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UC Berkeley Substation 8 Receives 2026 California Preservation Award
Interactive Resources, Inc. is the architect and structural engineer for Rehabilitation and Seismic Upgrade on the Historic Campus Powerhouse (Substation 8) at the University of California, Berkeley. The project is the recipient of a 2026 California Preservation Award from the California Preservation Foundation.
This prestigious award recognizes outstanding achievements in historic preservation and celebrates projects that thoughtfully restore and revitalize California’s architectural heritage. The Substation 8 project exemplifies Interactive Resources’ integrated approach to architecture, structural engineering, and historic preservation, which brings new life to a significant campus landmark while supporting critical infrastructure improvements.
Other key team members include the general contractor, Webcor and the electrical design prime P2S. The historic evaluation was performed by Architectural Resources Group.
As part of UC Berkeley’s campus-wide electrification initiative, Interactive Resources was engaged to provide architectural, historic preservation, and structural engineering services for a new high-voltage switch station. When choosing a new site for the facility proved challenging, the team proposed an innovative solution: the adaptive reuse of a nearby 1904 powerhouse building, originally designed by renowned campus architect John Galen Howard.
Previously red-tagged due to seismic risk, the building, also known as the Old Art Gallery, underwent a comprehensive feasibility assessment before UC Berkeley advanced the project. The result is a restoration that returns the structure to its original purpose as a power station, now serving as Switch Station #8.
UC Berkeley Substation 8 Receives 2026 California Preservation Award
Interactive Resources, Inc. is the architect and structural engineer for Rehabilitation and Seismic Upgrade on the Historic Campus Powerhouse (Substation 8) at the University of California, Berkeley. The project is the recipient of a 2026 California Preservation Award from the California Preservation Foundation.
This prestigious award recognizes outstanding achievements in historic preservation and celebrates projects that thoughtfully restore and revitalize California’s architectural heritage. The Substation 8 project exemplifies Interactive Resources’ integrated approach to architecture, structural engineering, and historic preservation, which brings new life to a significant campus landmark while supporting critical infrastructure improvements.
Other key team members include the general contractor, Webcor and the electrical design prime P2S. The historic evaluation was performed by Architectural Resources Group.
As part of UC Berkeley’s campus-wide electrification initiative, Interactive Resources was engaged to provide architectural, historic preservation, and structural engineering services for a new high-voltage switch station. When choosing a new site for the facility proved challenging, the team proposed an innovative solution: the adaptive reuse of a nearby 1904 powerhouse building, originally designed by renowned campus architect John Galen Howard.
Previously red-tagged due to seismic risk, the building, also known as the Old Art Gallery, underwent a comprehensive feasibility assessment before UC Berkeley advanced the project. The result is a restoration that returns the structure to its original purpose as a power station, now serving as Switch Station #8.
Interactive Resources, Inc. Attends the 2024 California Preservation Foundation Conference
The annual California Preservation Foundation (CPF) Conference was recently held in downtown Los Angeles, hosted at the fabulous Millenium Biltmore Hotel, which celebrated its 100th Anniversary last year. The conference theme this year was Building Shelter, Community,...
Chris Lutjen Joins Interactive Resources, Inc. as Architect / Project Manager
We are pleased to announce that Chris Lutjen has joined our team in the role of architect/project manager. An enthusiastic and passionate architect, Chris is inspired by the craft of both historic and modern buildings. He is dedicated to integrated design principles and enjoys leading large teams through the design and construction of technically complex buildings.
How we’re helping UC Berkeley’s $700 million campus-wide clean energy electrification project
We’re excited to share our pivotal role in providing architectural and structural engineering services for the groundbreaking $700 million UC Berkeley Campus-Wide Clean Energy Electrification Project. This transformative initiative aims to enhance sustainability,...
Yvonne Ongpin Joins Interactive Resources, Inc. as Office Manager
Office manager Yvonne Ongpin has more than 20 years of experience in administration. Before joining Interactive Resources, Inc., she worked in sales, client relations and marketing for Mosser Companies, a family-owned collection of historic properties in San...
Clayton Young, Assoc. AIA Joins Interactive Resources, Inc. as a Designer / Drafter
Interactive Resources, Inc. welcomes designer/drafter Clayton Young to the firm’s architectural division. Clayton is a talented design professional and an integral part of the architectural production team. His responsibilities encompass a wide spectrum, involving the...
Ankita Thukral Joins Interactive Resources, Inc. as a Designer / Drafter
Interactive Resources, Inc. is pleased to announce that Ankita Thukral has joined the firm’s architecture division as a designer/drafter. Ankita is a designer who is passionate about building design, drafting and modeling. She believes that thoughtfully designed...
Interactive Resources, Inc. Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Interactive Resources, Inc. celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in September of 1973, Interactive Resources, Inc. is one of the oldest architectural firms in the Bay Area, providing comprehensive architectural services to a wide range of private and public sector clients.
The firm’s portfolio includes federal, state and municipal facilities, energy-efficient public schools, sustainable commercial buildings and cannabis facilities, historic preservation projects, and the revitalization of public spaces. “Interactive Resources, Inc.” refers to the multiple disciplines that the firm brings together for a holistic approach that considers factors such as energy conservation and renewable energy integration, including solar photovoltaic array design, water conservation, and use of locally sourced materials to create environmentally responsible and resilient spaces.
Interactive Resources, Inc. Awarded On-Call Architecture and Engineering Contract by Solano County
Solano County Capital Projects Management Division recently selected Interactive Resources, Inc. for an on-call contract to provide architectural, engineering and related professional technical support services. Our firm has nearly 50 years of experience with...
We Are Hiring! Interactive Resources, Inc. Seeks Structural Engineer & Preservation Architect to Join Our Team
Interactive Resources, Inc. is hiring! We seek new team members for two full-time positions; Structural Engineer and Preservation Architect. Since 1973, our firm has provided exceptional architectural design, structural engineering and planning services, with a focus...
Sonoma County, Department of Emergency Management, Community Emergency Resilience Sites
The County of Sonoma requires the construction of three Community Emergency Resilience Sites (CERS) at separate locations to support long-term disaster resilience. The operational support facilities will support dynamic community-level disaster response for the Sonoma...