SANTA YSABEL, CA (July 8, 2025) – Starting this fall, Palomar College will offer a new Architecture and Design class inspired by James Hubbell’s organic approach to building, as a part of the college’s newly accredited 4-year baccalaureate architecture program.
The course will focus on Hubbell’s techniques, including his application of native materials and use of biomimicry to enhance sustainable design. This human-centric approach teaches students how to learn by observing and experiencing spaces created by the renowned Santa Ysabel designer.
“By joining forces with Palomar College, we’re expanding access to design education and creating pathways for diverse voices to shape the spaces we live in,” shares Marianne Gerdes, Executive Director at the Ilan-Lael Foundation. “The program is a great way to continue the James Hubbell’s legacy as it allows students to practice his fundamentals.”
The hands-on course allows students to work with a variety of different materials, including wood, metal, adobe, mosaic, and stained glass, at the Ilan-Lael studios in Santa Ysabel. Students will experience firsthand Hubbell’s connection to nature and be encouraged to incorporate sustainable, organic practices into their designs. Hubbell’s unique philosophy will live on with the partnership between Ilan-Lael Foundation and Palomar College.
For more information about Palomar College, please visit https://www.palomar.edu
For more information about the Ilan Lael Foundation, please visit https://ilanlaelfoundation.org
About the Ilan-Lael Foundation
Founded by James and Anne Hubbell in 1982, the Ilan-Lael Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the artistic legacy of James Hubbell. Founded in 1982 by James and Anne Hubbell, the Ilan-Lael Foundation’s mission is to inspire creativity, foster a deep connection with nature, and provide a sanctuary where art and nature harmoniously coexist. Through educational programs, exhibitions, and community initiatives, the Ilan-Lael Foundation strives to ignite a creative spark within individuals and cultivate a greater appreciation for the transformative power of art. With a commitment to preserving the architectural treasures of Ilan-Lael, the foundation ensures that future generations can experience the beauty and inspiration that this retreat offers.
