Public
Expertise in Government and Civic Architecture
Emma Li, the founder architect of LG Architects has established a strong portfolio in the design, construction, and renovation of major public building projects, encompassing government office complexes, civic libraries, educational headquarters, and large-scale athletic facilities. The firm’s work spans both new construction and the modernization of existing structures, with expertise in building envelope systems, interior upgrades, and advanced sustainability measures. This experience reflects a comprehensive understanding of the technical, regulatory, and performance requirements that define public sector developments, and underscores the firm’s commitment to delivering resilient, efficient, and enduring civic environments.
GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
The Gregory Bateson Building, first completed in the early 1980s, was recognized at the time as a groundbreaking government office complex that explored new approaches to environmental design. Decades later, the structure required both renewal and modernization to serve contemporary workplace needs. The renovation effort was conceived not simply as a repair, but as a chance to preserve a piece of architectural history while elevating its performance and functionality for future generations.
The Eagle Branch Library is a newly built standalone library branch, replacing an older, much smaller facility that had served the community since 1970. The project delivers about 20,000 square feet of space on a roughly 3.7-acre site. Key features include spaces for children, teens, group study rooms, a large community meeting room (about 100 seats), a computer lab, and full accessibility under ADA standards. When commissioned, the branch was intended to meet ambitious sustainability goals under LEED version 4, aiming for Silver certification; during design and construction those goals were pushed further and ultimately exceeded.
This project entailed the creation of a large-scale, state-of-the-art training and innovation campus for a major global technology and consulting firm. It replaced or repurposed part of a former airport facility, turning a previously underused site into a center for workforce development, technological skills training, and corporate R&D. The design includes classroom and lab spaces, residential accommodation for trainees, meeting halls, office spaces, and outdoor amenities, all intended to support both internal employees and clients/partners participating in upskilling and innovation programs. Sustainability, flexibility, and long-term growth were central to the planning, with the campus envisioned in phases to allow future expansion.
This project involved a comprehensive renovation of an iconic aquatic facility that had hosted high-level swim, dive, and synchronized-swimming events for decades. The goal was to bring the outdated infrastructure up to current standards for performance, safety, and user experience while preserving its legacy as a major aquatic venue. The renovation was funded jointly through institutional, state, and philanthropic sources, and was timed in part to enable the facility to host national-level competitions once upgrades were complete.