Winter Newsletter
Happy, healthy new year from Meyer Studio!
It’s so gratifying to welcome in 2020 after a robust decade in which we’ve seen our work realized and our practice grow. Meyer Studio could not have flourished without our outstanding team, so it’s a sincere pleasure to say welcome to a new team member, Sofia Nikolaidou and to share the news of some well-deserved promotions. Kudos to Nicole Kelly, Alaleh Rouhi and Erik Jensen for their Passion, talent integrity and leadership.
Nicole Kelly - Principal
A senior leader and integral part of MSLA for several years, Nicole has taken on expanded responsibilities in the management of the office as she continues to direct and design several of our most significant commissions, including 3333 California and Applied Underwriters Headquarters. Nicole’s wisdom, grace and talent have made her an indispensable member of MSLA and we’re honored to have her as a Principal.
Alaleh Rouhi - Senior Associate
After returning to work since the birth of her precious boy, Neek, Alaleh oversaw the construction of the majority of MSLA’s projects during 2019. Her growth as a designer and leader along with her commitment to shaping a strong culture and building our practice have earned her a new role as Senior Associate.
Erik Jensen - Senior Associate
Erik’s exploration of the aesthetic dimension of climate change has driven the extraordinary work materializing at Heartwood Preserve in Omaha, Nebraska. Erik also managed and directed the design of Market Center in San Francisco. His dedication to artistry, craft, technical wizardry and story add up to a giant talent that will serve him well in his new role as Senior Associate.
333 California
Over the last five years, MSLA has collaborated with a team of developers, architects and engineers on a 10.3-acre mixed-use development plan for 3333 California Street, and in mid-November, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission unanimously approved the project. The site plan transforms an under-used office campus into a walkable, mixed-use community that is open to the surrounding neighborhoods. Located at the gateway into Laurel Village at Masonic and California Streets, the 744-unit project includes 5-acres of open space that links together retail, cafes, affordable units for seniors, and a child-care facility. We’re so excited to get back to work with the team and make this project become reality.
SF Chronicle, “SF backs 744 homes at UCSF Laurel Heights campus,” November 2019
SF Business Times “One of San Francisco’s biggest housing proposals scores approval” November 2019
Livermore Railroad Depot Receives Historic Preservation Award
MSLA collabroated with Page and Turnbull Architects in the relocation and rehabilition of the Livermore Train Depot. The charming building was originally built in 1892, and served as the city’s depot into the early 1960’s. We worked with the team to bring the depot back to its formal glory, and now the depot is once again part of a system connecting Livermore to the greater Bay Area. The project was recently awarded the 2019 Governor’s Historic Preservation Award. The award noted “The Livermore Railroad Depot project is an outsanding example of historic preservation efforts on behalf of California’s heritage”.
MSLA Named Master Landscape Architect for the City of San Jose
MSLA named one of four landscape architecture firms for the city of San Jose. Master Landscape architect. We look forward to collaborating with this evolving city in the development of its public spaces. Stay tuned!
Ohlone College Ribbon Cutting
The new Academic Core at Ohlone College, designed with Cannon Architects, is now open to the public. The ribbon cutting event mid-January officially welcomed students, professors and visitors to their new space. Composed of grand staircases, terraces, belvederes, and native plantings-the new design links together the new Science Building, Art Center and Library to create a new heart for campus. The simple and sustainable landscape design provide equal access throughout the steeply sloped site while creating places for dining, study and play.
Construction Highlights
Heartwood - Omaha, Nebraska
We are excited to see our project, Heartwood Preserve Development, come to fruition. With the support and close collaboration with Applied Underwriters Insurance Company (AUI), Studios Architecture, HBA and the City of Omaha, construction of the 500-acre project began in the spring of 2019. As part of a larger urban development project, the development plan includes the corporate headquarters for AUI, an urban commercial district with housing, and extensive park lands.
Set amongst native prairie and woodlands, the project has been formed by nearly five miles of greenway corridors, providing the community with a range of spatial experiences. And perhaps most importantly, a series of sculpted earthen basins or monumental art works capture storm water and mitigate peak runoff flows. Protecting Omaha against future flooding events, the greenways restore native habitat and provide a timeless respite for contemplation and recreation.
Upcoming Events
“The Shape of Land” Aesthetics & Utility” Symposium
MSLA’s founder, David Meyer, will be discussing his approach to topography at UC Berkeley’s Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning Symposium: “The Shape of the Land: Aesthetics & Utility.” Joining him on the weekend of March 7th and 8th will be eleven other distinguished practitioners and intellectuals from around the world.
Read more about the event here.
These Lines Are Living: Place Based Dances For Changing Shores
“The shore is shifting - this project is an art and science collaboration into what was, what is, and what is coming. Come explore the land at the Marin Headlands through various timescales and cultural lenses. This project intersects performance, climate adaptation strategies, creative cartographies, and participation.”
Our newest employee, Sofia Nikolaidou is collaborating with Fog Beast for an inspirational art event which includes dance, song, visual and media arts. The dance based live art organization is the current artist-in-residence at the Headlands Center for the Arts. Sofia will be contributing prints and drawings which align with the concept of the evolving shoreline. Her drawings will be viewable in the gallery from January 26th to March 8th. The dance performance will take place the weekend of March 7th and 8th.
To see the show or to support the dance company, click here.
