Park & Shop — Concord, California
Client
Contra Coasta Properties
Location
Concord, CA
Collaborator
Gretchen Ugalde ❤️
Scope
Rendering & Visualization, Concept Design
Category
Commercial
Year
2021
Project Overview
In 2021, Contra Costa Properties commissioned a series of concept renderings for the Park n’ Shop project, a landmark retail center in Concord, California. The proposal was part of a beautification initiative presented to the City of Concord, intended to celebrate the site’s mid-century history while reimagining its future.
Rendering
Working in close collaboration with Gretchen Ugalde, I developed detailed 3D models in Vectorworks and transitioned them into Twinmotion for rendering. This combination of software allowed us to craft highly realistic visualizations that highlighted architectural enhancements, environmental details, and a revitalized sense of place.
The renderings communicated not only the physical updates but also the atmosphere of the redesigned property—inviting, functional, and community-centered.
Design Documentation
The design direction emphasized revitalization through visual clarity. We incorporated bold signage, clean lines, and mid-century commercial influences that paid homage to the center’s origins while adapting the aesthetics for contemporary use.
Vibrant color accents and dynamic lighting strategies were introduced to energize the environment and provide a modern yet nostalgic identity.
Concepts & Impact
By presenting these renderings in a highly contextual way—with realistic trees, cars, and surrounding activity—the client was able to show stakeholders a clear picture of how the improvements would integrate into the everyday experience of the site.
The concept design functioned as both a visioning tool and a persuasive advocacy piece, supporting discussions around community engagement and long-term development.
The Park n’ Shop project reflects how visualization can serve as a bridge between design imagination and public dialogue. By uniting heritage and innovation, the proposal demonstrated the potential of Concord’s retail landmark to evolve while preserving the cultural memory embedded in its original mid-century character.