TCA Architects

MERCURY

TCA Architect - Nov 15, 2016

Constructed in 1963, the former headquarters of the Getty Oil Company was originally designed by renowned architect Claud Beelman and is considered one of the city’s finest expressions of mid-century modern architecture. In 2007, TCA converted Mercury from office space into 238 condominiums with 10 distinctive floor plans ranging from 740 to 1,500 square feet. The major design challenge was the unusual dimension of the units (18’ wide by 52’ deep). The solution was to place the bathrooms and walk-in closets) to the deepest portion of the unit and reserve the natural light for the open common areas. In the deepest units, the entry door was embedded nearly midway into the dwelling, which helped mitigate the perceived depth of the space. The rooftop was transformed into an urban oasis with the addition of a pool, indoor-outdoor fitness facility, and expansive lawn for residents to enjoy 360 degree views of Los Angeles. Across the street, the Metro Red Line subway station connects to Pasadena, Long Beach, Hollywood, Universal City, and many downtown destinations including Staples Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall and world-class restaurants.

LA JOLLA HOTEL

TCA Architect - Nov 15, 2016

This six story hotel concept is positioned in the urban design/lifestyle segment and is conceived as a contemporary, simple yet elegant Southern California-inspired design that appeals to business and leisure travelers. Created with an urban vibe, the active bar lounge scene and convenient stylish meeting and gathering spaces are up–to-date with the latest trends and functionality to satisfy all the needs of today’s travelers. The hotel forms are composed to relate to the context of the retail center and to take advantage of the solar orientation and the La Jolla climate, establishing an intrinsic connection with the local area of San Diego. The building orientation will enable a convenient auto drop-off and self-parking as well as easy pedestrian-friendly access to the nearby retail services and food and beverage venues. A 4,000 square foot restaurant is located on the ground floor with alfresco dining, providing an active and inviting face to the commercial center, especially during the evening hours. The hotel lobby and lounge are open spaces with a clean aesthetic and infused with a local connection via arts and music enabling ease of circulation and a flexible flow for breakfast, informal events and business meetings. The guestroom plan serves 150 rooms complimented with an elevated pool deck, a high-tech second level fitness center and state-of-the-art business center amenities.

BLOCK 8

TCA Architect - Nov 13, 2016

TCA designed and constructed Block 8 – a master plan of 4 individual parcels that seek to restore the urban fabric, life, and vitality of six acres of underused, dilapidated parking lots at the edge of Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo neighborhood. Sakura Crossing (Parcel C) completed construction in 2009 and AVA Little Tokyo (A & B) recently completed construction in 2015. Wakaba (Parcel D) is developed by Sares-Regis Group and upon it’s completion in 2016, the development will provide a total of 750 apartments for a variety of incomes and over 40,000 square feet of retail space. New residents, restaurants, and retail will help link the Little Tokyo area to the energy from the emerging downtown area. Over 650 spaces of public parking will also be included to help support the new and existing retail in the neighborhood. Adjacent to Block 8 is a public library as well as the historic St. Vibiana’s cathedral, recently restored as a performing arts venue. The Japanese American Cultural Community Center, is located to the east and consists of a theatre, a garden, a public plaza, and the World War II memorial—a site of significance to maturing Japanese-Americans.

1100 WILSHIRE

TCA Architect - Oct 10, 2016

The 22-story triangular spire in Los Angeles sat virtually vacant for nearly 20 years before a trio of developers bought it in 2004. Previously comprised of office suites, TCA converted the building into 228 high-end condominiums totaling 260,000 square feet of residential living space. Floor plans range from 788 to 3,466 square feet of one and two bedroom floor plans or two-story loft-style penthouses. The major challenge was rerouting the plumbing systems as the entire 37 stories of the building needed to be re-cored to accommodate each unit.

Halla Vivaldi II

TCA Architect - Oct 09, 2016

TCA Architects worked hand in hand with the leadership of Halla and their Korean architect to not only re-design their high rises, but really transform the way the Korean culture views multifamily housing. The international collaboration explored new ways of land planning and building orientation to maximum light, air, and river views. The unique green spaces and gardens between buildings were a main focus and were given extra attention so that they were visually interesting from above and at ground level in Icheon, Chungla, Korea.

HALLA VIVALDI I

TCA Architect - Oct 09, 2016

Looking to update their portfolio with an exceptional design, creativity and thought process, Halla commissioned TCA Architects to design one of their high-rise residential complexes in Paju Gyeonggi, Korea. The buildings were overwhelmingly successful and won a national award. As a result, TCA has begun to participate in the Korean market with several consecutive projects, which are located in Kimpo, Incheon and Yongin.

HYATT REGENCY LA JOLLA

TCA Architect - Jan 15, 2016

Inspired by the natural beauty and surf culture of the California coast, the renovation for the Hyatt Regency La Jolla’s restaurant and public spaces is a fresh, modern approach to the interior design. Vibrant colors paired with calming, neutral tones provide a look unique to California; it exudes the casual and cool ambiance often associated with the region. The bar and dining coexist in an inclusive space that allows for flexibility in use and efficiency in service. The restaurant transforms fluidly from day to night, creating a dynamic space that serves guests needs.

SAN JOSE TRIBUTE

TCA Architect - Jan 07, 2016

In the city of San Jose a new 280 key hotel tower is planned for the property immediately adjacent to the former Montgomery Hotel, now operating as a Four Points by Sheraton hotel – a Starwood brand. The Montgomery, built in 1911, in the Italianate Commercial style, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The designers were challenged to integrate the hotel functions with the new tower while preserving and enhancing the historic value of the existing building. The new tower will rise adjacent to the historic building, defining a tall slender atrium space, and then cantilever out over the historic structure beginning on the 7th level. The new hotel is expressed in a modern style with floor to ceiling curtainwall glazing. A rooftop pool terrace, events pavilion and fitness club compliments the hotel program.

Community College Affordable Student Housing

tcaeditor - May 10, 2000

The proposed four-story student housing community delivers 63 apartment-style units totaling 158 beds. The unit mix includes studios and two-bedroom suites, each fully furnished with a private bathroom and kitchenette to support convenient, affordable living. At the heart of the project, a ground-level common living room and kitchen open directly to an outdoor courtyard, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor gathering space. Additional shared amenities include study areas for individual and group work, a community laundry room, and convenient vending. Administrative offices are located adjacent to the main entry, alongside flexible spaces for counseling and student services. The design draws from the campus architectural language through a complementary brick material palette, with integrated campus branding to reinforce identity and place.