LEED-Certified and LEED-Equivalent Projects

Completed in 1992, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is home to more than 60 different habitats, ranging from cold to tropical waters. To provide a more interactive guest experience, increase event space, and better facilitate Birch’s husbandry arts, conservation, and breeding programs, the project updated the aquarium’s interior and exterior facilities.

In order for the aquarium to remain open throughout the work, the project will utilize a phased approach. This phase constructed a new Living Seas gallery to replace the aquarium’s Hall of Fishes. Living Seas features expanded viewing windows and immersive habitats. The experience guides guests from the cool waters of the Pacific Northwest to the vibrant reefs and mangroves of the Tropical Pacific.

Project Details

• Project Manager: Kacy Wander
• Executive Design Professional: Architects Hanna Gabriel Wells
• Contractor: Rudolph and Sletten
• Completed: Spring 2025
• Location: Scripps Institution of Oceanography

LEED Scorecard

Project rendering

This beautifully designed dining facility is the cornerstone of The Eleanore Roosevelt College community. In 2021, the addition of Seventh College to the north increased the surrounding community with additional undergraduate students. Another driving factor of this renovation was to represent all students, celebrate diversity and embrace culture with unique food offerings, including Black Diaspora.

Additional features include a full-service coffee house within the current dining room. This new espresso bar offers a full coffee menu, pastries and some retail packaged products. Upgraded seating throughout this space with an eclectic mix of materials, finishes and style, along with upgrades to the interior lighting system with energy-efficient LEDs are also considered.

Exterior improvements included creating a visually appealing path on the south side of the building leading from the street to the main entrance, introducing a new connection from Seventh College to the north. Improvements and enhancements to the outdoor patio/amphitheater seating areas with fun and comfortable furniture and a mix-use of materials was included in the design.

Project Details

• Project Manager: Keith Whaley
• Executive Design Professional: Hanna Gabriel Wells (HGW)
• Contractor: Suffolk Construction
• Completed: Fall 2023
• Location: Eleanor Roosevelt College

LEED Scorecard

Sustainable Features

• Construction waste recycling
• Natural ventilation utilized throughout a majority of the building
• Specialized glazing to reduce heat gain within the building
• Natural lighting concept implemented
• Landscaping designed to capture and use storm water in lieu of flowing off site

Project Details

• Project Manager: John Sturla
• Architect: Safdie Rabines Architects
• Contractor: Jaynes Corporation
• Completed: 2009

LEED Scorecard (PDF)