Parks and Open Space

Esther Margulies served as the principal-in-charge and was responsible for managing design and public approvals for this high profile historic preservation and aquatic facility. Developed sustainability strategies and led the construction administration phase for landscape, hardscape, site lighting and water features.  The Beach House design included extensive public outreach during the design process and required the consent of neighboring land owners who had deep concerns over the introduction of traffic and visitors to what was a private property.  Featured in Vanity Fair magazine and other publications the Beach House became an instant success providing the experience of the Gold Coast to the public.  (ML+A)

Esther Margulies served as the principal in charge on the entitlements, schematic design and specific plan phases of the 250 Acre Hollywood Park project. The site will include 25 acres of parks and open spaces including a 4 acre lake with natural water treatment to collect and treat stormwater run off.  (ML+A)

Esther Margulies served as the principal-in-Charge on nine-acre urban nature park in downtown Los Angeles. Park design included trails, restrooms, synthetic turf sports field, interpretive signage, and children’s discovery areas.  The park was developed on land owned by the Los Angeles Unified School District and was required to comply with California Division of State Architect requirements typically applied to school campuses. The finished park has been cited by the Mayor of Los Angeles and others as a model of sustainable park development.  Storm water is filtered through bio swales, green roofs, synthetic turf base and permeable concrete paving.  Native plants provide habitat and reduced irrigation water use.  Perhaps the most successful qualities of the park include provision of much needed open space for a very dense urban population with few other opportunities to interact with nature, and the trails which provide a fitness resource for all ages and abilities in the community. (ML+A)