Request for Proposal – Master Architect

The Immaculate Heart Community (IHC) seeks to retain a qualified Master Architect/Master Planner to conduct a design development process for its 26-acre retreat center located at 800 El Bosque Road in Santa Barbara County, CA, known as La Casa de Maria and the Center for Spiritual Renewal (Retreat Center). 

IHC is a multi service nonprofit 501c3 public benefit corporation that seeks to strategically change practices and situations through art, education, spirituality, and social services. We have a vision of a society which fosters access of all persons to truth, dignity, and full human development. This vision and mission stems from our roots from our founding in the mid-1800’s, and as an order, the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The Retreat Center is located in a beautiful, natural sanctuary of 26 semi-rural acres. For 75 years, IHC has owned and operated the Retreat Center and provided a variety of programs and services. On January 9, 2018, the Retreat Center sustained substantial damage in the mud and debris flow that followed the Thomas Fire. Over 50% of our property was severely impacted – we lost nine buildings and sustained damage to six more. We are currently closed to the public for remediation and recovery purposes.

We desire to design a built and natural environment that reflects our mission and values, as well as providing a reflective space for retreat and renewal. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced and visionary Master Architect / Master Planner to assess geological and environmental factors, land use, sustainability issues, and to work with a small IHC design visioning team to help design a state of the art, environmentally friendly center.

For full details including a map and project scope, email us.