When it comes to parking structures, the difference between “good enough” and “done right” can mean the difference between a costly headache and lasting value. It’s not just about stacking cars efficiently — it’s about designing a structure that performs today, adapts tomorrow, and adds long-term equity to your project.
by Jason Rupp, Partner | AO
Let's be real-parking structures rarely make the highlight reel of a development. But here's what developers and owners do care about: delivering on time, staying on budget, and avoiding painful surprises. And that's exactly where parking structures can quietly derail your project if they're not designed right from the start.
by Jason Rupp, Partner | AO
At first glance, designing a parking structure might seem simple — tally the number of stalls, check the City stall dimensions, and start your layout. However, the real risks and hidden costs lie in the details. Without careful planning and technical expertise, small oversights can escalate into major budget and constructability issues
by RENTV
Raintree Partners is developing three new contemporary Class A multifamily communities in San Diego County at a total investment of about $225 mil. Totaling 498 units, the luxury properties encompass: Treehouse, a 107-unit development currently under construction in Bankers Hill; Flora + Fauna, a 189-unit project under construction in Bankers Hill; and Dos Lunas, a 202-unit community in Encinitas poised to begin construction late 2025.
by Emell D. Adolphus & Jonathan Keller | Engineering News-Record
“People will continue to shape our future because we start with strategic hiring with an emphasis on values and culture,” says Steven Olson, CESO president, but adding that “empathetic people” are still key to bringing design and technology implementations “to life.” Yet in navigating cost volatility and increased risk, AO Managing Partner RC Alley says the firm’s biggest success has been in its openness to change. The last several years have shown the firm “the importance of being adaptable, nimble and flexible—not just in how we design, but in how we work together,” he says.
by Citybiz
Legacy Partners, a privately held national real estate firm, partnered with DWS Group, a leading global asset manager, to announce the start of construction for Soto, a 200-residence apartment community in Torrance, California. Located at 3863 Carson Street adjacent to Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, the five-story community’s modern exterior design was inspired by the classic mid-century office buildings that are part of the surrounding mixed-use campus. Construction is anticipated to be completed in summer 2027, with Westport Construction serving as the general contractor.
by Mann Report
Full-service architecture firm AO announced the integration of Alexander + Hibbs (A+H) into its growing Healthcare Studio. This strategic move brings together AO’s interdisciplinary platform and A+H’s three decades of specialized healthcare design experience. With this integration, the A+H team now operates fully under the AO banner, continuing to serve existing clients with the same team, bolstered by AO’s expanded resources and national reach. The transition also strengthens AO’s Healthcare Studio, which has been delivering urgent care centers, medical office buildings and outpatient clinics since its founding in 2020.
by Paul Bubny | Connect CRE
NAIOP SoCal announced the finalists for its 2025 Awards Gala to be held on May 14 at the Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles. The commercial real estate industry finalists include the following:
MIXED-USE/ RETAIL PROJECT OF THE YEAR: The Row at Red Hill | AO
MULTIFAMILY PROJECT OF THE YEAR: The Row at Red Hill | AO
by Mann Report
Cloud Apartments, a modular development partner that reduces the risk and cost of multifamily development has introduced CloudConnect, a quick-connect mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) system for modular construction and a key new feature of its productized approach to development. The proprietary assembly drastically reduces the field labor required to finish Cloud Apartments units by making all module-to-module MEP connections during module installation, without any specialized tools or labor, the company said.
by Agota Felhazi | Multi-Housing News
Every year, Multi-Housing News shines a light on the top multifamily development companies expanding the residential stock throughout the U.S. This time around, we asked the five leading companies to reveal details about their current most ambitious multifamily projects.
by The Mann Report
Once a racetrack, now a new retail district: The Shops at Hollywood Park has created a retail, dining, and entertainment complex that encapsulates Los Angeles' vibe while offering urban connectivity. Architect of record AO and designer BCV Architecture + Interiors completed an 890,000-square-foot complex including The Promenade, which links SoFi Stadium to Century Plaza, and the Alley, an eclectic hub for boutique shops and restaurants.
by Los Angeles Business Journal
AO is pleased to welcome back Anthony Sanchez as Principal. With 25+ years of design experience across retail, office, and residential, Anthony brings a dynamic portfolio—including the Westfield Century City Mall redevelopment, Boulder Crossing, and the historic Fox Theatre. He returns to lead multidisciplinary teams on complex commercial, retail, and mixed-use projects with his signature creativity and strategic mindset, making him an invaluable leader in shaping future developments.
by Parimal Rohit | Orange County Business Journal
Two projects slated to bring more housing in Brea, including a development at the former Mercury Insurance property, will soon be considered by the city's council members. Members of the Brea Planning Commission were in favor of a proposal calling for the demolition of the former Mercury Insurance office building and neighboring parking structure at 1698-1700 Greenbrier Lane to make way for 179 single-family houses.
by Eric Aubort & Dan McDavid | Western Real Estate Business
The recent passage of California Assembly Bill 98 introduces new complexities to industrial development across the state. With its far-reaching and often ambiguous requirements, AB98 brings uncertainties in real-world scenarios. While we understand the intent behind this new legislation - to promote health and environmental sustainability...
by Jacob Scholl | Building Salt Lake
A new apartment building that would add hundreds of units to Fairpark near Capitol Hill scored a win Wednesday, as the Salt Lake City Planning Commission voted to approve the project. The project, located at 523 W. 200 North and named District North, won Planning Commission approval after a quick vote.
by Steven Sharp | Urbanize Los Angeles
In Glassell Park, exterior finishes are now taking shape at the Wylden apartments, a new development from Fairfield Residential located near the Glendale Freeway and the L.A. River. The project, which replaced an industrial facility at 2910 San Fernando Road, will include 370 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments wrapping around a central 600-car parking garage.
by Ioanna Magiati | ArchiExpo
In California, home values and rents sit higher than anywhere else in the nation, and the state accounts for the largest percentage of homelessness, according to the PPIC. Last year, affordability was at an all-time low, and homelessness rates increased. Despite California’s economic prominence, with the fifth largest gross domestic product (GDP) worldwide, over 186,000 individuals remain unhoused (CalMatters).
by Kim Stemper | Orange County Business Journal
Think Together, Orange County’s largest non-profit organization, is taking a bold step to ensure its long-term financial stability by redeveloping its Santa Ana headquarters into a $150 million workforce housing project. The move aims to generate a steady revenue stream that will sustain its mission of providing educational support to underserved students.
by Elyse Glickman | Hotel Management
From the architect’s perspective, Henry Wong, Principal at AO, stresses that as the building and interiors tell a story, so should the guest experience. The visual elements should provide a script which also needs to align to the owner's business plan. “It is about creating moments in time that matter to people, and it also has to do with providing a sequence of things that comes through the guest experience, whether it's during check in, walking through one’s guestroom, or other moments during the stay,”
by Andrew Rogers | Colorado Springs Business Journal
The latest express drive-thru car wash opened Wednesday, March 5 at 507 Garden of the Gods Rd. and represents the company’s 111th location nationwide. “We are kicking off the year with a few new locations and have been so pleased to be expanding in the Colorado market,” said Nicole Rodriguez, vice president of marketing for Super Star Car Wash. “We’ve already begun meeting neighbors and look forward to becoming more ingrained in the community throughout this upcoming year.”