Not only is this Nissan Design America Center well known for its automotive creativity, but also because of the architecture and interior design of its building and office spaces. Its recent renovation and upgrade was led by Architect Jennifer Luce, principal and founder of Luce et Studio.

The renovation cost approximately $5 million dollars to redesign the 60,000-square-foot space for engineers and designers. The overall goal was to create a space where designers and engineers could come together in an environment which fostered openness and creativity. Luce lives in an “urban apartment” that sits on La Jolla’s

A. I studied at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada for undergraduate and at Harvard University for my master’s. From a very early age I knew that I had equal interests in art and mathematics. Architecture felt like a challenging balance between the two worlds. It has definitely turned out that way — a balance between being a businessperson and an artist, making poetry and engineering in unison.

A. The President of Nissan Design International at the time, Tom Semple, had seen our work for Burton Landscape Studio in Solana Beach. He wanted to open up a dialogue about how creative people think, how they are inspired and how we could shift their perspective on the workplace, just at the moment Nissan was introducing a new brand identity and image.

Q. You had mentioned that technology had an effect on the building. How did you improve the existing building for employee's new work environment, which incorporated the change with technology?

A. As in the profession of architecture, automotive designers are dealing with a shift in process, where hand sketching, clay modeling of prototypes and 3-D computer digital rendering have to work together in the pursuit of the perfect design. The building was opened up so that there is a clear visual connection between working departments and the visual tools of technology and the hand.

A. Our work with Nissan included two projects: the La Jolla renovation and a new studio in Detroit. The work took from 2002-2005. It is important for businesses to understand that the work environment can be a powerful tool with many benefits and gains. An inspired workspace increases creativity, encourages productivity and communicates an attractive brand philosophy which can aid in attracting and keeping the best talent possible. Investment in well-designed workspace communicates a positive and supportive message to staff. It identifies a progressive approach to potential clientele; good design makes sense.

Q. You mentioned writing a book based on this experience and what others may learn from your experiences. Could you give a few details on why this was such an important project for La Jolla and the field of architecture?

A. Our expectation for our work day does not usually ask for more than a comfortable space to sit in and a computer to work with. We still separate work environment from the comfort of home environment in an orderly way. We crave collaboration, but the work environment usually keeps us independent. This project explored all of these issues. A meaningful dialogue between client and architect resulted in a new process of work and a truly collaborative environment where the creative mind expands and is surprised day to day.

Q. What projects are you working on now?

A. We are designing a newsroom workspace for the KPBS station. It will explore many of the same issues of communal space and interaction. In their world, this concept is called ‘convergence.’ Hopefully, this will become the prototype for new journalistic space.