JRM Construction West has completed construction of a high-end retail boutique for Carolina Herrera at the Westfield UTC, delivering a carefully crafted space that reflects the brand’s signature elegance and design precision.
Located in San Diego’s upscale retail corridor, the 2,790-square-foot interior fit-out was executed in collaboration with Hyland Studio, MAOArch Architecture and ROSINI Engineering PC.
Design Execution Reflects Luxury Brand Identity
The boutique was designed to embody the refined aesthetic of the Carolina Herrera brand, combining architectural detail with soft, flowing spatial elements.
“Carolina Herrera’s newest boutique at Westfield’s University Town Center is a beautiful representation of the Carolina Herrera brand that I am proud to have been a part of developing and implementing on behalf of Herrera” said Jessica Hyland, Hyland Studio. “This new development project required great attention to detail, intricate collaboration across multiple parties and disciplines, and flawless execution all made possible in partnership with the talented JRM West team. JRM West continues to be a cherished partner of mine, playing a pivotal role in bringing to life complex luxury builds on the West coast that can always be relied on.”
The design incorporates curved corners, arched portals and recessed display niches, creating a seamless and inviting customer experience. Interior and exterior plaster finishes are paired with distinctive pink and white hexagonal tile flooring, reinforcing the boutique’s cohesive visual identity.
Construction Scope and Technical Enhancements
JRM Construction West delivered a full-scale interior build-out that included both aesthetic and structural improvements to support retail functionality.
The project scope covered:
- Installation of new flooring, lighting and plumbing fixtures
- Custom millwork displays tailored to luxury retail presentation
- Full mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems
- Metal stud framing for interior and exterior structures
- Steel framing to support storefront elements and rooftop equipment
- New concrete curbs to accommodate updated storefront design
"We celebrate the opening of our La Jolla boutique. This exquisite store embodies the essence of our brand and is a true destination to experience the full House of Herrera from the latest women’s ready-to-wear collection to accessories and beauty,” said Emilie Rubinfeld, Carolina Herrara. “Our La Jolla retail concept came to fruition and was expertly crafted by the talented general contracting team at JRM West. Not only did the JRM West team share our obsession with perfecting every detail, but they collaborated as best in class professionals and dedicated partners.”
Collaboration Drives Project Success
The boutique’s successful delivery highlights the importance of coordination between designers, engineers and construction teams in executing high-end retail environments.
“We’re grateful to Hyland Studio for the opportunity to be part of this project,” said John Jackson, VP, Managing Director, JRM West. “It was a true team effort working alongside all project partners to bring Carolina Herrera’s vision to life and deliver a boutique that reflects the brand’s signature aesthetic.”
Additional Context & Expansion
Luxury retail construction projects demand a higher level of precision than typical commercial builds, with an emphasis on material quality, lighting design and spatial flow to enhance the customer experience.
Projects like this boutique reflect broader trends in retail development, including:
- Increased investment in experiential store design
- Integration of architectural storytelling to reinforce brand identity
- Use of custom fabrication and specialty finishes
- Close collaboration between international brands and local construction teams
Westfield UTC continues to attract premium retailers, positioning itself as a key destination for luxury shopping in Southern California. Developments like the Carolina Herrera boutique contribute to the center’s ongoing evolution as a high-end retail hub.
Outlook
With the completion of this boutique, JRM Construction West further strengthens its portfolio in luxury retail construction, demonstrating its ability to deliver complex, detail-driven projects on the West Coast.
As demand for premium retail environments continues to grow, contractors with expertise in high-end finishes and collaborative delivery models are expected to play a critical role in shaping the next generation of shopping destinations.
Originally reported by JRM CONSTRUCTION WEST in Construction Dive.
