Global architecture, interiors and branding leader Carrier Johnson + CULTURE has announced the promotion of Claudia Escala, RA, LEED-AP, to serve as principal with the firm. The promotion comes after 18-plus years of Escala working in the design field as an architect, primarily focused on high-end multi-family and urban mixed-use projects, and after four highly successful years as a project manager and project architect with the firm.            

A resident of San Diego's East Village neighborhood, Escala's already prolific career has had a significant influence on the recent evolution of the Downtown San Diego skyline, having worked on project development and design for a number of new downtown landmarks.

"Claudia's talents for design and project delivery are matched only by her commitments to sustainable building and to responsible and inspiring development for our city," says Michael Johnson, founding principal of Carrier Johnson + CULTURE. "We are pleased and proud to announce that she will be taking on a leadership role as principal with the firm."

A native of Peru, Escala completed her undergraduate work in architecture at Universidad Ricardo Palma in Lima, then went on to pursue a Master of Architecture in her post-graduate work at University of California-San Diego. Escala, now a registered architect in California, went on to begin her career in design and project management focused primarily on multi-family and mixed-use projects. Career highlights include:

• Ballpark Village: a seven-acre mixed-use development located adjacent to Petco Park and consisting of a 35-story residential tower and three six-story residential buildings, plus more than 52,000 square-feet of retail and parking;
• Totem Lake Upper Mall, a mixed-use development in Kirkland, Wash., totaling 700 residential units and 45,000 square-feet of restaurant and retail space, plus commensurate parking;
• Airborne America, a 24,000-square-foot indoor skydiving facility in San Diego; and
• SEMPRA Energy Corporate Headquarters, also adjacent to Petco Park, a just-opened 400,000-square-foot world-class office tower, with plaza and parking structure.

 
Escala moved from the suburbs to San Diego's East Village in 2005 with her husband and two children, to become involved in the emerging multifamily housing boom. Escala has since become a passionate advocate for families like hers who want to live and raise children in the city. An active member of the Downtown Community Planning Council, Escala works in and for her community to improve school quality among other aspects of life in San Diego.

A LEED-accredited professional, Escala also considers environmentally sustainable design to be a priority in her work. This view is shared by her colleagues and fellow principals at Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, which is recognized globally for inspiring sustainable buildings and interiors.

"I'm proud and honored to be offered a leadership role with Carrier Johnson + CULTURE," remarks Escala. "I look forward to the opportunities this role affords, to work with innovative architects and with the greater San Diego community to make a brighter, more beautiful future for our city."