This project involved the design of a 3400 sq. ft. Administration and Visitor Center for the Nature Conservancy’s Cosumnes River Preserve.

The project serves as a central access point for visitors to the nature preserve.

The design process involved close collaboration with private environmental entities and government agencies who jointly manage the Preserve, including The Nature Conservancy, Bureau of Land Management, State Parks and Recreation, County Parks and Recreation, and Ducks Unlimited.

The structure, which serves as a central access point for visitors to the nature preserve, features an exhibit space, meeting room, administrative offices, and restrooms. The joint management style of the Preserve has been incorporated into the design of the interior administrative office space. A roofed outdoor deck provides an additional interpretive display area.

The structure was designed to encompass the vernacular of the Center’s rural agrarian and riparian setting.

The Center’s security needs have been addressed by controlling access to the trail system to provide a balance between surveillance of the preserve and access to the grounds.