A Season of Standouts: Chabot and San Bruno Take Center Stage

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It’s been a busy and uplifting fall so far at Group 4. Our team has had the privilege of celebrating two landmark projects for Chabot College and the City of San Bruno during recent award ceremonies in the Bay Area. While we’re grateful for the honors, we’re even more grateful for the communities, collaborators, and project partners who brought these spaces to life.

From Left: Chabot College Outreach & Instruction Librarian Pedro Reynoso; Group 4 Principal David Schnee and wife, Cynthia Stone

At the AIA East Bay Design Awards, Group 4 Principal David Schnee joined colleagues, clients, and designers in recognizing the Chabot College Library & Learning Connection which earned a Citation Award in the Institutional/Educational Category. Just days later, the project received even further recognition and was honored by USGBC California with Awards of Merit in both Energy and Equity, a strong testament to the college’s vision and the project team’s commitment to student success, sustainability, and inclusive design. We are proud to share these recognitions with our collaborators at HMC Architects, who served as co-design architect, and with the Chabot College community whose aspirations shaped a vibrant new hub for learning, belonging, and support.

From Left: Group 4 Principal Jonathan Hartman; San Bruno Parks & Recreation Commission Vice Chair Kris Gonzales; Group 4 Principal Dawn Merkes; San Bruno P&R Commission Chair Mike Palmer; Degenkolb Engineers Associate Alex Barnes

This month Group 4 also celebrated our recent work for the City of San Bruno. At the ENR West Regional Awards Ceremony, Group 4 Principals Jonathan Hartman and Dawn Merkes joined members of the project team and the Parks and Recreation Commission as the San Bruno Recreation and Aquatic Center was named ENR West’s Best Sports/Entertainment Project. The recognition reflects not only the community’s long-held vision but also the extraordinary coordination and craftsmanship that brought the project to life. Built during the height of pandemic-era supply chain challenges, the team navigated fluctuating material availability, implemented creative solutions to manage unforeseen site conditions, and leveraged strategies and resources—such as solar arrays—provided through a Peninsula Clean Energy partnership. Designed in close collaboration with the City and community, the center now stands as a much-loved destination where residents gather, swim, play, and connect. ; Lathrop Construction was the General Contractor.

We are thrilled to celebrate these awards with the communities and collaborators who made them possible. Every project highlights Group 4’s dedication to creating welcoming, inspiring places for our communities and keeps us excited about the power of great public design.