Global Firm HDR Bolsters Architectural Design Services in San Diego
HDR is expanding its presence in Southern California, establishing an architecture studio in San Diego, following the firm’s award-winning design success in Los Angeles and San Francisco. As demand for biotechnology, life sciences and healthcare facilities increases in the region, this strategic growth of the architecture practice — top-ranked for healthcare and science in industry surveys — complements the company’s recognized water and engineering practices in Southern California.
Valerie DeLoach, education & science associate principal, leads HDR’s San Diego architecture studio. She brings experience designing healthcare and education facilities, laboratories, public works buildings and urban parks for clients invested in cutting-edge research, patient-centered care and energy-efficient operations. Active in San Diego’s local design and business communities, DeLoach is a member of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce LEAD Influence cohort. Joining her is Michael Street, senior health planning principal, who is returning to San Diego to support the firm’s healthcare design practice.
Usman Tariq, HDR’s West region director of architecture, said the new practice is a direct result of the need for technical and creative design expertise in health and science facilities. “As an integrated firm committed to supporting local communities and global clients, HDR’s design approach, diverse expertise and project leadership will enrich environments for academic and scientific research, healthcare, community-oriented development and more,” he said.
From its location in Los Angeles, HDR’s architectural services have provided decades of award-winning work in Southern California. These projects include: a three-phase masterplan and replacement hospital for Sharp HealthCare in San Diego; a design showroom-turned-laboratory in the iconic Pacific Design Center; Marina Del Rey Hospital for Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles; and a net-zero energy office complex for the Orange County Sanitation District’s new administrative headquarters.
The company's San Diego engineering team has been designing and planning infrastructure throughout the area for the past 30 years. The work has included program management services on the Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project, extending the Metropolitan Transit System Trolley; and program management and engineering design services for the City of San Diego’s Think Blue Infrastructure stormwater program.
About HDR
For over a century, HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our expertise spans more than 11,000 employees in more than 200 locations around the world — and counting. Our engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services bring an impressive breadth of knowledge to every project. Our optimistic approach to finding innovative solutions defined our past and drives our future.
