Design-Build in Practice: Integrated Project Delivery Across Hospitality, Retail, and Adaptive Reuse
Join AIA San Francisco for this Project Delivery Salon exploring how integrated design-build collaboration can support complex renovations, adaptive reuse projects, and fast-paced commercial interiors. Through three distinct case studies, presenters will share how early coordination between architects, builders, engineers, and fabricators helped align design intent with budget, schedule, and constructability.
The first project examines the adaptive reuse of the historic Santa Sabina Center in San Rafael—now reimagined as the Hoffman Retreat Center. Originally constructed in 1939 by the Dominican Sisters, the 26,000-square-foot Tudor-Gothic facility was acquired by the Hoffman Institute in 2025 and underwent a comprehensive renovation led by Singular Builders. Serving as both Architect and Builder, Singular delivered programming, design, and construction through a single, collaborative team. The project included reconfigured guest and staff accommodations to improve accessibility, upgraded restroom and bathing facilities, renovated classrooms and breakout spaces, ADA-compliant pathways, modernized building systems, and refreshed interiors and landscape—creating a cohesive retreat environment that honors the property’s historic character while supporting contemporary use.
The salon will also highlight the Skywalker General Store in the Presidio, a retail space featuring wines from three vineyards alongside curated collectibles, apparel, and merchandise. BCV and Singular Builders collaborated from the earliest stages of design to meet aggressive schedule and budget goals. Mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems were delivered through a design-build approach, while the custom millwork required extensive coordination between designers, fabricators, and installers to successfully execute the highly detailed retail environment.
The final case study focuses on the historic St. Francis Yacht Club, located on the shores of San Francisco Bay with panoramic views from the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island. BCV and Singular Builders partnered to re-envision the club’s bar area, working collaboratively from the outset of the project. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems were delivered through a design-build process, enabling early procurement and close coordination to achieve the design goals within a compressed schedule.
Together, these projects demonstrate how integrated delivery strategies can support historic preservation, complex interiors, and high-end hospitality environments while maintaining efficiency, quality, and strong collaboration across the project team.
Barbara Shands, Project Executive and Director of Design
Barbara has over 25 years of experience as an architect working on institutional and commercial projects as well as highly detailed contemporary residences. Before joining Singular Builders, she held leadership roles as Founder and Principal of her own practice and Project Architect at a large San Francisco firm. Her passion for design and sustainability informs her approach to leading and overseeing projects from concept through construction. She sees every project as a puzzle and enjoys collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to reach the intended goals and find innovative solutions.
Mike Tzortzis, President
Whether it’s a building, neighborhood or city, Mike likes to restore places to new beauty that will stand the test of time. He specializes in adaptive reuse and infrastructure projects, but is interested in anything wonderfully complex. Mike has almost 30 years of experience in the construction industry working on educational, commercial, and residential projects. With a degree in civil engineering, he started his career with a geotechnical engineering in Zurich, Switzerland.
Colin Alley - Principal at BCV
Principal at BCV Architecture + Interiors, a 30+ person, bi-coastal, award-winning practice. He brings a refined balance of creativity and technical precision to high-end architecture and interior architecture projects, collaborating with designers and clients to deliver inspired social spaces across custom residential and hospitality commercial settings.
5:30PM Doors Open to attendees
6:00PM Presentation Begins
7:00PM Presentation Ends
7:00-8:00PM Networking Hour
2 approved LU's
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Understand how an integrated design-build delivery model can improve coordination, reduce risk, and align design intent with budget and schedule on complex renovation projects.
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| Evaluate strategies for adapting historic buildings to modern accessibility, programmatic, and performance requirements while maintaining architectural character. |
| Identify best practices for architect-led collaboration within design-build teams, including early programming, constructability review, and client alignment. |
| Apply lessons from this case study to future projects involving mission-driven clients, adaptive reuse, and integrated project delivery approaches. |
Thank you to our Series Sponsor:
Sponsorship Opportunities:
Join AIASF’s Project Delivery Series to explore cutting-edge strategies shaping today’s built environment. From legal and risk management fundamentals to advanced approaches like Design-Build, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), BIM, prefabrication, and AI-driven tools, these sessions spotlight the future of project delivery and collaboration.