CRES Facility

Kim Wiley was the project manager and designer on this project in which KTU+A provided landscape architectural services for the new Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species (CRES) facility at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. The 29,000 SF facility is located adjacent to the new Veterinary Hospital, whose gardens were also designed by KTU+A. The CRES landscape emphasizes the use of endangered California native plants. An interior courtyard features a basalt column fountain, symbolic of the Borrego Desert “Palm Canyon” area, along with native palms and real rock features. Demonstration gardens identifying endangered native plants are incorporated into the medical campus. The CRES Facility has achieved a LEED Silver rating from the USGBC.

Palomar College Arboretum

Kim Wiley's participation as project manager and designer in this KTU+A project was up to the 65% submittal. Planned improvements included development of an accessible pathway system; new and enhanced outdoor use areas and enhancement of the existing plant collection divided into nine gardens. Development will be phased over fifteen years.

Mission Valley Library

Kim Wiley was the project manager and designer on the new Mission Valley Library, a 16,500 SF facility on a two-acre site. The landscape design of the library reflects the image of the nearby San Diego River by integrating the river context with the building to create an inviting indoor-outdoor relationship. Outdoor gathering areas serve as quiet and secure reading areas, with the flexibility to utilize the outdoor areas for presentations, meetings or group activities. A pedestrian walkway with a river cobble pattern winds through the site to provide a connection between the parking lot and the main plaza at the building entry. A raised seat wall with river washed cobbles creates a "river sculpture" that meanders through the side plaza. Riparian trees, bulbs and grasses are a component of the "river sculpture", providing views of the "river" from inside the library. Interpretive signage was provided at native plants throughout the garden. KTU+A received the ASLA San Diego Chapter Honor Award in 2005 for the Mission Valley Library.

"... Mr. Wiley is probably the finest Landscape Architect that I have dealt with in the last 20 years at Palomar College. He truly attempts to design what the clients want and not necessarily what the architect likes....I was saddened to hear that Kim had been laid off after he had put so much time, effort and a bit of his heart and soul into the Arboretum Design Project...I can’t say enough about Mr. Wiley’s professionalism, ideas and ability to work with tough opinionated characters like myself..."

-Rick Kratcoski, Grounds Supervisor/ Recycling Coordinator

Palomar College Facilities Department