IRVINE, CALIF. – December 01, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — National award-winning KTGY Architecture + Planning is pleased to announce that Chris Cuaso, director of design in the firm’s Retail Studio, has been invited to participate as a roundtable facilitator at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) CenterBuild Conference held from December 1-4, 2015, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, AZ. Cuaso will present “Placemaking: Does One Size Fit All?” on Thursday, December 3, at 12:15 p.m., as part of the roundtable program. The CenterBuild Conference is the industry’s premier retail design and construction conference.
According to Cuaso, “Placemaking environments have created a cultural shift from static retail developments to more experiential, people-centered spaces – a welcome change from stagnant malls and shopping centers.”
Cuaso says that placemaking is a sociable place where people meet, engage in activities, or just hang out. “These environments can be applied to any project size from large scale lifestyle centers to neighborhood strip centers. Inviting spaces can be successful regardless of the square footage of the development. There is no magic formula to the scale and proportion of people spaces to the overall GLA,” Cuaso said.
“In addition, smaller local or regional retailers can help reflect the local character and differentiate the center from tradition shopping centers. Well intentioned and designed public areas can help attract a better tenant mix and create a more memorable experience for the customer,” added Cuaso.
With 16 years of experience in architecture and design, Cuaso offers clients a substantial and diverse knowledge of all types of retail, entertainment and mixed-use environments. As the Retail Studio’s director of design, Cuaso contributes significantly to the development of KTGY’s retail projects across the United States. His ability to bring conceptualized ideas to life has played an integral role in team charrettes and the development of complex master plan projects. Prior to joining KTGY, Cuaso’s experience included projects such as Station Park, an 800,000-square-foot mixed-use development. He also served as a lead designer for Meridian Town Center, a master-planned mixed-use environment. Cuaso has a wealth of experience in repositioning existing retail spaces and transforming them into extraordinary places. He has helped design the renovation of an existing three-level 30,000-square-foot building in downtown La Jolla called La Plaza La Jolla; and was the lead designer for the Laguna Hills Mall remodel featuring over 800,000 square feet of retail, a state-of-the-art theater, an open lagoon park and over 900 residential units.
About KTGY Architecture + Planning
Celebrating 25 years, KTGY Architecture + Planning, is a national award-winning full-service firm providing innovative design, planning and architectural services for residential communities, retail, mixed-use and related specialty developments. KTGY delivers innovative solutions that reflect clear understanding of the latest development, market and consumer trends, and maximizing financial performance. See www.KTGY.com
