AC Martin Inc.

06/19/2026

This Pride Month, we're exploring the intersection of design, community, and the LGBTQ+ experience within the built environment.

Today, we are highlighting organizations and events that support LGBTQ+ professionals across the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. Groups such as Build Out Alliance, BuildIT, and Out Professionals provide opportunities for mentorship, networking, leadership development, and advocacy—helping create a more connected and welcoming profession.

Through the remainder of June, we'll also spotlight LGBTQ+ architects and designers who have shaped the built environment, explore films that connect design and identity, and discuss how inclusive design can foster belonging and strengthen communities.

We encourage our colleagues and industry partners to learn more about these organizations, attend local events, and celebrate the diverse voices that continue to enrich our profession.

Check out our website for more information on these organizations and events. https://www.acmartin.com/story/designing-belonging-pride-2026

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06/11/2026

As our team gathers in San Diego this week for the The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Conference on Architecture & Design, we're highlighting one of our recent projects in the city: The Monroe in North Park, designed for Streamline Development Group.

Completed in 2025, The Monroe is a LEED Platinum, eight-story multifamily community that brings 137 new homes—including affordable housing opportunities—to one of San Diego’s most vibrant, walkable neighborhoods. Designed to maximize a compact urban site, the project incorporates an innovative automated parking system while creating an active street presence through contemporary architecture, thoughtfully designed amenity spaces, and a strong connection to the surrounding community.

Projects like The Monroe reflect our commitment to creating housing that supports sustainable growth, strengthens neighborhoods, and enhances the urban experience.

If you're attending AIA this week, we'd love to connect and talk about the future of housing, mixed-use development, and design throughout California.

More about The Monroe: https://www.acmartin.com/portfolio/monroe

06/10/2026

Libraries can facilitate mentorship across generations. From coding bootcamps where teens support older adults to traditional craft workshops where roles reverse—these exchanges combat age-based social isolation while honoring the expertise that every generation brings.

To ensure these intergenerational programs succeed architecturally, not just programmatically, we incorporate intentional spatial design with varied seating heights, acoustic considerations for different hearing needs, and technology interfaces for varying comfort levels.

Learn more about how leading libraries foster opportunities for intergenerational connection—check out our white paper, LIBRARIES OF THE FUTURE: BEYOND THE STACKS: https://www.acmartin.com/research/white-paper/libraries-future-beyond-stacks

06/03/2026

𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴.

The County of Los Angeles MLK Youth Center was designed as a welcoming, trauma-informed environment for youth transitioning out of the foster care system. More than a service center, the 9,000-square-foot facility provides access to healthcare, counseling, and daily living resources within a space intentionally designed to feel safe, supportive, and non-institutional.

Natural light, mass timber, flexible gathering spaces, and quiet areas work together to create an atmosphere of comfort and connection. At the heart of the building, a double-height living room and social stair encourage interaction and engagement, while sheltered outdoor spaces offer moments of restoration and reflection.

We are proud to have partnered with Los Angeles County on a project that demonstrates how thoughtful design can help foster trust, support well-being, and create opportunities for young people to thrive.

Read more about this project: https://www.acmartin.com/portfolio/county-los-angeles-mlk-youth-center

05/28/2026

Future-ready libraries are built on a foundation of user experience that specifically addresses the convergent challenges of loneliness, neurodiversity, and intergenerational disconnection. Beyond basic accessibility, they create environments where everyone feels welcomed and empowered across neurotype or age. This can be achieved by incorporating neuro-inclusive design elements such as sensory gradients throughout the library where space transitions from high-energy collaborative areas to calm, low-stimulation zones. Intergenerational programming integration creates shared learning spaces where different generations naturally exchange knowledge—from makerspaces where teens can teach older adults technology to storytelling areas where wisdom flows in multiple directions.

Check out LIBRARIES OF THE FUTURE: BEYOND THE STACKS, our white paper on the evolving role of public libraries: https://www.acmartin.com/research/white-paper/libraries-future-beyond-stacks

05/21/2026

Libraries serve as civic anchors and platforms for cultural and civic engagement. In increasingly diverse communities, libraries serve as vital cultural commons—spaces where multiple heritages are celebrated and meaningful dialogue around pressing social and community issues is fostered. As accessible and trusted institutions, libraries provide neutral ground for collective engagement, offering voter education sessions, public forums, and exhibits that encourage informed participation. By curating local stories and hosting conversations that bridge global perspectives with community experiences, libraries play a pivotal role in strengthening social cohesion, rebuilding civic trust, and fostering mutual understanding. An essential aspect of this work is creating spaces that reflect the values and aspirations of the communities they serve.
Learn more about the role of libraries as civic anchors in our recent white paper "LIBRARIES OF THE FUTURE: BEYOND THE STACKS" https://www.acmartin.com/.../libraries-future-beyond-stacks See less

05/20/2026

Congratulations to the California Department of General Services + Turner Construction Company + AC Martin + HGA team for winning the DBIA WPR Design Build Innovation Award for the Resources Building Renovation in Sacramento for the State of California.

Read More: https://www.acmartin.com/portfolio/resources-building-renovation

05/20/2026

Congratulations to the San Diego State University + Sundt Construction + AC Martin team for winning the DBIA Western Pacific Region Design Build Award of Distinction for the Sciences & Engineering Laboratories SDSU Imperial Valley, Brawley.
Read More - https://www.acmartin.com/portfolio/sciences-and-engineering-laboratories-sdsu-imperial-valley-brawley

05/01/2026

04/15/2026

This Earth Month, we are featuring AC Martin-designed sustainable projects. The Zero Net Energy Behavioral and Social Sciences Building at Chico State is a 94,000-GSF sustainable, student-centered academic hub. From project inception, Zero Net Energy was a guiding requirement—realized through a 27,000-SF rooftop photovoltaic array, high-performance glazing, a dedicated outdoor air system, and an efficient envelope that reduces heat gain and energy use. Material choices reflect Chico State’s vernacular and sustainability goals: traditional campus brick is paired with durable, low-maintenance wood-look cladding made from rice husks. The design maximizes solar orientation, respects Chico Creek setbacks, and integrates fire access considerations, all while fostering health and wellness through biophilic design and visual connections to the tree canopy. As a model of resilient, high-performance design, the Behavioral and Social Sciences Building embodies Chico State’s commitment to sustainability, equity, and student success—serving as both a functional academic resource and an inspiring symbol of environmental stewardship.

More about the project: https://www.acmartin.com/portfolio/behavioral-and-social-sciences-building-chico-state-university