Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine McCullough.
A graduate of the marketing program at Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, Catherine joined husband David at McCullough Landscape Architecture in 2001. Prior to joining McCullough, Catherine was Marketing Director for the Westfield Corporation’s San Diego super-regional shopping center, UTC. This is where she utilized her skills in branding, promotions/public relations, and project management. In 2002, Catherine became President and Chief Executive Officer of McCullough, allowing the firm to become a woman-owned, Small Business Enterprise (SBE) by the State of California.
With expertise in many market sectors, McCullough’s project list expands into hospitality, retail and entertainment, as well as mixed-use, education, corporate, and institutional properties. Designing from their studio-style office in the up and coming Makers Quarter of downtown San Diego’s I.D.E.A. District, the firm’s capabilities stretch across the globe with a concentration on the state of California.
Has it been a smooth road?
In the beginning, it wasn’t easy to juggle running and growing a business with two small children. As the children grew and became more independent, the more time I was given to work on the business. Of course, like many, we struggled through the Great Recession, but we learned to diversify our market sectors we work in and manage our finances that much more closely.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the McCullough Landscape Architecture story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a family business – plain and simple. We operate as a collaborative group and are tight-nit, like a family. As my husband, David and I prioritize our own family, the employees of McCullough are a very important aspect of the business.
Our mission and vision statement sums up what we do and the reason for it. We are very passionate about the following:
McCullough Landscape Architecture is a group of curious dreamers influencing space by a mindful practice that merges context and creative passion with grit, soul and style. We believe each landscape unveils a unique narrative that embodies creativity, diversity, discovery and conservation. We serve our users with designs rooted in empathy, community and the human spirit engaged in nature.
We strive to work with the developer/owner early in the process to help bring the unique story of their property come to life.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think in response to COVID-19, we will see a shift to an emphasis on the outdoor space – whether it be in a public or community setting; or front or back yards. The amount of this space and the amenities chosen are of utmost importance as the Work From Home movement has gained momentum and the need for an escape from confinement is now greater. How we look at public space will evolve as we move from this pandemic. We’ve learned some lessons about personal space in public settings, along with the amount of contact surfaces and the ability to clean them.
Contact Info:
- Address: 703 16th Street, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92101
Northern CA Office:
41041 Trimboli Way, #6007
Fremont, CA 94538 - Website: mlasd.com
- Phone: 619.296.3150
- Email: info@mlasd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcculloughlandarch/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcculloughlandarch
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MLASD
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mccullough-landscape-architecture-san-diego
Image Credit:
David McCullough, ASLA, PLA
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