Working With Concrete Architecture
Sometimes we look to the past as we move forward. A well-documented process of previous work before, during, and after completion, is essential to our planning. We draw on the incremental forensic approach that was required of our team during the lengthy restoration of the mid-century historic Park Prospect Building in La Jolla.
We turn to challenging and demanding examples of cast-in-place concrete and materials used on previous projects. We call on our past and present community of master tradespeople and creative minds to get their insight and knowledge. We discuss and dissect how we approached the challenges that others shied away from and how we found solutions without compromise to form or function.
Women in Construction
As a part woman-owned construction firm, we truly couldn’t function without the women of West Coast GBC! They are integral part of our success and have carved out a respected reputation that we hope will inspire more girls and women to enter into construction as well.
Increasing the participation of women in construction brings diverse perspectives, critical skills, and talent to the table. It also stands to reason that creating more pathways for women would have a significant impact on the skilled labor shortage crisis.
Summer Highlight: World Records, Wheelchairs, And Running Shoes.
We are extremely proud of the work that happens on our job sites but it’s no secret that we are just as proud of the work and accomplishments that happen outside of hours.
While people were on vacation and enjoying the beach weather, one of our close partners, Sean McQuaid was in Duluth, Minnesota pushing his teammate Riley Pathman across the finish line at the Grandma’s Marathon, smashing the world record for the fastest marathon pushing a wheelchair!
A Well-Built Burger
Here in Southern California, PIRCH is synonymous with high-end brands and their San Diego location is arguably the place to shop for luxury home products and appliances. The experiential showroom boasts an impressive range of full lifestyle vignettes, thoughtfully curated in meticulous detail and crafted in such a way as to inspire and excite.
The expert team at PIRCH are a welcoming and gracious group that we have gotten to know well over the years through our go-to sales consultant, Freddy Dietvorst. Always ready to go above and beyond, Freddy recently pitched the idea of PIRCH hosting a West Coast GBC vs. Luce et Studio cookoff at the showroom. PIRCH regularly hosts corporate events, cooking demonstrations, and their in-house chefs entertain customers daily but a burger show-down between architects and builders was a first, and we were all in!
Construction Management And The Triple Constraint
There are three primary factors or “constraints” to every construction project: 1. Time 2. Cost 3. Scope
These factors are fairly obvious on the surface; it’s how your contractor defines each one and in turn, manages them that makes all the difference when it comes to effectively solving problems and maintaining good working relationships. How a project leader determines what to do should be informed by a mixture of career experience and a thorough understanding of the client and the project intent.
Cheers To 20 Years!
This year is a big one for West Coast GBC, we are celebrating twenty years of tireless passion and commitment to building fine architecture and community!
These last twenty years have been an incredibly fulfilling and prosperous journey for Beth and Parker and our team. We have experienced significant growth, moments of economic uncertainty, changes in our team, and not to mention changes in the world! We have had some big achievements and we have experienced instrumental moments of humility that ultimately energized us to get to where we were determined to be.
Architect, Jennifer Luce Talks Windows.
Jennifer Luce has an almost poetic way of speaking about windows that can inspire a love for sweeping panes of beautifully cut glass and hand-crafted joinery in even the most shadow-loving of people. Our team has had the distinct pleasure of knowing and working with Jennifer for many years. As we move into the initial building phase of a significant private residence project designed by Jennifer and Luce et Studios, we sat down and talked with her about one of the most important features of not only this property but architecture as a whole, windows.
A Life Of Love And Landscapes: Remembering Greg Hebert
Greg was a partner and a pillar for West Coast since our early days and for over two decades, we consider ourselves lucky to have worked with him on some of our most distinguished and memorable projects.
Greg embodied so much of what makes us love what we do; the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with great people who possess so much creativity, passion, and love for their craft.
Bruce Dunn Of Mission Pools On Serving The Community
We work almost exclusively with Mission Pools, one of California’s oldest and most reputable pool companies, and over the last 20 years have forged a strong relationship with Bruce Dunn, the owner.
Renovating The Historic Russell Forester Building in La Jolla.
San Diego is home to some exceptional examples of mid-century architecture. Our team has had the privilege of working on properties designed by Thomas Shepherd, Homer Delawie, Sim Bruce Richards, and Russell Forester, to name a few.
When we were selected as the general contractor to perform the first major structural inspections and repair work to the Russell Forester Building
Getting To Know Your Materials: Corten Steel
Corten is a beautiful building material that is featured in several of the homes that West Coast General Building Contractors have built and renovated. The signature mark of Corten steel is the protective oxide patina that gives it its rich brown color and prevents it from corrosion. From La Jolla to Rancho Santa Fe it aesthetically lends itself just as easily to modern architecture as it does to Spanish-style homes with its earthy hues that complement stucco and terracotta and lush landscapes as well.
Bret Belyea On Why Landscape Architecture & Who You Work With Is Essential To A Successful Project.
The landscaping component of your project is intrinsically tied to the architectural design, construction, and even interior design of your property. It is one of the best opportunities to elevate and tie together all of the design elements and functionality of a truly distinguished home.
Wrestling With Purpose
Many people know Beth Piner as a backbone of operations, planning, and pretty much everything in-between at West Coast GBC. But one of the lesser-known and unexpected hats that she wears is “Coach Beth”, the first female head wrestling coach in San Diego County.
Healthy Gutters, Healthy Home.
When you move into your new property, it is a well-deserved time to settle in and enjoy your new home. One of the ways that we support our clients is by taking the guesswork out of maintaining their property going forward.
Insurance & Your Construction Project
Insurance may not be an interesting or fun part of your future project, but it is an essential component for providing peace of mind and protection. As a general contractor that places an emphasis on providing a boutique experience for our clients, an integral part of our approach is identifying and alleviating the perceived stressful aspects of the construction process.
Toys For Joy
This past weekend our team at West Coast GBC helped to safely hand out thousands of toys, groceries, and a good dose of much needed joy to over 900 families from throughout the county at the annual Toys for Joy event hosted this year at Mesa College.