Grimshaw and Little appointed to design landmark arts complex

Grimshaw and Little Diversified Architectural Consulting (Little) are pleased to announce the successful proposal of a new arts complex for Santa Monica College (SMC) in Santa Monica, California. The new complex signifies the opportunity to create an iconic landmark building along Pico Boulevard that will celebrate and bolster the reputation of Santa Monica College’s Art Department as ‘one of the best foundational art programs in California.’ Fostering human connection and inspiring opportunities for a diverse student body, the building will send a welcoming message of inclusivity that will make a positive contribution to the culture of the SMC campus and the broader Santa Monica community.

SMC offers an Associate Degree in Art, as well as Associate in Arts for Transfer degrees in Studio Arts and Art History. The college’s graduates are recruited and given scholarships by the best art and art history programs in the country including: UCLA, Berkeley, California Institute of the Arts, Art Center College of Art and Design, San Francisco Art Institute, the Chicago Art Institute, & Rhode Island College of Art and Design.

Andrew Byrne, partner in charge of the Grimshaw Los Angeles studio states, “We are honored to be selected to deliver a new arts complex for Santa Monica College. This is an amazing opportunity to build upon and expand the reach of such a highly regarded arts institution. We share SMC’s ambitions to create a flexible, adaptable community-minded space that facilitates collaboration and most importantly, makes people feel inspired and welcome.” Grimshaw, appointed by Santa Monica College as lead architect and designer, and Little, appointed as architect of record, will work in collaboration for the new arts complex. Little brings a wide portfolio of architecture in higher education nationally and vast experience working with California’s Division of the State Architect (DSA). Grimshaw offers nationally and internationally recognized progressive design leadership and a portfolio of innovative buildings for higher education and arts clients such as the Queens Museum of Art and Bath Spa University School of Art and Design. The Little and Grimshaw team will provide Santa Monica Community College District with world-class design and assurance of delivery.

22