Industry Veteran Will Focus on Growing the Studio and Expanding Work in Higher Education and Commercial Markets
(Irvine, Calif.) February 6, 2020 – Integrated design firm LPA Design Studios has promoted Associate Julian Watt to the role of Studio Director for the firm’s Sacramento studio. In his new position, Watt will lead efforts to expand the studio’s work in higher education and commercial markets, in addition to the firm’s established K-12 and civic work.
Watt joined the Sacramento studio in 2018 and has already developed strong ties to the Sacramento community. He replaces Kevin Sullivan, who retired at the end of 2019 after 20 years with LPA.
“The growing reinvestment in Northern California and the redevelopment of downtown Sacramento are exciting opportunities for an integrated firm with new ideas,” Watt said. “We’ve developed a highly talented team here to support this vision.”
Watt brings 20 years of architectural design experience to his new post, primarily in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. His design work spans education, civic, corporate and transportation projects, using a wide variety of delivery methods, giving him a unique perspective on the best approaches to developing new facilities.
Watt’s notable Sacramento projects include the redevelopment of 660 J Street in downtown, which is on target to complete at the end of the year. WeWork will occupy more than 96,000-square-feet in the redesigned building, the single biggest office lease in 2019. He is also working on the design of the new Natomas Center Expansion for American River College and the replacement of Glenn Hall at CSU Chico.
In his new role, Watt will also support Director of Healthcare Muhsin Lihony on initiatives to expand LPA’s healthcare practice.
“Julian’s experience and leadership abilities make him a great fit for our Sacramento studio,” said Wendy Rogers, LPA CEO. “We know Julian is going to play an important role in helping to shape the future of the region.”
The Sacramento studio’s staff has nearly tripled since 2018, as the firm continued to grow the number of projects in the region. In 2015 the studio moved into expanded LEED-Gold CI-certified offices in a 1920s-era building in downtown Sacramento, two blocks from Golden 1 Center.
“It’s inspiring to see the level of talent we’re able to bring to a project and really leverage the integrated nature of LPA,” Watt said. “It’s exciting to be part of the growth of Sacramento and the region.”
About LPA
Founded in 1965, LPA specializes in creating innovative environments that work better, do more with less and improve people’s lives. An integrated design firm with six studios in California and Texas, LPA’s team includes more than 425 in-house architects, master planners, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects and research analysts, working across a wide array of sectors. For more information, visit http://www.lpadesignstudios.com.
