exterior daytime view of the two-story scripps research gateway building 1, with glass curtain wall, cast-in-place concrete, and mass timber paneling.

Expanding Operations on an Active R&D Campus

Scripps Research Gateway Phases 1 and 2 | San Diego, California

The Scripps Research Gateway project included two linear phases of work on an active, congested Torrey Pines site. The first involved demolishing existing NMR buildings and constructing a new 705-stall parking structure and central plant; the second added a new two-story, 83,000-sq.-ft. lab/office building with a half-footprint basement vivarium, constructed where the former parking lot stood. Early engagement with stakeholders and subcontractors was key to streamlining project delivery.

Set up for

Success

DPR's proactive involvement in procurement and coordination of items expedited lead times and ensured the timely delivery of critical components. Gathering regular feedback and field observations ensured alignment with Scripps Research's requirements, enhancing project efficiency and quality. DPR's transparent approach facilitated cost savings and efficient use of project resources. Most notably, design contingency funds were repurposed for owner-added items, doubling the available budget for enhancements.

Challenges and

Solutions

Risk Management and Quality Control

Early design involvement and detailed mockups allowed the project team to proactively gather owner input and get ahead of long lead times. For distinguishing features of work such as lab casework and building envelope, this helped flesh out details on where systems interface, which finishes work together, and how to best sequence workflows for subcontractors--ultimately meeting Scripps' quality expectations.

Site- and Heat-specific Safety Measures

Building within an active campus and constrained site during record heat, DPR held weekly huddles to coordinate activities and high-risk work. The team also conducted safety walks with OSHA 30 graduates and added heat safety measures such as communication on hydration, a site-specific heat illness prevention plan, ample shade, and monitoring for heat-related illness, resulting in zero heat-related incidents.

Self-Perform + Trade Partner Engagement

Our self-perform team worked early with DGA to provide constructability and schedule input. This helped streamline design intent and eventual field installation of both structural and TI scopes for the lab/office and vivarium spaces. DPR prioritized healthy relationships and buy-in with self-perform and trade partners. Weekly huddles addressed issues and constraints promptly, enhancing productivity and quality.

Senior Project Manager Ryan Soukup stands in front of a mockup for the building 1 exterior, going over details of the concrete finish with a group during a project site walk
a group of construction trades workers stands outdoors in a parking garage in a circle for a safety meeting
A DPR Self-perform craft team member drills sheetrock into place for an interior wall.
Challenges and

Solutions

Senior Project Manager Ryan Soukup stands in front of a mockup for the building 1 exterior, going over details of the concrete finish with a group during a project site walk

Risk Management and Quality Control

Early design involvement and detailed mockups allowed the project team to proactively gather owner input and get ahead of long lead times. For distinguishing features of work such as lab casework and building envelope, this helped flesh out details on where systems interface, which finishes work together, and how to best sequence workflows for subcontractors--ultimately meeting Scripps' quality expectations.

a group of construction trades workers stands outdoors in a parking garage in a circle for a safety meeting

Site- and Heat-specific Safety Measures

Building within an active campus and constrained site during record heat, DPR held weekly huddles to coordinate activities and high-risk work. The team also conducted safety walks with OSHA 30 graduates and added heat safety measures such as communication on hydration, a site-specific heat illness prevention plan, ample shade, and monitoring for heat-related illness, resulting in zero heat-related incidents.

A DPR Self-perform craft team member drills sheetrock into place for an interior wall.

Self-Perform + Trade Partner Engagement

Our self-perform team worked early with DGA to provide constructability and schedule input. This helped streamline design intent and eventual field installation of both structural and TI scopes for the lab/office and vivarium spaces. DPR prioritized healthy relationships and buy-in with self-perform and trade partners. Weekly huddles addressed issues and constraints promptly, enhancing productivity and quality.

headshot of DPR San Diego Safety Manager Akbarh Arreola.

The Golden Gate Program acknowledges site-specific safety measures taken by the entire project team to prevent injury and illness. To earn this recognition, DPR Safety Manager Akbarh Arreola coordinated with Cal/OSHA Consultation Services to proactively tour and audit the jobsite to confirm the Scripps Gateway project met the requirements of an effective injury and illness prevention program.

We think you'll like this, too.