Orchid 
Marking arrival to UC San Diego Health’s reimagined Hillcrest medical campus, the McGrath Outpatient Pavilion brings a welcoming presence. Design strategies including deep edge frames at the south and vertical fins at the east and west reflect the sustainable, site-responsive design, while overhangs at the north and south create thoughtfully curated outdoor spaces for patients, staff, and the neighboring community. At the building’s south wing, a 20-degree bend towards the new campus entry signifies arrival, promotes connectivity across the campus, contributes to creation of a beautifully landscaped plaza, and simplifies wayfinding by opening sightlines. Below First Avenue, a lower-level drop-off zone increases safety for pedestrians, enhancing the arrival experience. A natural material palette at both the building and site reflects the surrounding canyons and native site; regional plant selections help to reduce water consumption, along with influencing the interior design color palette. Throughout, locally sourced artwork reflects the vibrance of the Hillcrest community and features regional artists, reflecting a symbiotic relationship between building and place.
The McGrath Outpatient Pavilion provides greater availability to high-quality, integrated health care, addressing the region’s increasing demand for innovative diagnostic treatment, surgical and cancer care, all within a thoughtfully designed, wellness-focused, and community-enriching setting.
Outstanding!
The McGrath Outpatient Pavilion is a model of how architecture can truly serve both people and place. Its design balances functionality with a deep sensitivity to community and environment—welcoming patients with thoughtful outdoor spaces, improving safety with smart circulation, and integrating regional materials and artwork that celebrate San Diego’s character. Beyond its striking form, it creates a healing, human-centered experience while addressing the region’s growing healthcare needs. This project demonstrates the best of public architecture and is a worthy recipient of recognition in this year’s Orchids & Onions.
Well executed and overall design concept maximizing natural light towards faster patient healing time.
It was great being able to be part of one of the most professional teams I have ever worked with over my 11 years in the industry.
Elegant. Simplified programming, block and stack and site planning that optimized amazing views.
Beautiful Building
Beautiful!
Outstanding
Amazing. I loved it. You can tell they thought of everything, every little detail. McGrath Outpatient Pavilion deserves to win
Just an amazing building!!!!
That’s how you do it right. Design and Project Excellence at it’s best.
It is so beautiful!!!I love the integration of art from the Hillcrest community.
Amazing.
Beautifully executed and well-functioning project. I especially love the curated outdoor spaces, and the intentional integration of art by local artists. The project truly embraces its setting through form, materials, and an overall reflection of the quality and character of UC San Diego Health, and of the Hillcrest/Mission Hills community.
Well done
Beautiful blessing
Practical, technically advanced, esthetic, and centrally located with ample parking. This is a stunning, sustainable contribution to the San Diego community.
Amazing!
The McGrath Outpatient Pavilion demonstrates UCSD Health’s commitment to excellence in modern healthcare technology.
Beautiful state of the art facility!
Stunning!