Platt Whitelaw Architects

06/16/2026

The new East Region Crisis Stabilization Unit just received LEED GOLD certification! Located in the heart of El Cajon, ERCSU is a care resource for those experiencing a behavioral health crisis. PWA designed this vital care center using a host of architecture-for-wellness strategies, but also for sustainability and for long lasting durability. Congratulations to all who worked to make this happen! Thank you to Bob Ruiter at the County of San Diego - Government, Balfour Beatty, Stok, Nasland, AARK, KTUA Planning and Landscape Architecture, Turpin & Rattan Engineering, Inc., Tanner Engineering and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Photos by Pablo Mason Photography AIAP.

06/11/2026

If you frequent Point Loma, you’re probably familiar with Voltaire Court. It’s a distinctive-looking mixed-use property adjacent to Point Loma High School. Our friend Steve Nasland flagged its property listing for us (by Marcus & Millichap’s The Totah Group) touting Voltaire Court’s notable design by one of San Diego’s “most celebrated architects,” Robert J. Platt, AIA, FAIA. Indeed, Robert helped define San Diego’s mid-century modern style in his time, making this property perfect for our 70th anniversary retrospective series.

And if you’re in the market for a period-defining work of architecture, talk to our new friends at the Totah Group. Special thank you to Ross Sanchez and Nick M. Totah for allowing us to showcase this amazing building.

06/10/2026

Architecture can do more than provide shelter—it can support healing, dignity and human connection.

In our latest blog, we explore the emerging concept of civic wellness care and how thoughtful design helps communities serve their most vulnerable residents through behavioral health facilities, substance-use treatment centers, homeless shelters, safe sleeping sites and community resource centers.

From creating therapeutic environments inspired by nature to designing spaces that balance safety, durability and compassion, mission-driven architecture can play a meaningful role in improving lives.

Read the full article: https://plattwhitelaw.com/designing-civic-wellness-care-spaces-for-dignity-safety-and-healing/



Renderings and Photography:
SURTS Renderings: Platt Whitelaw Architects
Oceanside Crisis Stabilization Unit: Bill Robinson Photography
Lemon Grove Live Well Center: Mike Torrey Photography
Crash House: Platt Whitelaw Architects
East Region Crisis Stabilization Unit: Pablo Mason Photography AIAP
Mid-City Juvenile Crisis Center: Bill Robinson Photography

Learn how thoughtful civic wellness care design supports dignity, safety and healing in behavioral health, housing and community service facilities.

06/04/2026

What better way to start the day than a team breakfast at Crust Kitchen in Mission Valley? This morning was a great reminder that some of the best ideas and strongest relationships are built around a table. Great food, strong coffee, laughter, and time together made for a fantastic start to the day. Strong teams are built on strong relationships—and sharing a meal is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to connect!

Photos clockwise: Dave Madigan, Naveen Waney, Michelle MacDonnell, Randy Biegenzahn, Emad Abdulwajid, Peter Soutowood, Rick Strickland, Michelle Waney and Melissa Fraser.

05/28/2026

Congratulations to Naveen Waney, for being recognized as one of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Leaders of Influence 2026! With more than 40 years of experience in Southern California architecture, Naveen has made a lasting impact as an award-winning designer, an ACE mentor guiding future generations, a former Chair of the Clairemont Community Planning Group (CCPG), and a dedicated contributor to the San Diego Blood Bank.

This honor is a reflection of both his professional commitment to excellence and his continued dedication to the community. Thank you to the San Diego Business Journal for highlighting such deserving leaders, and congrats to all the honorees. Subscribers can read the full article here: https://www.sdbj.com/issues/leaders-of-influence/aapi-leaders-2026/

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05/26/2026

Lee Platt designed this La Jolla home in 1986 for a luxury car dealership executive and his family. While our firm has long been known for public architecture, single- and multi-family residential design comprised a significant part of Robert Platt’s practice in the 1950s and 60s, and when he took over the firm, his son Lee continued to accept the occasional residential project.

05/21/2026

The last progress report before the grand opening at Mira Mesa Community Park!

Big strides across the site—construction progress continues, with crews actively installing irrigation, landscaping, playground surfacing, sports lighting controls, bleachers, and improvements at the aquatic complex and recreation center.

Recent milestones include new sod at Ballfields 3 and 4, installation of trash enclosure gates, perimeter fencing around the ballfields, and concrete placement at the public artwork structure. It’s exciting to see the project continue taking shape week by week!

All of this is made possible through our outstanding project partners! Thank you to City of San Diego; Landscape Architect: Schmidt Design Group; Structural: Aark Engineering; Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing & Technical: Turpin & Rattan Engineering, Inc.; Aquatic: Aquatic Design Group; Geotechnical: Ninyo & Moore, A Socotec Company. Additional thanks go to PCL Construction company, (General Contractor), and Richard Brady & Associates, Inc. (Construction Management - WHB Engineers). You all are the best team! Thank you.

05/19/2026

We’re celebrating Rick Strickland’s 12-year work anniversary! 👏 His steady dedication, thoughtful leadership, and commitment to helping PWA thrive have played an important role in our continued growth and success. We’re grateful for his contributions and look forward to many more years of collaboration. Congratulations Rick, on 12 remarkable years with the team!

05/12/2026

We can't wait!!!

05/07/2026

Congratulations to new staff member Michelle MacDonnell on earning her California Architect’s license! Originally licensed in Utah in 2019, Michelle recently relocated to California and successfully completed the state licensing process. What an incredible achievement — we’re proud to celebrate this exciting milestone with her. Way to go, Michelle!