Why is adaptive reuse such an enduring concept? What are its short term gains and long term benefits? What can adaptive reuse look like for contemporary times?

Join panelists David K. Plotkin, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, Principal in Charge of Community Practice at WDA (William Duff Architects); Elizabeth Jackson, Founder of Elizabeth Rose Jackson Interiors and former Senior Interior Architect at Ken Fulk, Inc;  Chris Foley, Director at Ground Matrix; and Matthias Geiken, Construction Superintendent at BCCI.

The panel will present a behind-the-scenes look at select adaptive reuse projects: 1275 Folsom and Saint Joseph's Arts Society and the Center for Architecture + Design. The panel will go beyond the cyclical adaptive reuse buzz, as well as their projects' awards, accolades and pretty pictures to share their stories on successfully delivering adaptive reuse projects to clients and communities.

This event includes panelist presentations and a panel discussion followed by an open discussion with the audience led by moderator Lisa Boquiren.

About the Featured Projects

1275 Folsom:
An industrial to office conversion
Formerly a manufacturing facility, the adaptive reuse space takes on life as an architectural workshop that promotes creativity, collaboration, and unity. An open floor plan features ample work and meeting areas, and a connection with the outdoors. The new layout supports the simple and restrained design vision for the building.

Saint Joseph's Arts Society: An institutional to cultural transformation
Built in 1913, this former Catholic church had extensive seismic damage from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and sat empty for years. A major building rehabilitation has since transformed it into a place for bringing together San Francisco's arts community, while reinvigorating the almost-city block it occupies.

Center for Architecture + Design (The Center): From retail space to gathering place
Located street-level at the historic Hallidie Building, the Center is "a place to experience the value of active design thinking in shaping a better, more equitable world". The 10,000 SF space— the site of a former men's clothing store—has a cafe and retail area, along with flexible lecture hall, gallery space and expanded meeting rooms. It also houses the American Institute of Architects San Francisco Chapter.

David K. Plotkin, AIA LEED AP, NCARB, Principal - Community Practice
William Duff Architects (WDA)

David brings to WDA his expertise in sustainable, forward-thinking architecture. As a leader in WDA’s community practice, David adeptly formulates responsible modern design solutions. He thrives on negotiating challenges and practicing conservation by blending old and new in existing buildings. Previously, David founded and operated his own Tucson, Arizona firm, where he concentrated on commercial and residential projects built with environmentally responsible practices. He has also designed and managed projects for firms including Frank O. Gehry & Associates and Morphosis Architects. A California and Arizona Registered Architect and a LEED Accredited Professional, David earned his Bachelor’s in Architecture at the University of Cincinnati. He is a past member of the City of Richmond Design Review Board, and past Board Member for the U.S. Green Building Council, Southern Arizona Branch. His passion for sustainable design comes from a sense of personal responsibility which he believes should be inherent in contemporary architecture.

Elizabeth Jackson, Founder
Elizabeth Rose Jackson Interiors

Elizabeth spent nearly a decade leading the interior architecture and design on many projects at Ken Fulk Inc. — notably, Legacy Records, Carbone, Saint Joseph’s Arts Society, Felix Roasting Co., Miller & Lux and The Quin House. She previously worked at ARUP, and at EHDD, did print and pattern at Pottery Barn, and started her career doing custom residential design on San Juan Island. She now leads her own firm, Elizabeth Rose Jackson Interiors, based out of San Anselmo, CA. She is leads the design on residential and commercial projects around the country. Elizabeth received her Masters of Architecture from the California College of the Arts, and her BA in Art and Architectural History from the University of Washington. At UW, she was a proud member of the Varsity Sailing Team, traveling nationally to sail competitively.

Chris Foley, Director
Ground Matrix

Chris has spent the last 30 years focused on real estate primarily in San Francisco. He started Polaris Pacific with partners and left that company 8 years ago to focus on real estate development. His specialty is large complicated projects where his job is around land acquisition and pre-development work. He also likes complicated rehabilitation projects like Saint Joseph's Arts Society in San Francisco. As he puts it, "The project is one of the more amazing things I ever worked on. If not for Ken Fulk (designer-user), Doug Ross (contractor) and myself all coming together to develop the project, it would probably still be vacant and eye sore."

(Moderator) Lisa Boquiren, Brand Strategist + Architecture Aficionada   

Lisa brings insight, ideas and strategy to creative businesses as a brand strategist and marketing advisor. Previously, as director of marketing at the San Francisco Design Center, and at EHDD, she oversaw major rebranding initiatives. She also produces, and moderates, convergent conversations on topics such as the creative process, brand messaging and equity at AIA Los Angeles, AIA San Francisco and San Francisco Design Week. For the latest in her Practice series (2012-present), Lisa conceived of, and moderated The Purposeful Practice: Making Best Places to Work (2023). The former chair of the AIA SF Communications Committee (2009-2014) she is editorial advisor for Small Firms, Great Projects. Lisa serves on the Board of Directors for UPAAA (University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America) for whom she recently produced and moderated, Woman of Color: A Conversation on The Life and Art of Pacita Abad (2024).