AE3 served as Lead Architect for the El Cerrito BART Stations Concept Study which brought together a team of architects, planners and engineers to develop and assess design strategies for modernizing the El Cerrito Plaza and El Cerrito del Norte stations. The study presents plans to modernize the stations to meet current and future ridership needs. It considers systems upgrades, aesthetic enhancements, site improvements and future transit oriented development (TOD). Modernization strategies focused on six primary goals that include improving the passenger experience; highlighting sustainability; improving station access; engaging the surrounding community; improving the employee experience; and maintaining options for future development.

Strategies for improving the passenger experience included improving station access safety and security; increasing and improving the quality of lighting; improving passenger waiting areas; and locating vertical transportation elements within the paid area. Sustainable design concepts were evaluated based upon their environmental impact, cost effectiveness and impact on the passenger experience. Strategies appropriate for a Balanced Intermodal Elevated Station included Photovoltaic (PV) cells, high-efficiency LED lighting, energy dashboards, recycling and composting, rain gardens and bioswales, and installing variable speed escalators and traction elevators.