SCIENCE & TECH FACILITIES
Firm Profile
Carrier Johnson + Culture is an international architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and planning firm with over 80 professionals creating individualized solutions for the built environment. Founded in 1977, we have over 45 years of success designing worldwide. With higher education at the core of its practice, Carrier Johnson and its team of designers and architects have been responsible for the design of 4.5 million square feet for over 90 academic projects, comprised of 47 university facilities, 20 community college buildings, 8 private college commissions, 11 private schools, and classroom environments for 4 national education corporations. These academic facilities range in cost from $2 million to $120 million.
Our design practice is based on the convergence of design disciplines, which helps our clients, and their organizations, capitalize on their essentials: defining who they are and what makes them successful. Our design teams work in partnership with our clients to help define their unique attributes and translate them into built space, communicating their message through a physical expression of their culture
EXPERTISE
Architecture
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Planning
KEY PRACTICE AREAS
Science & Technology
Higher Education
Multi-Family / Mixed-Use
Public
Corporate
LOCATIONS
San Diego
Los Angeles
Seattle
Atlanta
New York
POINT LOMA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
New Science Complex
The faith-based foundation, idyllic setting, and comfortable yearround climate inspired the design of the renovation and expansion of point loma nazarene university’s science building. the 13 new labs and classrooms are wrapped in insulating-glass and smoothconcrete, equipped inside for biology and chemistry classes. on its south exposure a feathered curve of perforated-metalpanels extends, embracing a grassy-slope where students gather. conceived for shade, this“environmental-screen” is laser-cut with symbols with religious and scientific allusion.
The new facility design supports the hallmarks of the private University’s science program – hands-on learning, careful mentoring and excellent teaching. The facility is comprised of two separate buildings – a lab and classroom component - connected by an elevated walkway that allows students to quickly transition from theory to practice in just a few steps. The four classrooms are equipped with modern technology contributing to an enriched learning environment for both students and faculty. With 13 advanced teaching and research laboratories devoted to biology, chemistry, and anatomy, student-faculty collaborative research has improved exponentially.
Project Data
CLIENT Point Loma Nazarene University
LOCATION San Diego, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Higher Ed Labs
SIZE
36,000 SF
SUSTAINABILITY LEED Gold
ALEXANDRIA REAL ESTATE EQUITIES, INC
Campus Pointe
The Campus Pointe facility is a two-story, 464,000 SF building situated on a 41.67 acre site less than one-half mile south of the intersection of interstate 5 and interstate 805. CJ+C completed the renovation and reconfiguration of the existing scientific and research campus, which currently houses Eli Lilly, Covance, and Kyocera.
Highlights
+ Based on the success of the master plan, Carrier Johnson was retained to renovate the exterior facade and lobby for campus’s newest tenant, Celgene.
+ Celgene’s unobtrusive location within multitenant campus called for bold architectural elements to support visual differentiation and wayfinding.
+ Design options explored include a dramatic entry pavilion and a blue-glass facade punctuated by a large square aperture.
Project Data
CLIENT Alexandria Real Estate
LOCATION
San Diego, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Corporate Science & Tech
SCOPE
Master Planning
Architecture
Programming
Interiors
SIZE
464,000 SF
SUSTAINABILITY
LEED Gold
SONY ELECTRONICS, INC
Sony Electronics
Guided by its fundamental design principles, Sony Electronics’ recently unveiled 11-story office tower embodies simplicity, intricate sophistication, enduring materials, equilibrium, and a commitment to efficiency and sustainability. From an external perspective, the architectural concept draws inspiration from the adjacent plateau, nestled between the lower desert and the Pacific Ocean.
The expansive seven-acre site features an alluring one-acre garden that seamlessly links the office tower to the sixstory parking deck nearby. The landscaping, inspired by canyon formations, mirrors the nearby natural rock outcroppings through the use of indigenous plantings. Above this natural oasis stands the office block, situated atop a sandstone base that smoothly transitions from the garden ambiance to a sleek, meticulously designed glassand metal curtain wall.
The structure houses distinctive facilities catering to Sony’s product development, and corporate endeavors. Internally, the interiors are thoughtfully crafted to enhance the experiences of Sony’s creative and executive teams, incorporating ample natural light and captivating panoramic views.
Features
+ 550-seat auditorium with a theatre-style layout
+ Employee dining areas
+ Employee penthouse cafeteria equipped with a full sushi bar and outdoor terrace with seating
+ Fully equipped fitness center
+ An innovative “activity deck”
+ Expansive pedestrian bridgeway
+ Wall graphics that encompass the rich history and culture at Sony
Project Data
PROJECT TYPE
Corporate Campus
Technology
Fitness Facility
LOCATION
Rancho Bernardo, CA
SERVICES
Interior Design
Architecture
Site Planning
Programming
CLIENT
Sony Electronics, Inc
SIZE
455,000 SF 1,400-car parking structure
CONSTRUCTION COST
$160 Million
COMPLETION
2009
SUSTAINABILITY
LEED Gold
SEMPRA ENERGY
Sempra Energy
The modern design of the 16-story building capitalizes on the high visibility of the site from Petco Park and the surrounding downtown areas. Iconic and distinctive, the Class-A building is a fitting symbol for the progressive company. The building plan incorporates smart planning principles including a high floor plateto-core ratio, optimized floor plate configuration and multiple view portals. The unique building shape affords 6 corner offices per floor instead of the four corner offices found in a traditional rectangular building.
The design was influenced by a series of existing historical buildings on the site, including the nearby Petco Park. The scale of the two onsite historic buildings has influenced the building massing, scale, and curtain wall expression of the tower. Additionally, new urban open spaces are incorporated in the design to create a sense of harmony between all of the buildings, visually intertwining the old with the new.
Project Data
CLIENT Sempra Energy
LOCATION
San Diego, CA
SIZE
323,760 GSF (office)
219,296 GSF (parking)
19,917 GSF (adaptive re-use)
16-story SERVICES
Site Planning Programming
Architecture
Interior Design
FF&E
COMPLETION 2015
CONSTRUCTION COST
$123.4 Million
SUSTAINABILITY
LEED Gold
QUALCOMM, INC
Qualcomm Tech Cave
Carrier Johnson + Culture took a holistic approach to redefine the breakroom concept, transforming it into the innovative Tech Cave, a groundbreaking and Star Trek-inspired initiative—the first of its kind at the Qualcomm Campus. This visionary concept focuses on creating a series of engaging environments that inspire employees to play, connect, collaborate, and even hone their gaming skills. The result is the Tech Cave, celebrated for its innovation and widespread popularity.
The kitchen facilities feature vending and coffee machines, providing ample space for socializing, along with “dining room” style seating. Individual gaming pods offer employees a dedicated space to enjoy a break while refining their gaming skills at personalized gaming stations inspired by the futuristic aesthetics of Star Trek.
Adjacent to this space, the visionary “Idea Wall” is crafted from curvilinear frosted glass panels, serving as both a divider and a canvas for dry-erase drawings, encouraging the exchange of ideas. On the opposite side, bistro-style and lounge seating provide staff with a relaxed environment for connections, conversations, TV viewing, or impromptu meetings. A generous balcony extends the experience outdoors, offering seating and panoramic views.
The Tech Cave, with its Star Trek-inspired design, truly caters to a diverse range of employee needs, combining recreation and collaboration in a uniquely designed space.
Project Data
CLIENT Qualcomm, Inc
LOCATION
San Diego, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Office
Break Room
SERVICES
Programming
Interior Design
COMPLETION
2012
SIZE
750 SF
NBC UNIVERSAL
NBC 7 San Diego
Carrier Johnson + Culture was retained by NBC Universal to program, plan and design the new offices and studio for NBC 7 SAN DIEGO’s new headquarters. To enable their move from downtown San Diego to Kearny Mesa, CJ+C’s design team identified the functional and operational requirements for the News Operation, Technology and Engineering Operations, Creative Services, Sales and Marketing, Digital Services, Human Resources, Finance and Administration departments.
A total of 183 employees were housed in the new facility. Staffers for the broadcast and business operations moved from their current offices in downtown San Diego to their new building in the fourth quarter of 2015.
The new two-level building spans more than 50,000 square feet and includes a larger news studio as well as room for the station to grow. The new space provides employees with more affordable amenities and an improved workspace.
Project Data
CLIENT
NBC Universal
LOCATION
San Diego, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Tenant Improvement
Renovation
SERVICES
Programming
Space Planning
Architectural Renovation
Interior Design
FF&E
COMPLETION
2015
SIZE
52,000 SF
CONSTRUCTION COST
$10,000,000
SUSTAINABILITY
LEED Silver
GENERAL ATOMICS AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS
General Atomics Sony Building 7 Conversion
The Sony Electronics’ Manufacturing and Testing Center, originally designed by the firm in 1997, was transformed into a stateof-the-art facility for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. Known as Building G92, this industrial renovation involved tenant improvements for the existing 275,000 square feet, 3-story office/ warehouse, and a 1-story testing structure.
Additionally, Carrier Johnson successfully concluded another acquisition and renovation project for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems – Building A28. This endeavor included an extensive renovation of a 150,000 square feet, twostory office building in Poway. The completion of these projects highlights Carrier Johnson’s history of delivering advanced facilities to its clients, contributing to the progression of industrial and aeronautical capabilities.
Project Data
CLIENT
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
LOCATION
Rancho Bernardo, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Corporate SERVICES
Programming
Space Planning
Interior Architecture
SIZE
275,000 SF
COMPLETION
2017
Office Amenity Renovations
Carrier Johnson + Culture approached this office renovation with human wellbeing at the forefront by bringing the landscape in, utilizing the latest technology, and promoting inclusive environments.
Our designs were inspired by the colors, lighting, and textures of an iconic coastal canyon landscape. Each floor of this renovated office speaks to a different level of a canyon - from the canyon floor to the horizon views at the top. Wayfinding and signage are shaped like rock; green walls wrap hallways and corners; desert floral patterns dot the interior environment.
The most dramatic architectural piece - an artful stair - creates a central vertical connection through the building. Its wall graphics and textures evoke striations of a canyon’s natural sediment layers.
The new office helps to enrich the lives of its staff with a game room, library, two eat-in kitchens, and relaxing lounge spaces. Biophilic elements, such as green walls, wood panels, and natural fiber finishes, are integrated throughout - blurring the line between interior architecture and interior landscape.
Project Data
CLIENT Google LOCATION
San Diego, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Office
Renovation
COMPLETION
2023 SERVICES
Interior Architecture
Landscape Architecture (Interiors)
SIZE
10,555 SF
7,476 SF Meeting Space
3,909 SF Amenity Space
BIOSCIENCE PROPERTIES
Carrier Johnson + Culture redesigned TEN770, an impressive 180,000 square feet Class A Life Science building located in San Diego’s Sorrento Mesa area. Our primary focus was on transforming amenity spaces and communal areas, as well as specifying furniture and accessories to create a cohesive and inviting interior.
Ten770
The renewed space is characterized by an abundance of natural textures that enhance the overall aesthetic. Throughout the office, a variety of natural materials have been thoughtfully incorporated to create a harmonious and visually appealing environment. The infusion of these textures not only adds a tactile quality but also contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Project Data
CLIENT
BioScience Properties
LOCATION
San Diego, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Science and Technology
Corporate Office
Tenant Improvement
SIZE
180,000 SF
CONSTRUCTION COST
$20 Million
COMPLETION
2019
Additionally, the integration of private balconies and foldaway walls in tenant spaces ensures a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor elements. This design choice not only maximizes the use of natural light but also provides occupants with the opportunity to engage with the surrounding environment, fostering a sense of well-being.
UC DAVIS MEDICAL SCHOOL
Health Systems Education Building
The health system education building is sited to provide a distinct gateway to all who enter the campus and mark a destination hub on the path connecting to other key facilities. the building was conceived as three inter-related elements connected by a central arrival rotunda.
The north wing is the primary location for traditional instruction spaces such as auditoriums, classrooms and seminar rooms. The south wing contains additional instructional spaces, student support areas, administrative offices and the F. William Blaisdell, M.D. Medical Library. The fourth floor bridges over the rotunda, linking the two wings and contains suites for group study and research partnerships.
Project Data
CLIENT
UC Davis
LOCATION
Sacramento, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Higher Ed
Medical
SIZE
120,000 SF
SUSTAINABILITY
LEED Silver
Natural Science Units 1 & 2
Natural Sciences Unit 1 project consists of a four-story cast in place integral colored concrete, glass curtain wall panel system and a barreled copper canopy over the laboratory building. Unit 2 is the complement to Unit 1. Both are “transitional” buildings, situated between the schools of physical and biological sciences, and both are shared by these two schools, resulting in a mix of research requirements.
UC
IRVINE
Unit 2
+ Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Shared by the Schools of Physical and Biological Sciences
+ Spaces: Wet laboratories for research, vivarium, academic classrooms and administrative office space; project also includes a one-story high energy lab building for large scale experiments
+ NSU2 is comprised of a four-story laboratory wing (H8 Occupancy) and a five-story office wing in an “L” configuration. A small sitting courtyard is nestled in the crook of the “L.” A single story high-bay building dedicated to Physical High Energy research is adjacent and includes a crane rail used for assembling large pieces of research equipment.
Unit 1
+ Designed into two wings, a laboratory wing running north and south and a classroom, office and conference room wing running east and west.
+ The building’s main circular glassed entry to the facility is located between the two wings on the east facade, joining one of the UCI campus pedestrian circular courts.
+ The laboratory suites are envisioned as large open areas suitable for flexible planning and layout with auxiliary support areas in the center.
Project Data
CLIENT UC Irvine
LOCATION Irvine, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Higher Ed Labs
SIZE
Unit 1: 119,000 SF
Unit 2: 146,075 SF
SCRIPPS & PITZER COLLEGES
Keck Science Center
Currently in progress, carrier johnson is completing the joint use multi-discipline laboratory addition and renovation of a science center in claremont for scripps and pitzer colleges. the project encompasses a 68,000sf addition which adds 14 teaching labs and support spaces, while phased renovation is planned to support 37 research labs & offices, 3 teaching labs and 5 classrooms. the newly designed spaces will provide flexible teaching, research and student interaction spaces.
The design intent for the Science Center is one of transparency. This is achieved by the use of large windows and glass walls, allowing for both abundant natural daylight and the ability to see what’s going on inside the labs and other collaborative spaces. The interior spaces will facilitate structured and informal interaction, flexible use of space, and sharing of resources. Classrooms and teaching labs are also designed for maximum flexibility, with AV screens for advanced teaching and wheeled furniture that allows for rooms to be quickly reconfigured based on need. Community Spaces provide flexible event spaces for functions such as fundraisers or commencement.
Project Data
CLIENT
Scripps & Pitzer Colleges
LOCATION
Claremont, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Higher Ed Labs
PHASE
Construction Administration
SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Career Technology Center
San Diego City College has expanded by acquiring a city block on the edge of campus in the rapidly-developing east village district. the new campus block overlays both city college’s expanded master plan area and the city’s new downtown urban development plan. the classroom building will create pedestrian connections between the college campus and the city, with its street-front orientation and urban pocket park.
The Career Technology Center at has been recognized, through press and awards, including a Best Practice for Sustainable Design award by the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference, for its environmentally friendly design and operation. The building is only the fifth facility in the district, which includes three 2-year colleges and six continuing education campuses, to receive LEED Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council.
Project Data
CLIENT
San Diego City College
LOCATION
San Diego, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Higher Ed
SIZE
90,000 SF
SUSTAINABILITY
LEED Gold
UC IRVINE Engineering
Hall
Engineering Hall is the eleventh project awarded to Carrier Johnson + Culture by the University Of California, Irvine. Rhe final building in the campus ring-mall, engineering hall houses the electrical engineering and computer sciences departments within the school of engineering.
Structural design drawings for Engineering Hall underestimated the quantity of shear wall required. Rather than add that structure internal to the building and lose program space, the team focused on a concrete moment-frame solution that makes use of those walls full of punched openings. The dual moment-frame/shear wall structural system leverages the redundancy recognized by building and safety codes, reducing forces and leading to savings that accrue throughout the structure.
Project Data
CLIENT UC Irvine
LOCATION Irvine, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Higher Ed Labs
SIZE 122,500 SF
SUSTAINABILITY LEED Platinum
UC IRVINE MEDICAL CENTER
Clinical Lab Building
As part of a master plan developed for the new University of California, Irvine Medical Center, the Clinical Laboratory Building (CLB) – a 5-story pathology laboratory and office facility – plays an important role on the modern, state-of-the-art health sciences campus. The facility provides a 21st century learning environment for more than 250 technical specialists and experts, an advanced setting for medical education, an interactive and collaborative place where future pathologists and UC Irvine researchers work side-by-side to better understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease.
Highlights
Program: Four levels, 48,000 SF, of pathology labs and high tech equipment including an electronic microscope. One level, 12,000 SF, of office space.
State of the Art Facility - The UCMIC Clinical Laboratory is the first in the nation to offer a novel diagnostic test for the HER-2 gene present in breast cancer patients. It’s also one of the few labs in the country using microarray technology diagnostically to study gene expression in the development of disease.
Labs are positioned on the corridor’s north side and lined with large windows to allow extensive daylighting. User areas are strategically placed near the building perimeter to take advantage of natural light.
Project Data
CLIENT
UC Irvine Medical Center
LOCATION Orange, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Clinical Lab
SIZE
60,000 SF
SUSTAINABILITY
LEED Gold
UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO
Shiley Science & Technology Center
The Shiley Science & Technology Center is a multi-disciplinary academic science facility housing the departments for chemistry, biology, physics, and marine and environmental studies. Features include both research and academic laboratories with laboratory support spaces and faculty offices.
Highlights
+ Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Houses the chemistry, biology, physics, and marine and environmental studies departments.
+ Spaces: Teaching labs, lecture rooms, classrooms, research laboratories, lab support spaces, offices, conference rooms and break rooms.
+ Strata Plaza: Geology students and faculty gathered local samples of stone, shells and fossils to create these “cross sections of the earth”.
+ The architecture is consistent with the University’s 16th century Spanish Renaissance style, and the building is the largest facility on the campus. Positioned on a sloped site, the science center also capitalizes on dramatic views to the Pacific Ocean.
Project Data
CLIENT
University of San Diego
LOCATION
San Diego, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Higher Ed Labs Classrooms
SIZE
150,000 SF
ASHFORD UNIVERSITY
Ladd Science Building
The multi-million dollar renovation of the existing 1963 science building at Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa, consists of a 28,169 SF facility on three floors. Now known as the Ladd Science Building, the project features eight laboratories, five classrooms, and 12 offices, in addition to a new student study area on the first floor.
Building improvements include new fume hoods, lab benches, with vacuum and natural gas fixtures, and complete upgrades to the electrical and plumbing systems.
The renovated space features central air conditioning and heating systems. Within the classrooms, brighter lighting, new drop ceilings, and updated technology were added to enhance the student learning environment. All of the new facilities are ADA accessible.
Project Data
CLIENT Irvine Valley College
LOCATION Clinton, IA
PROJECT TYPE
Higher Ed Labs
Classrooms
Offices
SIZE
28,000 SF Renovation
IRVINE VALLEY COLLEGE
Science Building Annex
The Irvine Valley College Building B-200 Annex is an expansion to the existing Chemistry Building. Three new laboratory classrooms were added to provide much needed organic and inorganic chemistry classroom space. In addition, a new 45 seat classroom was added. The laboratories feature “smart” classroom components in addition to the plumbing, electrical and fume extraction devices (snorkels and fume hoods) typically seen in a lab environment.
Project Data
CLIENT Irvine Valley College
LOCATION Irvine, CA
PROJECT TYPE
Higher Ed Labs
SIZE
4,825 SF Addition
1,600 SF Renovation
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