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Hoffman Retreat Center: Project Delivery Tour

Friday, March 27, 2026
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (PDT)
Category: Project Delivery Program
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Join AIA San Francisco for this 1.5-hour guided tour exploring how a fully integrated design-build model supported 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, streamlining decision-making while aligning design intent with budget, schedule, and constructability.

The project scope included reconfigured guest and staff accommodations to improve accessibility; upgraded restroom and bathing facilities; renovated classrooms and breakout spaces; ADA-compliant pathways; modernized mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; and refreshed interiors and landscape. The result is a cohesive retreat environment that honors the property’s historic character while supporting contemporary use and long-term community engagement.

Project Delivery Series

AIASF's education and training highlight current and future trends, emphasizing design-build and integrated project delivery.

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.

Tom Norton ASLA, Principal T.H. Norton Landscape Architecture

Tom Norton ASLA, founder of T.H. Norton Landscape Architecture, approaches site design with creativity and clarity. For more than 25 years, he has led multidisciplinary teams on municipal, residential, and commercial projects, transforming bold ideas into buildable solutions. Known for fostering early collaboration, he leverages careful coordination and technical clarity to deliver cohesive, resilient landscapes. By integrating landscape systems early, Tom balances design vision with environmental performance, and regulatory requirements, demonstrating that functional landscapes can be inspiring and beautiful.

Parking: On-site parking is available in the property parking lot.

Meeting Location: Please check in at the Main Entrance.

Footwear Requirement: Protective booties will be provided to wear over your shoes. All guests are required to wear them at all times while inside the building.

Arrival Time: The tour will begin promptly at 2:00 PM. Please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time for check-in. Out of respect for the group and schedule, we are unable to accommodate late arrivals.

2 Approved LUs

  1. Describe how an integrated design-build delivery model improved coordination, reduced risk, and aligned design intent with budget and schedule in a complex renovation project.
  2. Identify strategies for adapting a historic building to meet modern accessibility, life-safety, and performance requirements while preserving significant architectural character.
  3. Recognize best practices for architect-led collaboration within a design-build team, including early programming, constructability review, and client alignment.
  4. Apply lessons from this adaptive reuse project to future work involving mission-driven clients and integrated project delivery methods.
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.

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