colorado. And with our National Council (NCARB) registration, we can easily apply for license reciprocity in most other states. We have experience managing remote projects with local consultants, virtual communication, and/or on-site staffing. The needs of each project are unique and we tailor accordingly. ### What does client collaboration look like at Andre Architecture? Collaboration is not only essential for a successful outcome, but also for good design. We engage in an iterative design approach: maintaining excellent communication and incorporating feedback to inform the design process and general project management style and approach. We prioritize transparency, ensuring clients are empowered to make informed decisions at every phase. ### What is your approach to adaptive reuse or historic preservation? Most existing buildings hold tremendous value and potential when utilized properly. Our approach to adaptive reuse emphasizes the preservation of historic elements while introducing contemporary interventions to enhance functionality while respecting the building's original character. We apply methodic coordination and planning measures to integrate an old structure with current technology. ### Is your company minority-owned? Yes. Andre Architecture is a minority-owned and certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) by New York State. We are committed to promoting inclusivity within the industry by collaborating with minority clients, team members, and women and minority-owned product and service vendors. ### How do you incorporate sustainability into your work? Sustainability is inherent to our practice. We encompass the most current energy-efficiency standards with important environmental design principles. Foremost, our designs are carefully calibrated with the natural site elements: climate, sun, and wind. We apply long-term thinking to material selection and detailing to consider how a building is maintained, repurposed, and decommissioned. By prioritizing design excellence, we prioritize our future. --- # Live Learn > The North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood (NTPLLN) is an 11-acre interdisciplinary environment blending academic, residential, commercial, and cultural programming. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/live-learn · Updated: 2026-06-04 The Live-Learn Neighborhood is a new 11-acre interdisciplinary campus blending academic, residential, commercial, and cultural programming. At 1.6M SF, it is the most ambitious in UC San Diego’s architecturally acclaimed history. The project fulfills the school’s pioneering vision for a vibrant, transformative hub to accommodate essential housing needs and mixed-use programs. While a senior associate at Safdie Rabines Architects, Andre Gomez — principal at Andre Architecture — was instrumental in the design-build competition award and subsequent execution of the 200,000 SF Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities building. **Client** | University of California, San Diego **City** | La Jolla, California **Geography** | North Torrey Pines, Southern California **Engaged** | November 2016 — July 2019 **Current Phase** | Completed **Type** | Higher Education, Arts Center, Theaters & Classrooms, Student Housing, Retail **Method** | New Construction, Design-Build **Role** | Associate Project Manager **Architect-of-Record** | Safdie Rabines Architects **Services** | Architectural Design, Coordination, Permitting, Construction Support **Features** | LEED Platinum. Arts Center. Mixed-Modal Transportation.  **Size** | $1.6M square feet, 1200 parking spaces **Land** | 10 acres **Cost** | $627M, 2019 full wide center small wide The design impact is seismic, as the new Sixth College campus is now a critical component of the larger community, including the city of La Jolla. 2,048 below-market-rate student beds have helped alleviate the local housing crisis and open opportunities for low-income students. Select programs are open to the public including the new arts and crafts, multiple dining retail options, and large theaters for movies and lectures. right xsmall fivebyfour center small fivebyfour center full wide As part of the build-out, a new multi-modal transportation network was implemented to bring bike paths, sidewalks, and bus routes through the new campus. A 1600-car, below-grade parking structure was added. center medium fivebyfour The Social Sciences, Art & Humanities building is applauded for its dynamic design — it serves as the gateway to the Live-Learn Neighborhood. Two, low-rise towers of 10 and 11 stories, interconnect on select floors forming a common nexus for a cross-mingling of the two departments. The outdoor atrium created by the bridge serves as the portal to the Sixth College. Grand lobbies and outdoor-indoor classrooms are intermixed with retail across the ground floor, to activate the surrounding campus on every edge and corner. center small tall center full wide center Ample and exemplary indoor-outdoor spaces were incorporated into the building design. They feature well-integrated landscaping along with useful lighting and furniture amenities to facilitate outdoor learning and socializing amongst different departments. small tall center small wide center square small wide The LEED Platinum complex has been signficantly awarded and published — now serving as a model for major capital projects in academia. center full wide center --- # Fillmore Place > This 1899 carriage house is being repurposed as a new luxury, single-family townhouse. What was a modest accessory building, is now noteworthy for its classical brickwork and unique use of steel in a small building. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/harlem-hotel · Updated: 2026-07-15 Good Hotels is creating affordable short‑term stays for travelers and residents in transition by transforming a historic 1880’s brownstone in Central Harlem into a 14‑micro‑unit hotel. Designed and coordinated for density, this adaptive reuse project uses its 1929 Class B Multiple Dwelling designation, grandfathered into current zoning, to unlock small‑scale density in an otherwise tightly constrained landmark district. The design respects preservation regulations by leaving the front façade untouched while adding a two‑story rear‑yard extension for bathrooms and a 15‑foot lightwell to bring daylight into depths of the converted cellar, now a space for shared common amenities, dramatically increasing the amount of usable interior space. The result is a replicable and compact spatial framework that sensitively engages with the existing fabric of the city to challenge the standard low-density use of townhomes for accessible urban living. **Client** | Good Hotels **Location** | 134 W130th Street New York, New York 10027 **Region** | New York, New York **Engaged** | November 2024 – Current **Current Phase** | In Construction **Type** | Hotel, Adaptive reuse **Role** | Architect. Interior Designer. Construction Administrator. **Services** | Architectural Design. Lighting Design. Interior Design. Procurement. Landmark Review & Public Process. Construction Administration. **Features** | 14 units. **Size** | **Land** | **Cost** | large wide center medium wide right large square AXON 1 right --- # Historic New England Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/historic-new-england · Updated: 2026-06-04 Designed for the Historic New England, the Gropius house facility expansion project positions the garage of this landmark Bauhaus residence as the primary gateway to its historic grounds. Through restoration, restrained interventions, and the addition of new program, the proposal shapes a clear sequence of arrival, orientation, and movement through the site. **Client** | Historic New England **Address** | 68 Baker Bridge Rd, Lincoln, MA 0177 **Region** | Metro Boston **Geography **| Walden Pond State Reservation **Engaged** | December 2025 – February 2026 **Type** | Adaptive-reuse & expansion, National Historic Landmark **Delivery **| Design competition **Program **| Reception, visitor center and bathroom addition **Services** | Architectural design, landscape design, facade restoration **Features** | Research-driven work w/ Jonathan Posnett, Oracol Design **Size** | 900 square feet **Land** | 5.51 acres xsmall wide The garage is the first structure encountered upon arrival at the Gropius House, providing a clear point of orientation and a direct visual connection to the landmark residence. Over time, however, it has been altered, evolving into its current role as a museum support space that houses administration, visitor information, and a small portable restroom. left small wide center Guided by Gropius’s original intent, our proposal restores the garage as a raw expression of space and structural utility, reinstating its role as a historically grounded point of welcome and flexible use. small wide Through adaptive-reuse and expansion, we honors the garage’s historical significance while expanding its contemporary function through an attached structure The new addition repeats the footprint of the garage and rotates away to hide itself from key sightlines to maintain the site’s original quality. center xsmall tall right medium wide center large wide center medium wide center wide Intentional view points and a shared visual language of exposed lightweight metal structure and material articulation echo the Gropius house and the broader Bauhaus legacy. The site, conveying a sense of renewed respect and orientation, will educate and serve visitors for decades to come. medium left medium wide center --- # Broadway Loft > Space and light were the guiding principles in designing the Broadway loft, ultimately leading to a minimal intervention of contemporary architecture set within a historic, industrial loft. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/broadway-loft · New York, NY · Updated: 2026-05-12 Space and light were the guiding principles in designing the Broadway loft, ultimately leading to a minimal intervention of contemporary architecture set within a historic, industrial loft. The plan and open space was organized around the existing bays of concrete beams and columns. Only the minimal amount of walls necessary were added to preserve the authenticity of the loft. **Client** | Private Homeowner **Location** | New York, New York **Region** | Manhattan, NoHo Historic District **Engaged** | March 2022 — August 2023 **Current Phase** | Complete **Type** | Apartment Renovation **Role** | Designer. Coordinator. Architect. **Services** | Architectural Design. Lighting Design. **Features** | Poggenpohl Kitchen. Power Upgrade and A/B Transfer Switch. Energy Efficient Windows. **Size** | 1000 SF **Cost** | $250k, 2022 large fivebyfour right small tall center large wide In keeping with practice of conservation, we decided to expose the electrical conduit and piping so as not to disturb the historic plaster and concrete work. This idea would expand to become aesthetic — thoughtful lines and curves to accentuate the space, and in partial reference to classical and pre-modern stylistic trends. center large wide center square small tall center large wide center full wide center --- # Project Mod Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/project-mod · Updated: 2026-05-20 Project MOD is as a self-development project by Andre Architecture, co-developed with the owner of Norwalk Concrete Industries, a well-established precast concrete company. NCI has fabricated rapidly deployable precast concrete shelters for years, but their product was largely limited to utilitarian use. In collaboration with NCI, we designed a new, modular housing type that could be quickly deployed as a more modern and marketable residence comparable to the cost of wood. **Client** | Self-development **Site |** Joshua Tree, US **Engaged** | March 2016 – June 2019 **Current Phase** | Archived **Type** | Research & development, Housing **Role** | Co-developer, Designer, Architect **Services** | Site Selection, Design, Engineering, Permitting, Financial Pro Forma **Features** | 24-part Assembly, Prefabrication **Size | **1000 Square Foot **Cost |** $175,000 for Installed Shell, in 2019 small wide The notion of a kit of parts was conceived with interchangeable roof, wall, and floor elements to create a variety of large-span, single-story structures. left medium wide A 24-part model, with a 26’ span, was engineered for a desert site in Joshua Tree, California. The project was fully designed, engineered, permitted, and bid by a local fabricator. center full wide The panels are designed to expose the concrete finish inside and out, made possible by using a core-insulated core. This finish has life-cycle cost savings in maintenance and durability, especially for harsh climates. center large wide center Additional structures were designed and permitted as part of the 5-acre development; this includes a standalone garage, guest house, and basic site amenities. medium center large wide right Years later, this research was applied to a suburban housing scenario. A different, two-story module was developed to fit on the back of a standard tractor trailer; additional offsite and prefinishing work is now possible. medium center wide medium right large wide center full wide center --- # Fillmore Place > This 1899 carriage house is being repurposed as a new luxury, single-family townhouse. What was a modest accessory building, is now noteworthy for its classical brickwork and unique use of steel in a small building. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/fillmore-place · Updated: 2026-05-03 Fillmore Place transforms a 19th-century carriage house into a signature home. Utilizing its historic brickwork and raw industrial character as a framework for modern adaptation, the design earned Landmarks Preservation Commission approval in 2022 and was lauded by Brooklyn Community Board No. 1 as an exemplary “jewel box” for historic intervention. **Client** | Private Homeowner **Location** | Brooklyn, New York **Region** | Williamsburg, Fillmore Place Historic District **Engaged** | October 2021 – Current **Current Phase** | In Construction **Type** | Adaptive Reuse, Warehouse-to-Residential Conversion **Role** | Designer. Coordinator. Architect. **Services** | Architectural Design. Facade Restoration. Landmark Review & Public Process. Lighting Design. Interior Design. **Features** | Smart Home Technology. Radiant Floor Heating. Rooftop Spa. **Size** | 1913 square feet **Land** | 800 square feet **Cost** | undisclosed large wide Through careful design and analysis of code, a vertical expansion was added to expand the size of the residence while also concealing concealing high-efficency HVAC and solar equipment. The additional also brings daylight down into the lower floors through an internal, 3-story atrium. center wide small square A 3-story chandelier was added to celebrate the atrium. center The stairway is a defining feature of the house, it's experience facilitates an understanding of the atrium and rooftop expansion. xsmall square The atrium provides interior daylight for the bedrooms too. right large wide center --- # Earth House > Georgia House is a reflection of our shared admiration for mid-century modern design, as is evident in the form of a low, single-story volume and thoughtful arrangement of solid and void. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/earth-house · Updated: 2026-05-03 Designed for permanence, this all-concrete home is embedded into the natural slope, using the earth as a thermal buffer while reinforcing its core against high-severity storms. Structure and landscape operate in symbiosis. Aquascapes and horticultural systems extend across the site, integrating amenities and engulfing the house itself with a green roof system. **Client** | Private Homeowner **City** | Highlands, North Carolina **Geography** | Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest **Engaged** | May 2021 – Current **Current Phase** | Preconstruction **Type** | Residence & Light Agrotourism **Method** | New Construction **Role** | Designer. Coordinator. Construction Manager **Services** | Architectural Design. Land Use Masterplanning. Horticulture Design. Structural Engineering. Cost Estimating. Subcontractor Management **Features** | Environmental Passive Design. Climate Disaster Resiliency. Earth Berm. On-Site Renewable Systems. Greenhouse. Natural Swimming Pool **Size** | 2500 square feet **Land** | 4.12 acres **Cost** | $1.35M, 2019 The concept of a concrete house emerged from climate and site data. Its mass acts as a thermal buffer, absorbing and releasing heat to extend the ambient comfort range during peak summer, reducing reliance on air conditioning. full wide center wide Three agents define the site strategy: humans, agriculture, and ecosystem. A horticultural designer was engaged, and a natural aquatic system was specified to support the site’s regenerative framework. medium left small tall right small fivebyfour center small wide The unconventional structure was tested prior to design development, evaluating both precast concrete systems and conventional cast-in-place construction for cost feasibility. right A lofted solarium introduces daylight into the portion of the home set largely below grade. Designed as a year-round space for food cultivation, its direct connection to the kitchen embodies a whole-life regenerative approach to design. full wide center large wide center medium wide right --- # SD Gardens Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/high-gardens · Updated: 2025-02-12 This whole-house renovation saw a 1999 mountain house undergo structural changes to improve the functional layout with a complete reconfiguration of the main kitchen, foyer, and primary bathroom. Windows and doors would be moved and replaced to facilitate the new plan, also highlighting a view outside where a pair of wild foxes live. **Client** Pacific Ridge School **Location** Carlsbad, CA

Services Programming, design, CDs, permitting, and construction support
 **Geography** Williamsburg, Fillmore Place Historic District

Land size 3.6 acres
 **Build size **40,000 square feet, 238 parking spaces

Engaged December 2012 – March 2015
 **Status** Complete
 **Type** K-12 education facility **Method** New construction
 **Program** 2 bedroom, 3 bath, 3-story light atrium, new additional story and roof terrace
 **Other** Competition, conditional-use permit, and site coordination **Features** Phased construction, parking and amphitheater large wide center The design incorporates charred wood cladding, blending seamlessly with the forest’s deep hues while providing exceptional thermal and weather performance. Dark, angular volumes rest atop a stone-clad base, offering durability and grounding the structure within its rugged environment. A raised foundation minimizes site disturbance and creates functional lower-level living spaces. medium right --- # Breckenridge > This whole-house renovation saw a 1999 mountain house undergo structural changes to improve the functional layout with a complete reconfiguration of the main kitchen Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/colorado-house · Updated: 2025-04-02 This 1999 mountain house comprised a whole-house renovation. The priority was to improve the functional layout of the kitchen, foyer, and primary bathroom. The client requested something sleek and contemporary that would utilize and showcase natural materials. Windows and doors were moved and replaced to facilitate the new plan, also highlighting a view outside where a pair of wild foxes live. **Client** private homeowner **Address** 843 Range Rd **City** Breckenridge, CO **Geography** Rocky Mountains’ Tenmile Range **Engaged** November 2022 – May 2024 **Phase** complete **Type** home renovation **Program** kitchen, foyer, primary suite and bathroom **Services** design, visualization, CDs, bidding, permitting, and construction support **Other** lighting design, interior design, and material procurement **Size** 2900 square feet **Land** 1 acre **Cost** $325k medium fivebyfour right Warm colors compliment the breathtaking scenery of the high-alpine landscape of Breckenridge. Natural wood, stone, bronze, and a handmade copper backsplash accentuate a warm and cozy interior against a snowy backdrop. medium right medium right full wide center medium square right large wide center medium wide center small tall center small tall center large wide center --- # Fly Ranch Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/fly-ranch · Updated: 2025-04-02 Our award-winning visioning and masterplan concept proposed a collection of pavilions to support the Burning Man Organization’s new permanent community of model sustainability. The pavilions and site planning measures are designed as an impetus for smart growth and community empowerment by providing a flexible framework of power, water, and shelter. **Client** Burning Man Organization **City** Gerlach, Nevada **Geography** Hualapai Flat Desert Valley **Engaged** March 2020 – January 2021 **Status** in consideration **Type** infrastructure art **Method** community-building **Program** on-site renewable power, water, shelter, and art **Additional** recreation and research space **Credentials** shortlist publication award **Services** design and masterplanning **Other** competition **Size** 21x21 modules **Land** 3800 acres total, 185 acres in development **Cost** $35k per module medium wide center The pavilions are placed methodically across the landscape, facing up towards the sky. They serve as collection points for natural resources and can also host people beneath the canopy. Each collector has the capacity to produce 12.7 megawatt-hours of annual solar energy and harvest 20,0000 liters of rainwater a year. The 21x21x21 structural post and beam frame is made of charred timber — a carbon neutral material that can endure over a century of useful life and easily biodegrade. medium right large wide center Each collector can host a hatched roof dome positioned in the center of the frame; it is made of wood and local sedge grass. The covered area can be used for a variety of activities including recreation, research, or short-term shelter. The collectors can be outfitted or altered to expand their use. Transparent walls can be added to facilitate indoor agriculture using passive climate control technology similar to that of a greenhouse. medium right large square Our concept was awarded to move forward for further research and study amongst 185 applicants. The results were published by the Land Art Generator Institute. right --- # Parquet Wall > The parquet modular system is an innovation in building facade material products. Particularly designed for retrofit of blank walls, the use of individually insulated and thermally-modified wooden block units ensure increased performance with ultimate serviceability. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/parquet-wall · Updated: 2025-03-25 The parquet modular system is an innovation in building facade material products. Particularly designed for retrofit of blank walls, the use of individually insulated and thermally-modified wooden block units ensure increased performance with ultimate serviceability. **Client** open competition for Barcelona City Council **Location** Jardins De Caterina Albert, Barcelona, Spain **Engaged** July 2024 – November 2024 **Phase** concept design **Type** web retrofit facade work **Program** high-performance energy design **Size** 5,167 square feet of wall **Land** not applicable **Cost** $300k small square The adaptive system presents each 25x25 (cm) unit attached to a 4x4 lightweight metal frame to create a 1 square meter system for implementation of new balconies, windows, screening elements, planters, small habitat housing (i.e. birds and bees), and/or ventilation louvers. The easy to understand and interchangeable nature of the product promotes customization and future retrofit options according to preference. center small square center small tall center xsmall wide left medium fivebyfour center --- # Ocean Parkway > Elegran and Andre Architecture presents a 17-unit multi-family development along the Nationally-Historic Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn, New York. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/ocean-parkway · Updated: 2025-03-25 Elegran and Andre Architecture presents a 17-unit multi-family development along the Nationally-Historic Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn, New York. A 34x130 corner lot along a quadruple-lane boulevard has created conditions for extra-wide vistas and high visibility. This was a rare opportunity to be an architectural landmark along a major thoroughfare and a positive urban interface for a neighborhood of multitudes. **Client** Forbes Global Properties **Engaged** July 2024 – September 2024 **Phase** concept study and zoning analysis **Type** new, multi-family residential **Method** new construction **Program** 17 residential units **Size** 17,680 square feet **Land** 34x130 **Cost** $3.8M for sale listing small square right full wide The site was high-yield (FAR), but small in size. The challenge was to maximize the yield potential while maintaining a friendly neighborhood scale. This six-story building was articulated into different sections to exemplify the different unit types within the buildings. The ground floor, two-story lofts activate the right-of-way with separate entrances — paired with warm brick, it is reminiscent of row housing. center small square center The indoor garden rooms replace the typical balcony. Residents can enjoy a more weather-temperate outdoor room, fully enclosed with operable doors for year-round use and climate control. medium right medium wide center --- # Ohio House > The Ohio House is a confluence of ideas – contemporary design meets traditional value in a modest, suburban neighborhood. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/ohio-house · Updated: 2025-03-24 The Ohio House is a confluence of ideas – contemporary design meets traditional value in a modest, suburban neighborhood. The site was the original childhood home of our client, who would now live there again in retirement. And so the goal was to design something simple, affordable, and low-maintenance. **Client** private homeowner **City** Westlake, Ohio **Geography** Northeast Ohio **Engaged** August 2020 – April 2021 **Status** completed **Type** new, single-family **Method** new construction **Program** 3 bedrooms, 3 baths **Services** design, visualization, CDs, bidding, and permitting **Other** mechanical & lighting design, site improvements for stormwater management **Size** 3120 square feet **Land** .22 acres **Cost** 450k medium wide The plan is designed as a rectangle with no inside corners to eliminate the opportunity for snow and debris to accumulate. A simple shed roof in standing seam metal would compliment the shape with minimal detailing — providing performance and impression while offering the lowest possible maintenance. center large wide center wide We believed strongly in the idea that the natural setting (primarily green) would carry the most effort to make this house beautiful, we only needed to keep the architecture simple and in high-contrast white. Ultimately, the essence of the home would be defined by a graciously sized porch – the hallmark of a friendly invitation. medium right large wide center full wide center xsmall tall right small fivebyfour center xsmall tall center full wide center --- # Chinquapin Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/chinquapin · Updated: 2025-03-23 Designed for a mid-century modern enthusiast as a weekend getaway, the Chinquapin house is intentionally modest, unique, and low-impact. The house is situated in such a way to minimize impact, preserving the natural and wild look, while also mitigating excessive cost. Inspired by the Great Smokey Mountains, the architecture is adorned with a congruent blend of natural materials and color. **Client** private homeowner **Address** Trail Head Road **City** Cashier, North Carolina **Geography** Appalachian Mountain Range **Engaged** October 2019 – May 2020 **Phase** archived **Type** single-family residence **Method** new construction **Program** 3 bedroom, 3 bath, sunroom, and sunken living room **Additional** wrap-around exterior deck **Services** design, CDs, and bidding **Other** architectural review board approvals **Size** 2100 square feet **Land** 2.17 acres **Cost** $1.1M full wide center large wide center medium wide center medium wide center full wide center medium wide center --- # Fooji, Inc. > Fooji inc. made their national debut with new storefront openings in New York and Los Angeles. Both these municipalities are noted for their complexity Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/fooji-inc · Updated: 2025-03-09 Fooji inc. made their national debut with new storefront openings in New York and Los Angeles. Both these municipalities are noted for their complexity, but with our experience in both markets, we orchestrated this effort with a well-coordinated team to lead a quick timeline for design, approvals and early occupancy. **Client** Fooji, Inc **Address** 8371 Melrose Ave and 42 Grand Street **City** Los Angeles and New York **Geography** West Hollywood and SOHO **Engaged** January 2023 – September 2023 **Phase** complete **Type** business-retail **Program** events showroom and storage facility **Services** design, CDs, bidding, permitting, and construction support **Other** project management **Size** 2827 square feet and 1470 square feet **Land** tenant improvement **Cost** $750k medium wide center small tall center Both tenant improvement projects were designed around Fooji’s unique operational needs: part showroom and part distribution. Besides requiring a quick and efficient schedule, the goal of the build-out was to facilitate high-volume occupancy during public and promotional partnership events. medium center medium wide left large wide center wide The design team made a concerted effort to coordinate security, egress, lighting, and accessibility along with the integration of specialty products including audio-visual monitors, signage, storage racks, high-traffic doors, and a pass-thru window. medium right small wide center --- # Pacific Ridge School > This early education facility included an initial interview and masterplanning effort followed by subsequent execution of two 20,000 SF facilities Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/pacific-ridge-school · Updated: 2025-03-09 This early education facility included an initial interview and masterplanning effort followed by subsequent execution of two 20,000 SF facilities – the Visual and Performing Arts Building and Middle School with associated site amenities and parking design. Andre Gomez was pivotal in the overall design and planning efforts along with his former company, gkkworks, who served as executive architect. **Client** Pacific Ridge School **Location** Carlsbad, CA

Services Programming, design, CDs, permitting, and construction support
 **Geography** Williamsburg, Fillmore Place Historic District

Land size 3.6 acres
 **Build size **40,000 square feet, 238 parking spaces

Engaged December 2012 – March 2015
 **Status** Complete
 **Type** K-12 education facility **Method** New construction
 **Program** 2 bedroom, 3 bath, 3-story light atrium, new additional story and roof terrace
 **Other** Competition, conditional-use permit, and site coordination **Features** Phased construction, parking and amphitheater wide Through the development of sketching and modeling, a concept of pavilions on the green would take shape, with a few high-volume rooms presenting themselves as key focal points in the campus: the centerpiece being the community hall – a grand indoor-outdoor room at the center of the campus. This would front a new amphitheater and great lawn area to create the heart of the campus. medium right medium wide right large wide center small wide center These state-of-the-art facilities include the greatest technology for classroom learning and building systems efficiency. In turn, the interior architecture is developed to convey a system at work, with technical elements openly displayed and showcased. This effort would require multi-discipline planning and advanced coordination through the use of a Building Information Model. Some features include advanced audio-visual technology, localized VRF mechanical systems, exceptional acoustic design, and high-efficacy lighting. medium center medium square center small wide center large wide center full wide center --- # Beehive House > Inspired by mid-century modern masterpieces, this design invokes simplicity in nature with light, air, and openness prioritized for the house to relate and co-exist with its natural surroundings. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/beehive-house · Updated: 2025-03-16 Perched atop a forest sits Honeycomb, one of four custom-designed homes to be built at Beehive, a secluded development enclave in the Catskills. The philosophy of the team was to design a home that would connect to the outdoors and provide meaningful engagement with nature in all seasons. This approach, paired with high-performance envelope design and construction detailing, results in a state-of-the-art home that embodies sustainability and integration with nature. **Client** Fresh Air Land Co. **Address** 78 Beehive Road **City** Accord, NY **Geography** Catskills Mountains **Engaged** April 2024 – current **Phase** ongoing, in design development **Type** new, single-family home **Features** high-performance envelope **Program** 4 bedroom, 4 bath **Services** design and visualization  **Size** 3069 square feet **Land** 5.56 acres **Cost** $2.3M for sale listing small wide right xsmall fivebyfour We found purpose — not in the building, but in the site itself — by placing a low-profile house along the western edge bluff to create a single yard with open space. This new hillside clearing, in conjunction with the architecture, would serve as both the point of arrival and destination, a condition made possible by the seclusion offered by a forest site. right large wide center large wide center full wide Inspired by mid-century modern masterpieces, the architecture is defined by its distinctive flat roof, reaching out towards the landscape to visually emphasize the ground plane. A continuous ribbon of clerestory glass rests directly below the roofline, simultaneously expanding views out and bringing daylight within. left small tall center medium wide center medium wide center medium wide center full wide center medium wide center medium wide center full wide center large wide center --- # Son Del North > These tenant improvement projects would be designed and executed with two distinct approaches as the small entrepreneur team and chef Anisha Garcia sought diversification in their development and launch strategy. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/son-del-north · Updated: 2025-03-17 These two tenant improvement projects were simultaneously designed and executed with two distinct approaches, as the small entrepreneur team and chef Anisha Garcia sought diversification in their development and launch strategy. Together, we lead a quick and dirty fast-track project in the Lower East Side in parallel with a larger, more comprehensively planned investment in the West Village. Both spaces, being remarkably small, required a detailed space-planning effort to establish the workflow, equipment inventory, and capacity. **Client** Five Burros LLC **Address** 77 Orchard Street and 152 Seventh Ave South **City** New York, NY **Geography** Lower East Side and West Village **Engaged** January 2024 – August 2024 **Phase** completed **Type** retail-restaurant **Program** commercial kitchen and equipment, storage, counter service **Additional** historic facade reconstruction **Services** design, visualization, CDs, bidding, permitting, procurement and construction support  **Other** environmental branding, project management, and Landmark review **Size** 600 square foot and 327 square foot **Land** tenant improvement **Cost** $400k medium wide The design started with a programming and operations analysis. After itemizing the equipment, we defined the optimal workflow for cooking, food preparation, and customer experience. center small wide right large wide center medium wide center full wide center large wide center We also guided the team in the development of the brand environment and signage, prioritizing a design that promoted cleanliness and accessibility. The materials and colors used are inspired by Mexican culture but remain contemporary and unique to their use. xsmall fivebyfour right small tall The restaurant was astoundingly successful, emphatically reported by bloggers and mainstream publishers. center small wide center --- # Design Intervention for Historic New England Extends Gropius Legacy > Andre Architecture and Oracol Design collaborated on the Historic New England Design Competition to enhance the visitor experience of the Gropius House. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/chronicle/historic-new-england · Projects · By Andre Gomez · Updated: 2026-06-18 This winter, Andre Architecture and Oracol Design collaborated on the [Historic New England Design Competition](https://gropiuscompetition.info/the-competition/), developing a proposal to enhance the visitor experience at the [Gropius House](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gropius_House). The project expands the facility grounds and visitor center through the adaptive reuse and redesign of the original garage structure. Grounded in shared research and a commitment to design clarity, the team approached the project by honoring Bauhaus principles, prioritizing legibility, function, and the integration of form, visual communication, and user experience. The collaboration began through a connection between Andre Gomez and [Jonathan Posnett](https://oracol.co/jonathan-posnett), who met while serving on an architecture jury at Parsons School of Design in New York City. Their shared interest in design as a comprehensive discipline—where architecture, graphics, and user experience converge—formed the foundation of the partnership. Posnett, a graphic designer with more than 30 years of experience in experiential design and wayfinding, brought expertise that reinforces intuitive navigation, visual coherence, and accessibility throughout the proposal. Together, Andre Architecture and [Oracol Design](https://oracol.co/) developed a scheme that bridges historic preservation and adaptive reuse. The proposal positions architecture and wayfinding as integrated forms of visual communication, creating a cohesive visitor experience that respects the original structures while introducing a contemporary framework to extend the Bauhaus legacy across the historic site. View the entire [design proposal](https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/historic-new-england), including drawings and renderings. 1 1 --- # Andre Architecture Debuts New Logo and Website, Honored by Awwwards Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/chronicle/new-logo-and-website · Business · Updated: 2025-07-16 Out with the old, in with the new. Our new logo debuts alongside the launch of our redesigned website—a refined evolution of our identity, marking our fifth year in practice. Developed in collaboration with Los Angeles–based designer Shawn Ritzenthaler, the new mark reflects the philosophy behind each of our projects: work grounded in science, expressively shaped, and meticulously executed. The new website offers a deeper view into both recent and archival work, emphasizing process as much as outcome. Sketches, collages, site photographs, diagrams, and renderings reveal the highly customized design process—an aspect often overshadowed by overly polished photography. The site was recognized with an [Awwwards Honorable Mention](https://www.awwwards.com/sites/andre-architecture) for outstanding design and functionality. Kudos to our talented design partner and dear friend — [shawnritzenthaler.com](http://shawnritzenthaler.com). 1 1 --- # New Live/Work Experiment Hosts First Open House Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/chronicle/new-livework-experiment-hosts-first-open-house · Events · Updated: 2025-06-26 Andre Architecture has completed renovation of a storefront in downtown Manhattan, converting an underutilized commercial unit into a multi-functional live/work residence and new headquarters for the namesake company. The 1,000-square-foot ground-floor unit showcases how design and planning can merge residential and commercial typologies — both in practice and in compliance with local zoning and building law. This milestone occasion was marked with an open house on June 26th, 2025.  The event took full advantage of a bright summer day, with open doors and streetside cooking led by Joseph Ruiz Tapia, principal at Andre Architecture and part-time culinary entrepreneur. Guests were invited inside to explore the newly transformed storefront, which featured digital slideshows presenting years of mostly unpublished and in-progress works, including sketches, photography, and renderings from the firm’s archives. Beyond a bespoke polycarbonate-and-oak door, guests toured the private residence of Andre Gomez and his wife, Rebecca. The home revealed a harmony of local and reclaimed furnishings paired with custom-made contemporaries in wood and industrial metals. Select imports from international makers such as [Viabizzuno](https://www.viabizzuno.com/) and [Verdi ](https://intl.verdi.com.co/)underscore the studio’s commitment to authentic, enduring design. 3/2 --- # New College Campus Awarded National Design in Excellence > University of California, San Diego was awarded ULI Americas Award for Excellence for their new mixed-use college campus — the aptly named North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/chronicle/new-college-campus-awarded-national-design-in-excellence · Awards · By Andre Gomez · Updated: 2025-05-15 University of California, San Diego was awarded [ULI Americas Award for Excellence](https://americas.uli.org/uc-san-diego-north-torrey-pines-living-and-learning-neighborhood-uli-americas-awards-for-excellence-finalist/) for their new mixed-use college campus — the aptly named North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood. The Living Learning Neighborhood was completed in 2021 under a $535 million design-build contract with [Clark Construction](https://www.clarkconstruction.com/), [HKS, Inc](https://www.hksinc.com/), and [Safdie Rabines Architects](https://www.safdierabines.com/).  Andre Gomez, founding partner at Andre Architecture, played a key role in securing the commission back in 2017, with subsequent design and execution of 200,000 SF Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences Administrative building. Andre championed this effort while working as an Associate Project Manager at Safdie Rabines Architects. Ricardo Rabines, founding partner of Safdie Rabines, applauded Andre’s involvement as “instrumental”, prior to Andre’s departure from the company in 2019. The Urban Land Institute recognized the impact of this ground-breaking build-out, integrating outdoor spaces, technology and mixed-use programming with integration and technology: “_[the project] responds with the highest levels of environmental stewardship, achieving LEED Platinum for all buildings and an AIA COTE© Top Ten Award.”_ 2/3 3/2 16/9 --- # Forbes Global Properties Features Design by Andre Architecture Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/chronicle/forbes-global-properties-features-design-by-andre-architecture · Projects · Updated: 2024-11-15 [Forbes Global Properties](https://www.forbesglobalproperties.com/) has featured a [17-unit multifamily design](https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/ocean-parkway) by Andre Architecture in its exclusive showcase of the world’s finest properties. Recognition by a major international affiliate marks a significant milestone for the young practice, particularly given that the project occupies a prominent corner site in a city renowned for its architectural legacy. The speculative design was commissioned by [Elegran Real Estate](https://howardhannanyc.com/) (since acquired by Howard Hanna) to evaluate the development potential of a small corner lot. Andre Architecture developed a design language that reflects the neighborhood’s transitional character—familiar in scale, yet unmistakably contemporary in expression. Carefully articulated at the pedestrian level, the project is defined by townhouse-style lofts that engage directly with the sidewalk. This strategy reinforces the firm’s commitment to human-centered design, positioning architecture not as an object, but as a facilitator of the surrounding urban fabric and pedestrian experience. 1 --- # Residential Conversion Projects Not Just For Big Developers Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/chronicle/residential-conversion-projects-not-just-for · Editorial · By Andre Gomez · Updated: 2023-11-10 Building legal occupancy status is fluid. In fact, New York City’s zoning map is full of opportunity: nearly **70% of buildings sit on lots where [residential use is permitted](https://www.nyc.gov/content/planning/pages/zoning/zoning-districts-guide/residence-districts)**, whether or not they’re being used or marketed as such. **But the real revelation is that occupancy changes can also be applied to [individual commercial and co-operative _units_](https://zr.planning.nyc.gov/article-iv/chapter-2)**, meaning small commercial units can be converted to residential housing or hybrids. Sounds difficult? It’s actually not. The underutilized potential of small-scale conversions was first hypothesized after our office received numerous calls from owners about illegal, non-conforming uses. Owners were wondering how they could correct a Certificate of Occupancy issue where a listed commercial store unit was actually being used as a residence. We realized that corrections and conversions were not typically_ _difficult, it only required proving its legal use. This raised a larger question: **why not leverage this notion to convert commercial spaces into housing**? This may not be a groundbreaking conclusion, but applying this practice to individual units _is_—especially in a market like New York City, where there is a large inventory of individual commercial units for sale. These spaces vary widely in size and type, from 300-square-foot storefronts to entire single floors of multi-story commercial buildings. **This insight has reshaped our trajectory**. Andre Architecture has leaned into adaptive reuse and small-scale development, becoming a leading advocate for micro-conversions and occupancy transformations. **The firm’s research has since been presented at [Parsons School of Design](https://www.newschool.edu/parsons/), [Elegran Real Estate](https://howardhannanyc.com/) (now Howard Hanna), [Keller Williams](https://kw.com/), and [Langdon Title](https://langdontitle.com/)**, helping brokers, designers, and property owners rethink what’s possible within the city’s legal framework. As part of our overarching mission to educate and empower people in architecture and design, we aim to demystify the conversion process and show that small-scale **occupancy changes are an underutilized and accessible tool that can unlock enormous potential**—bespoke live/work environments, discounted property assets, and inventive uses that maximize value in a city where every square foot counts. 3/2 --- # Design Exhibition Debut: “Optimist in Action” Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/chronicle/design-exhibition-debut-optimist-in-action · Events · Updated: 2022-12-06 Optimist in Action marked the debut exhibition of architect Andre Gomez, held at [All Street Gallery](https://allstnyc.com/) on December 3, 2022. The show presented a collection of original design ideas and social critiques exploring how design thinking can reshape cities and the social systems that contain them. The exhibition’s central themes—“No Building in Isolation / Skyzoning” and “Public Art for Energy and Education”—illustrated how architecture and public space could be reimagined as productive, civic infrastructures that serve the collective good rather than for private capital interest. Complementary proposals, including “New, New York” and “A Waste Revolution for NYC,” showcased speculative urban projects: one envisioning right-of-way improvements to prioritize pedestrians and clean infrastructure, and another proposing an automated waste and recycling network for Manhattan’s streets. Hosted in a modest ground-floor storefront, the open-door event welcomed an audience of neighbors, passersby, and first-time visitors. The accessible format reflected the artist’s belief that design discourse should exist within public reach. Following the exhibition, strong community interest in the automated waste proposal led Gomez to submit the idea for [The David Prize,](https://thedavidprize.org/) a New York–based grant supporting civic innovation. The submission advanced to the third round of review, further validating the project’s public potential. 1 --- # "The Collectors" Shortlisted in International Design Competition Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/chronicle/the-collectors-awarded-for-shortlist · Awards · By Andre Gomez · Updated: 2021-06-10 Andre Architecture has won a shortlist honor as part of an [open, international design competition](https://lagi2020flyranch.org/). The competition, held on behalf of the [Burning Man Organization](https://burningman.org/) and in conjunction with the [Land Art Generator Institute](https://landartgenerator.org/), called for design proposals to address shelter, water, and energy infrastructure for a remote, permanent community in Gerlach, Nevada. The 185-acre site is intended to serve as a model community for the integration of art, science, and design. The competition also required solutions to address the global environmental crisis through the implementation of carbon reduction efforts. [_The Collectors](https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/fly-ranch)_ respond to the Burning Man Organization’s fundamental needs for basic utility and construction adaptability with a simple solution of modular, structural framework. The cubic form, a platonic shape of equal sides, becomes a repeatable construction element that is expanded to provide shelter for facilitation of research, short-term housing, and recreation. The roofed pavilion also serves as a harvesting point for collecting solar power and rainwater. The 20x20x20 pavilion is a lightweight, deployable design that can quickly change with the new community. With _The Collectors_, Andre Architecture expands their work in master planning and infrastructure design, building upon the work they did for Housing the Next 1 Million and reaffirming their study of the art-sciences. This work was featured as an excerpt in the hardcover book, [Land Art of the 21st Century](https://landartgenerator.org/publications/), published by Hirmer Publishers, by editors Elizabeth Monoian and Robert Ferry. --- # El Cortez Condominium Project Approved by Planning Commission Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/chronicle/el-cortez-condominum-project-approved-by-planning-commission · Projects · By Andre Gomez · Updated: 2019-05-23 The Downtown Planning Commission voted to approve a new 12-story condominium building alongside the iconic [El Cortez Hotel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Cortez_(San_Diego)), a nationally registered historic resource in downtown San Diego. The project was developed by J. Peter Block Companies and designed by [Safdie Rabines Architects](https://www.safdierabines.com/). Andre Gomez, former associate at Safdie Rabines, worked closely with Taal Safdie to develop the design and champion its approval. The development team noted the following about the design:  _“Conforming to the [Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation](https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/1054/files/stds%20san%20diego%20091409.pdf), the architectural approach maintains the El Cortez Hotel’s historic distinction, while creating a new meaningful dialogue between the developing neighborhood and San Diego skyline. Similar to the El Cortez, 777 Beech follows a form of classic symmetry and scale. In contrast to the orthogonal El Cortez, the new elliptical shaped tower emerges from the base of the building as a modern form, sculpted to help preserve views into and from the existing building.”_ The approval concludes months of public presentations and debate in which the design team successfully demonstrated the building's legal and historic merit. This marks a merit against the NIMBY movement (Not in My Backyard), for pro density and quality design and development. Safdie Rabines is widely recognized for their thoughtful and elegant approach to architecture and place-making. To have a 21st-century icon juxtaposed to a historic treasure is likely to be reflected in positive light from future generations. --- # Largest Project In State University History Breaks Ground Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/chronicle/largest-project-in-university-of-california-history-breaks-ground · Projects · By Andre Gomez · Updated: 2018-06-05 [The University of California, San Diego](https://today.ucsd.edu/story/live-learn-play-vibrant-new-neighborhood-to-break-ground-on-campus) began construction on the [North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood](https://www.andrearchitecture.com/projects/live-learn), the largest capital project in state history, working with [Clark Construction](https://www.clarkconstruction.com/our-work/projects/ucsd-north-torrey-pines-living-and-learning-neighborhood), [Safdie Rabines Architects](https://www.safdierabines.com/portfolio/north-torrey-pines-living-and-learning-neighborhood/), and [HKS](https://www.hksinc.com/what-we-do/projects/ucsd-north-torrey-pines-living-and-learning-neighborhood/), among a diverse group of consultants and subcontractors on a $600M design-build delivery contract. The groundbreaking ceremony was a key moment for the University and project stakeholders: Chancellor Pradeep Kohsler gave the keynote address, highlighting the project as an exemplary model to address a desperate need for housing while securing the college’s place as a world-class institution into the 21st century.  The project is a mixed-use living and learning neighborhood to house the Sixth College Campus amongst a myriad of other uses; including seven new buildings for a mixed-use living and learning neighborhood with graduate housing, classrooms, auditoriums, office, retail, food market, and arts center. The 10 acre campus will help facilitate a network of multi-mode access and transportation, emphasizing the pedestrian experience and [alternative forms of clean transportation.](https://gbdmagazine.com/hks-living-and-learning-neighborhoods/) Andre Gomez, founder of Andre Architecture, attended the groundbreaking ceremony as an Associate of Safdie Rabines Architects. Andre played a pivotal role in the project since its inception in 2016, helping to secure the commission through a competitive design competition and subsequently managing the new Social Sciences and Art Humanities building along the eastern edge of the development. Andre’s ability to develop a coordinated design with the Detailed Project Program requirements under a condensed, 10-week timeframe was key to demonstrating the team’s understanding of the client’s complex program while simultaneously assisting the contractor with accurate information for bidding and logistics. --- # Urban Design Reform: Housing the Next 1 Million in San Diego > The Housing the Next 1 Million project challenged designers and community stakeholders to collaborate on ideas addressing the San Diego Association of Governments’ forecast of an additional one million residents by 2050. Source: https://www.andrearchitecture.com/chronicle/zoning-and-urban-design-reform-housing-the-next-1-million · Community · By Andre Gomez · Updated: 2017-11-06 The Housing the Next 1 Million project challenged designers and community stakeholders to collaborate on ideas addressing the San Diego Association of Governments’ [forecast of an additional one million residents by 2050](https://dof.ca.gov/Forecasting/Demographics/Projections/). The initiative began in May 2017 with preliminary monthly meetings, culminating in a public discourse event at the end of the year. A central question emerged: could current zoning regulations realistically accommodate the city’s own housing projections? Andre Gomez, founder of Andre Architecture, was compelled to answer the call. His proposal addressed not only the shortcomings of zoning and the lack of density in transit-oriented neighborhoods, but also broader issues of walkability and urban connectivity—particularly San Diego’s reliance on vehicles, highways, and parking. His focus centered on the Morena Corridor, a narrow neighborhood fronting Mission Bay and severed by a ten-lane interstate. Conceptually, the corridor and surrounding bay area function as an in-between zone: an isolated, passive landscape defined by waterfront parking and roadway buffers for major highways and bridges. This condition is emblematic not only of San Diego, but of the national landscape at large. Car-centric infrastructure has reached its expiration, limiting our cities’ ability to house people without compromising natural landscapes or reinforcing socioeconomic divides. The Morena Corridor is already claimed for transportation, and the [planned extension of the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley](https://www.sdmts.com/inside-mts/current-projects/uc-san-diego-blue-line-trolley-extension) would further reinforce this role. Yet how could such a major public investment not be paired with increased housing density—and, more importantly, with a reconnection to Mission Bay? Until [access across the Morena Corridor](https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/morena_corridor_specific_plan_0.pdf) was addressed, additional housing made little sense. The area could only succeed without reliance on vehicle parking, functioning instead as a walkable district with direct and effortless access to one of San Diego’s most valuable natural resources. The design team, guided by Andre’s uncompromising prioritization of people, reached a clear consensus: the I-5 Interstate must be lowered to allow for at-grade connections between the neighborhood and the bay. This intervention could be paired with a continuous boardwalk experience, generating sufficient pedestrian activity to support up to four times the existing density by eliminating lot-line setbacks. This approach offered a meaningful compromise with the community. The greatest concern surrounding development was increased building height; by improving the pedestrian experience, height could be traded for wider, more substantial buildings. Contrary to popular belief: vehicles—not buildings—are typically responsible for the most space-intensive use of land. Only through a robust pedestrian network could parking be eliminated, allowing buildings to occupy the full lot area without increasing height. The aptly named Bridge the Bay proposal was met with both enthusiasm and criticism. Andre remains steadfast in his belief that vehicle-centric connectivity—particularly highways—continues to hold our society back. Without a bold reimagining of pedestrian infrastructure and walkability, we remain captive to our own barriers of impedance. What does it say about a society that remains disconnected from its most precious natural resources? What is the cost of communities divided by transportation bias and physical separation? And how long can the United States delay meaningful climate action while maintaining its dependence on fossil fuels? We can wait to react—or we can redesign and empower our future.