Pankow served as Design-Builder for the 30,000 SF Academic West Building at Los Angeles Pierce College. The project provides a centralized academic hub supporting a range of disciplines including architecture, media arts, multimedia, philosophy, and fine arts.

The facility includes general education classrooms, multiple labs, an art gallery, a soundstage for media production, and a fully functional radio station, offering students hands-on learning opportunities in creative and technical fields. Designed in a contemporary Mediterranean style, the building integrates seamlessly with the campus while creating a distinct identity.

Targeting LEED Silver Certification, the project reflects LACCD’s commitment to sustainable, high-performance educational facilities.

A New Center for Creative Exploration

The Academic West Building at Los Angeles Pierce College brings together academic instruction and creative production in a single, cohesive environment. Designed as a hub for both traditional and hands-on learning, the facility supports a wide range of disciplines—from architecture and philosophy to media arts and multimedia production.

The 30,000 SF building is organized to foster collaboration and exploration, integrating classrooms with specialized spaces such as an art gallery, soundstage, and fully operational radio station. These environments provide students with real-world experience while reinforcing interdisciplinary learning across departments.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from contemporary Mediterranean design, creating a warm, inviting presence that aligns with Pierce College’s campus character. Natural light, open circulation, and thoughtfully scaled spaces contribute to a setting that supports both focused study and creative expression.

Delivered through a Design-Build approach, the project aligns performance, aesthetics, and constructability—resulting in a modern academic facility that enhances the student experience and supports the evolving needs of higher education.