News

Explore the transformation of 3300 Sunset, a 1930s auto body shop reimagined by Abramson Architects into a dynamic mixed-use development in Silver Lake. Featured in D5 Design Magazine, this project, led by Marco Marraccini, showcases the firm’s expertise in adaptive reuse. The design preserves the building’s original Art Deco detailing while introducing modern features like expansive steel storefronts and a 6,500-square-foot courtyard. This revitalized space not only honors the building’s history but also creates a new gathering place for the community. Dive deeper into the story in the latest issue of D5.

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In a recent conversation with Healthcare Facilities Today, Danny Abalos, AIA, Senior Project Manager at Abramson Architects, discussed how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare facility design. Danny highlighted AI’s role in generating design options and optimizing operational efficiency, noting its impact on space utilization and workflow. He also addressed the technology’s current limitations and the need for human oversight to ensure that designs meet project-specific needs and regulatory standards. Danny’s insights reveal how AI is reshaping healthcare architecture while emphasizing the ongoing need for traditional design expertise.

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In a recent interview with Healthcare Facilities Today, David Moon, FAIA, FACHA, Principal at Abramson Architects, delved into the evolving trends shaping the future of healthcare facility design. David highlighted the growing emphasis on creating flexible hospital spaces that can adapt to future needs, a critical response to the financial pressures many hospitals face. He also discussed the importance of designing environments that support staff well-being, a key factor in addressing the ongoing challenges of staffing shortages in the healthcare sector. With insights into modular design and the integration of advanced technologies, David’s perspective provides a roadmap for navigating the complexities of modern healthcare architecture.

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Tune in to Detailed’s latest episode, “Kinetic Façade Brick | Machine,” where Cherise Lakeside talks with Marco Marraccini about The Brick + Machine, an innovative creative office project in Culver City. Marco delves into the design approach behind this new landmark, which thoughtfully integrates the city’s rich history in motion pictures with a modern, dynamic workspace. Discover how this project aims to blend the past with the present, creating a unique environment that fosters creativity and growth. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube.

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Eisenhower Medical Center was ranked #9 on Soliant’s most recent list of Top 20 hospitals. Abramson Architects has been involved with the planning and design for the modernization, including the preservation and respect for the original Eisenhower hospital building. The 12th annual compilation of the Most Beautiful Hospitals in the US highlights these exceptional facilities, selected through nominations by patients, staff, community members, and the general public. The press release applauds the not-for-profit hospital’s architecture including “Eisenhower Health’s stunning grand lobby continues the facility’s New Formalism architectural theme.” Congratulations to all the winners and the communities they care for.

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Abramson Architects is honored to be part of the award-winning design team for the Marina Towers Breast Imaging Center, a space that combines state-of-the-art medical technology with a serene, patient-focused environment. Despite challenges like unforeseen structural issues and strict regulatory compliance requirements, our team worked collaboratively to overcome obstacles, completing the project one month ahead of schedule. The integration of advanced virtual design technology further ensured precision and client satisfaction, making this project a standout in the region. Special thanks to TIS for their pivotal role in submitting the project and ensuring its success throughout design and construction.

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Marco Marraccini recently began serving as a Co-Chair for the ACLA & AIA Los Angeles’ 2x8 Exhibition & Scholarship Committee. 2x8 is an annual non-profit program that functions as a student exhibition, scholarship fund, and design competition. It was formed with the intention of introducing student work to the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry. Due to the efforts of the dedicated volunteer members, the fall celebration will beheld in the new permanent space within the AIA|LA + ACLA Center for Communities.

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David Moon, FAIA, FACHA, Healthcare Principal with Abramson Architects, was invited to join the Center for Health Design’s prestigious Built Environment Network (BEN). The working group is dedicated to improving safety, quality, and sustainability in healthcare. David values the opportunity to participate in ongoing, open conversations among experts from healthcare institutions who are dedicated to improving the built environment of healthcare. Abramson Architects is proud to support David in his capacity as an Industry Member within the Built Environment Network. The news was recently publicized in the July Industry Newsletter of the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA).

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Construction is underway at 1915 W. Park Ave. for a new multifamily residential development by CIM Group. This seven-story building will offer 36 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, with semi-subterranean parking for 18 vehicles. The Urbanize LA article describes how the project takes advantage of Transit Oriented Communities incentives, allowing for four units reserved for extremely low-income affordable housing. The building’s contemporary podium-style design features white stucco, corrugated metal panels, and expansive glazing, topped with a large rooftop amenity deck. Residents will enjoy panoramic views and easy access to both urban excitement and natural beauty. The project anticipates increased pedestrian activity, providing a welcoming, landscaped threshold between the bustling streets and the serene park environment.

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BOLOUR Associates Inc. has secured entitlements to build a six-story rental apartment building at 1330 W. Sunset Blvd. in Echo Park, Los Angeles. The project, located near Dodger Stadium and major freeways, will include 86 studio, one- and two-bedroom units, a fitness center, an open-air courtyard, a rooftop amenity deck, and both grade-level and subterranean parking. Designed by Abramson Architects and AFCO Design Inc., the building incorporates sustainable elements and Transit Oriented Communities incentives, with seven units reserved for affordable housing. The Sunset Boulevard façade features a pleated design for optimal natural light, and the rooftop deck presents a vegetated edge, enhancing the building’s connection to the sky.

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For the first time, L.A. Times B2B Publishing presented their list of the 40 largest architecture firms ranked by Southern California architectural fee income for 2023. Overall, the 40 largest architectural firms in Southern California generated $1.33 billion in fee income last year. They employ more than 1,200 licensed architects in 64 local offices.

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Two projects by Abramson Architects have been honored on Soliant’s recent list of Top 20 hospitals. The 11th annual compilation of the Most Beautiful Hospitals in the US highlights these exceptional facilities, selected through nominations by patients, staff, community members, and the general public. The press release highlights Marian Regional Medical Center for its breathtaking views of surrounding flora and fauna, while describing Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center as one of the most timeless facilities ever recognized. Congratulations to all the winners and the communities they serve.

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Global Design News (GDN) featured The Brick and Machine for it’s ability to create a “unified building with two strikingly distinct identities.” The article describes how the team was able to embrace  the historic city’s legacy architectural styles while also overcoming multiple high-level design challenges.

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Recently Marco Marraccini and LuLu Saleh discussed the thoughtful modernization of 3300 Sunset at Sunset Row with Brynn Shaffer, Staff Reporter for the LABJ. The collaboration between Abramson Architects and RYDA has resulted in a 19,200 square-foot mixed-use development that reimagines the property’s obsolete auto-bays into large art-deco inspired storefronts for trend-setting retail and restaurant brands. The article also discusses RYDA’s strategy of repurposing underutilized properties, and more specifically their passion for “upcycling buildings” such as Third & Traction in DTLA and 3300 Sunset Row in Silver Lake.‍

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Trends Magazine’s TIDA Awards recognize the best in the international design of new and renovated homes. For 2023, Getty View Residence in Brentwood took honors as a Finalist in the Home of the Year Category. The judges recognized the three-story stacked residence’s ability to respond to the hilltop context by “:integrating minimalist architecture, interiors, and art for a client who is an interior designer and photographer.”

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According to Green Building & Design (gb&d), sustainable facilities help create “healthier, more productive societies that are better suited to providing accessible, equitable health care to all persons”. The recent article by Andrew Biro takes a detailed look at the question, “What is Sustainable Health Care Design?” using case studies, including Cedars-Sinai's Los Feliz Community Medical Center. Drawing inspiration from local landmarks, it seamlessly blends with its community, engaging local artists to infuse cultural richness into its ambiance. spaces become sanctuaries where healing flourishes, fostering well-being in patients and staff alike.

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The highly anticipated 2024 RH Outdoor Sourcebook was released last month. Featuring over 40 exclusive designs from some of today’s most acclaimed designers, you can also spot one of our Pacific Palisades projects scattered throughout the pages of the luxe lookbook. Our project was used to showcase several collections including Bondi, designed by Harrison and Nicholas Condos and inspired by Miami’s famed Art Deco stylings.

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The Brick + Machine is one of 39 projects in contention for World Architects’ Building of the Year Award. Potential awardees were featured on the platform’s “Building of the Week” series in 2023 and now the public has an opportunity to decide who takes the grand prize. Voting ends on Sunday, 28 January 2024.

https://www.american-architects.com/en/building-of-the-year

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Recognized in the Commercial Category at The American Architecture Awards, Abramson Architects’ The Brick and Machine is a transformative workspace that navigates zoning challenges and prioritizes sustainability in an effort to propel advancements in modern office design. Hosted by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, the awards celebrate global design excellence, underscoring The Brick and Machine’s pivotal role in architectural innovation.

This year’s WestEdge Design Fair, relaunched at Santa Monica’s Barker Hanger, was a thrilling experience. Partnering with ‘Convo By Design,’ the fair hosted a number of insightful panels featuring industry-leading experts. In one of these dynamic discussions, David Pascu from Abramson Architects joined passionate designers, including Duan Tran of KAA Design Group, Alice Kimm from JFAK Architects, and Bryn Garrett of EYRC Architects. Together, they explored the transformative impact of modern materials, practices, and thoughtful design, shedding light on a new golden age of architecture.

The discussion has since been posted as Episode 485 of the 'Convo By Design' podcast. Click Here to Listen.

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During this year’s WestEdge Design Fair, Abramson Architects participated in two insightful panels produced in collaboration with ‘Convo By Design.’ Alongside other industry-leading experts, Bjorn Schrader shared insights on workplace evolution in Friday’s ‘Back to Work. From Home’ panel. The discussion, moderated by Cheryl Durst, also included perspectives from Bill Bouchey of Gensler, Sarah Devine of Revel Architecture, Ashley Richardson of EYRC Architects, and Scott Parker of Studio One Eleven.

The discussion has since been posted as Episode 472 of the 'Convo By Design' podcast. Click Here to Listen!

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Held at the Sunset Room in Hollywood, the Los Angeles Business Council’s 53rd Annual Architectural Awards showcased the designers, engineers, clients, community advocacy members, and more that help innovate for a better Los Angeles. Abramson Architects was honored with the Best Commercial Office Building for The Brick and Machine (9735 Washington). The win was also covered in the Culver City Crossroads, along with three other local projects that took home honors in the design competition.

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On Thursday, October 26, the AIA Los Angeles kicked off their Fall Architecture Tour Fest. Their highly curated design showcases offer exclusive access and exciting opportunities to view unique places across the city. This year’s Tour Fest included an inside look at Synapse in Culver City, led by Bjorn Schrader, LEED AP. Attendees learned about the design, fabrication, and installation of the building’s namesake angular facade. Other topics of interest included daylight utilization, carbon reduction efforts, and the innovative 3-level automated parking management system capable of swiftly retrieving cars in as little as 65 seconds.

(Photograph by Here and Now Agency)

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The IIDA’s Haunt Couture is a 2-Part event that celebrates ingenuity and materiality. This year’s contest started with a “Project Runway”-style garment creation session at MASH Studios on September 9th. The culmination of the annual event was the fashion show at the Avalon in Hollywood, which took place on October 26, 2023. The overall theme for this year’s show was “Hunt or be Hunted” and AA’s assigned creature was “The Siren”. During the energetic performance, Sara Cecil (Model/Team Captain) and Christian Esparza (Supporting Model) were supported by a trio of pirates made up of Bjorn Schrader, Carolyn Petty, and Christy Wolfe.

See the team’s runway performance video, along with an intro video on "Sirens on Screen”: https://vimeo.com/885835241

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Mark R. LePage regularly talks to inspiring, passionate people who share their knowledge and expertise on his EntreArchitect Podcast. Mark recently interviewed Trevor Abramson, Founding Partner, on how he approaches the leadership of his design-intensive architectural practice. “With over three decades of commitment to his craft, Trevor Abramson.. and Abramson Architects guide their clients with skill and empathy, helping them to make decisions at every step.”

Listen to the full interview: https://entrearchitect.com/podcast/entrearch/running-a-design-intensive-architecture-practice

Captured by The Local Project for their ongoing video series, the Pacific Palisades home was chosen for its innovative design, canyon views, and eco-conscious materials. “Positioned on a steep hillside, the architects integrated the house into the land, forging a deep connection with nature,” highlighting a harmonious blend of architecture and environment that must be seen to be fully appreciated.

View the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfLcSuOpNDU

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Howard Fine of the LABJ recently interviewed Trevor Abramson, shedding light on his journey to reshape Southern California’s architectural landscape. The feature examines Abramson Architects’ progression from a designer of modern single-family residences into a well-respected architect for highly technical medical spaces to institutional projects, creative offices, retail and a diverse portfolio of award-winning work.

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The cover story also provides additional context from industry expert Carlo Caccavale (Executive Director, LA Chapter of the American Institute of Architects), who shares valuable insights into the evolving architectural scene in the region. Additionally, local healthcare leader Alicia Wachtel (Executive Director of Design and Construction for Cedars-Sinai Health System) provides her perspectives on Abramson Architects’ contributions to healthcare design.

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Read the full article here: https://labusinessjournal.com/featured/architecture/

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David Moon recently spoke to the San Diego Business Journal about the acquisition of Moon Mayoras Architects (MMA) by Los Angeles-based Abramson Architects. “One of the things about this alignment that makes it really attractive to us is this gives us an opportunity to expand into the L.A. market sector...”

The merger, which took effect on September 1, 2023, integrates MMA’s deep expertise in healthcare design with Abramson Architects’ exceptional track record in hospitality-driven spaces. The retention of MMA’s San Diego office and its experienced staff, combined with the firm’s existing headquarters in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles, enables Abramson Architects to build upon its well-established presence in Southern California.

Read the full article here: https://www.sdbj.com/real-estate/architecture/moon-mayoras-joins-abramson/

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Abramson Architects acquires Moon Mayoras Architects, known for their expertise in navigating OSHPD projects under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI). This strategic merger combines over 60 years of experience, solidifying Abramson Architects' position as a leader in compassionate healthcare architecture. Together, they shape the future of healthcare design, delivering transformative environments that prioritize patient well-being. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to creating intelligent, effective, and HCAI-compliant designs, enhancing care quality and promoting healing in the process.

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During Bisnow’s Los Angeles Office Market Outlook, held on July 26, Marco Marraccini joined an expert panel to discuss, “Making the Office Experience Commute-Worthy.” Lead by John Kapla of Poppin, the conversation focused on attracting and retaining tenants by providing amenity upgrades, new technologies, and more. Alongside Marco and John were Ryan Burton of Lendlease, Gina Abbot of Lincoln Property West, Louise Sharp of HLW, and Melissa Gutierrez-Sullivan of CIM Group.

Getty View Residence has won Luxe's Residential Excellence in Design Award in the Outdoor Space category. The home's architectural gardens have been recognized for their execution in blending nature with art. The material palette has been specifically called out for its focus on elements found in nature.

World Architects has chosen to feature our award-winning culver city project, The Brick & Machine, as their US Building of the Week. In the article, we discuss the Culver City building's unique design qualities and how the circumstances that led to being commissioned for the project. We also discuss in detail the level of precision put into evaluating an implementing energy-conserving designs.

Urbanize LA has recently published an article updating construction efforts on our mixed-use complex on the corner of Washington Boulevard and Motor Avenue. The article mentions wood framing currently on the rise from the eight-story project. The building will feature 112 studio and one-bedroom apartments; addressing a growing population in the Palms neighborhood.

Our collaboration with Cedars-Sinai on their Tarzana healthcare facility has been honored by San Fernando Valley Business Journal with a Commercial Real Estate Award in the tenant improvement category. The award recognizes the space for its focus on patient and family needs, and our careful design plan that separates three healthcare facilities while streamlining back of house operations.

Former editor of Builder magazine and founding editor of Residential Architect magazine, Boyce Thompson has a 30-year history and an architecture journalist. Abramson Architects' Beverly Hills Residence has been featured in Boyce's hardcover book 'The Forever Home', exploring the different designs and philosophies that go into designing homes that are meant to last a lifetime.

Plain Magazine published an expose on our work on Barker Residence. The article highlights our modern take on a spanish hilltop village house and making the most out of the surrounding scenic landscape. Plain praises our execution of 'old meets new' through our use of rustic and industrial material pallets.

Abramson Architects' Commercial Core-and-Shell, The Brick and The Machine, has been honored with an award from the Brick Industry Association. As experts in the field of brick application in architecture, the BIA awarded The Brick and The Machine best in class in the Thin Brick category. The use of thin brick throughout the design was influenced by the industrial history of the Culver City area. We are delighted that the BIA has recognized our work with the eponymous materials of which the building has been named after.

Abramson Architects is proud to publish our DEI report. The document summarizes the actions our firm has taken to promote and foster equity within our industry and the surrounding community. The full report will have a permanent home on our website's Initiatives page, and will be updated annually in order to maintain accountability and keep the public and our clients informed of our social actions.

Abramson Architects was honored with a Commercial Project Award from Guardian Glass. The international glass producer awarded Synapse creative office with a regional award in the Western U.S. division. The expert panel of judges recognized Synapse for its visual interest and detail through exploring the application of glass in an organize design.

Firm founder Trevor Abramson was a recent guest on the Business of Architecture Podcast. In the conversation, Trevor discusses his early years in architecture, founding Abramson Architects, and how he has guided AA to safety in financially uncertain times.

Abramson Architect's work on the Keslow Residence has been featured in the February/March issue of Interiors Magazine. The article focuses on our dedication to the Keslow family and their desire to take down their existing home to create a dream house for the entire family. The story goes on to discuss how partner David Pascu and the team went about designing the home and the materiality within.

Hidden spaces are beyond cool, as demonstrated in this AD Pro article. Our Residential Design Team plays close attention to the overall flow of the floorplan while seeking out unique ways to make the most of every potential nook or hideaway. This mid-century modern home features a cleverly concealed safe room and storage space, loosely inspired by Bruce Wayne’s lair in Batman.

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Bjorn Schrader shares with Healthcare Business Today our focus on patient experience in our Cedars-Sinai Los Feliz Urgent Care and OB-GYN design. Bjorn breaks down our design process six ways, focusing on the needs of Los Feliz, the healthcare team, and the greater context of the needs of a healthcare facility. The natural lighting and locality of the space is emphasized in the article as features that bring a sense of comfort and belonging to patients that come in.

Construction on the Aaron Milken Center has broken ground. Designed by Abramson Architects and in collaborations with Stephen Wise Temple, the Aaron Milken Center will be a state-of-the-art center with a multi-tiered campus broken up into small villages with both indoor and outdoor spaces for children and their families to gather, learn, and discover together.

Urbanize LA gives development updates for a three-story office designed for our clients at CIM Group. The building, on the corner of 30th Street and Crenshaw Boulevard, provides a stunning visual interest with dramatic overhangs, storefront windows, and numerous public spaces including a landscaped courtyard area. Urbanize references other projects currently under construction in the Jefferson Park and West Adams neighborhood, alluding to the fashionable neighborhood's recent resurgence.

On December 14th, Abramson Architects won two awards at the 2022 Southern California Development Forum Design Awards. Our work on The Brick and The Machine and Cedars-Sinai Los Feliz Urgent Care & OB/GYN won citation awards in the Commercial/Mixed Use and Healthcare categories respectively. This is the second award win for both projects, with Brick and Machine having won a WUF award and Cedars-Sinai Los Feliz having won an AIA-Los Angeles design award earlier this year.

AIA Los Angeles has given Abramson Architects a Citation Award in the Healthcare/Institutional/Civic Category for Cedar-Sinai Urgent Care and OB-GYN Clinic in Los Feliz. We are honored to see Cedar-Sinai recognized for their dedication to the community within such a competitive award category. Said by the juror panel, "As a vital urban fixture, this project showcases an excellent treatment of detailing from exterior through to the interior. It creates a dignified workspace while being mindful of the patient experience, thus creating a pleasant throughline.”
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(Photograph by Here and Now Agency)

Managing Editor Tracy Walker takes Healthcare Design readers through a photo tour of our Cedar-Sinai Urgent Care & OB-GYN clinic in Los Feliz. Tracy reflects on our dedication to preserving the historical and local culture of Los Feliz through the building's exterior design and parking lot mural, stating, "The result is a striking building with a nuanced four-box design and textured façade. The scale of the boxes evokes the idea of a patchwork, reminiscent of the rich pastiche that is Los Feliz."

(Photograph by Here and Now Agency)

Health Facilities Management Magazine recognizes Abramson Architect's design of Cedars-Sinai health clinics for their local neighborhood appeal. The article celebrates our Cedar-Sinai Los Feliz location as an example of bringing regionality and pedestrian appeal into a site design. Vice President of strategic integration at Cedars, Mary Clare Lingel, mentions our past success with the company through her statement, “Through our past community expansions, we have learned the importance of creating new facilities that feel natural to the site and cohesive to the neighborhood,”

(Photograph by Here and Now Agency)

Business of Home's Marina Felix asks our very own David Pascu and three other industry professionals about the tricky business of "How to navigate a client's pricing questions". David describes that a detailed road map is provided to each client by Abramson Architects; and the in-depth process undergone is meant to give everything our clients need to gain a clear and confident understanding of the project's pricing. As studio leader in charge of residential, David is also an expert in handling accommodations requested by our single family housing clients, assuring that "our services can be tailored to suit our clients' needs."

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(Photograph by Roger Davies Photography)

On September 13th, the AIA-Los Angeles gathered in person to celebrate this year’s outstanding achievements in restaurant design. Dripp Coffee Bar Costa Mesa received a Merit award in the Cafe Category.

The jury, which featured restaurant designer Anthony Poon and Chef Jennifer Hill Booker, had the following remarks, "Dripp Coffee Bar’s retro vibe gives you a boost before your first sip. The ‘coffee drip’ wall style gives added height and depth to what otherwise would have been a cramped space.”

(Photography by Michael Wells Photography)

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On August 16th, Building Design + Construction Magazine featured Cedars-Sinai Los Feliz in an article about the newly opened medical office.

"The new Cedars-Sinai Los Feliz Urgent Care Clinic in Los Angeles plays against type, offering a stylized design to what are typically mundane, utilitarian buildings." - Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor

(Photography by HANA)

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For a recent article on "Designing Flexible Health Care Environments for Patients", Green Building and Design spoke with Cedars-Sinai's Vice President of Facilities and Design, Zeke Triana. Regarding the newly opened #LosFeliz Medical Office, Triana had this to say, "When you walk in, you feel the total environment has been curated for you, and the details really matter... From how you access the campus to how you park to how you get to your destination to the artwork, landscaping, lighting—everything has been curated so you get that total experience.”

The article credits the design team at Abramson Architects for their ability to put patients at the center of everything. "They want their locations to feel true to the neighborhoods they’re in." - Zeke Triana

(Photography by HANA)

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On May 31st, Forbes featured Schwartz Medical Clinic in Westlake Village in their article about top-notch doctors and their beautifully designed offices.

"With so much competition, medical practices are doing everything they can to stand out. Embracing interior design has become a big part of this, especially in places like Southern California where aesthetics and are everything." - Amanda Lauren, Contributor

(Photography by Globop Photography)

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The April 8th issue of South Bay DIGS features the Getty View Residence in Brentwood.

"With its pure lines and geometric forms, the L-shaped house has the particularity of featuring a different exterior material at every level, creating visual interest through contrast and balance at the same time." - Karine Monie

(Photography by Manolo Langis)

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The January/February issue of Luxe Los Angeles features the Barker Residence. Be on the lookout for your copy on newsstands this month.

"The story of an old-world hilltop village updated with a modern twist guides a new Montecito Residence." - Christine DeOrio

(Photography by Manolo Langis)

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As Culver City's PLATFORM design district nears its five-year anniversary... the innovative retailer is still making headlines. Recently Vogue Business reported on the evolution of Platform's transformational retail concept. Christina Binkley recently took a look at the Runyon Group's forward-thinking partnership model in her article for Vogue Business. 

"Culver City’s Platform offers lessons for retailers as they plan for a post-pandemic landscape... The entire development is targeted to appeal to the trendy upscale local neighborhood, which is heavily populated by film, television, and tech employees who are keenly interested in all things style from food to fashion." Click Here to read more.

Featured on Interior Design Homes, this contemporary house was a collaboration between Abramson Architects, Magni Kalman Design, and MODAA Construction.  The story goes back at least 15 years when Trevor Abramson and James Magni renovated the client's former home. Trevor and the owner, both South African-born transplants to Los Angeles, had met  "through the grapevine".

The two-phased renovation focused on creating a more open ground-level configuration while adding a second level volume housing a luxurious bed-bath-office suite. "Step through that louvred, Douglas fir entry door for a delightful surprise. An expansive courtyard stands as the literal and figurative heart of the house as well as the renovation’s linchpin."

Click Here to read more of Edie Cohen’s coverage of this urban oasis.

Abramson Architects Offers Rapidly Implementable Ideas for the Post-Pandemic Workplace

As architects and designers, we are constantly adapting to transformations in environment, culture and technology and we pride ourselves in our ability to craft designs that endure these constant shifts. The changes we have seen over the two months, however, have been unlike anything we have ever experienced in both suddenness and scale.

While employees are just getting settled into the work from home environment thanks to widespread “stay-at-home” orders, the C-Suite and other leadership groups are tackling the delicate challenge of transitioning their staff back to the workplace. In the healthcare market, we realize there may be a serious case for discontinuing agile desk configurations due to the increased potential for disease transmission in these settings. Conversely, many of the creative offices and technology companies we partner with have expressed that they plan to leverage their remote working infrastructures while they seek more reliable long-term solutions for face-to-face connections. These companies typically had a 50-60% rate of remote working, even prior to the pandemic-driven requirements.

We in California are looking ahead to how this impacts the reopening of non-essential facilities and creative offices, such as architectural firms. As such, we wanted to share some of the ideas we have been discussing with our clients over the past few weeks.  Most of the following suggestions can be implemented quickly and inexpensively to better prepare your offices, and employees, for their return to “Business as (UN)Usual”.

CLICK HERE to Continue Reading.

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On Saturday, January 25, 2020, Abramson Architects' "Sapire Residence" was awarded one of the AIA’s San Fernando’s highest honors. In presenting the Honor Award for Residential Architecture, the AIA-SFV offered the following statement, “The level of the project extends well beyond local and regional success. And is well-deserving of the honor award bestowed by the jury.”

The Sapire Residence (aka The Palisades House) is a large, but informal, home that has been woven into the topography of the client’s dramatically sloping 2-acre site. The jury noted that, “The architect successfully balanced a 17,000 square foot home by terracing and breaking up the masses.” Other contributing factors include the use of simple materials and the home’s beautiful siting.

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Featured in CA Home + Design’s Anniversary Issue, the 1980’s-built home had quite a history. The clients purchased a 11,000 sq ft home that they liked, but knew would need major work. Low ceilings, dark interiors, and a lack of character exacerbated the effects of the home’s inefficient floor plan.

Thoughtful architectural moves and a highly curated interior design transform the dimly lit maze of rooms into an “energized” interior with an organic flow inside and out. Working with Erin Martin (Interior Design) and Scott Schrader (Landscape Designer), the stunning landscape design and courtyard garden now connects seamlessly to the living areas. 

“Throughout the house, a preponderance of light—coaxed inside by new openings inset with steel-framed windows—is balanced by a mixture of contemporary and antique pieces carved in dark wood that evoke the family’s South American roots.”

Click Here to read more of Abigail Stone’s coverage of this unforgettable Beverly Hills property.

A new book by Boyce Thompson explores domestic architecture in the era of climate change. Abramson Architects’ “Wyoming Residence” is featured along with other examples homes designed to withstand the growing threat of hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, landslides, and other natural disasters.

For the Wyoming Residence, the homeowner’s desire for an energy efficient vacation home requiring little maintenance dovetailed perfectly into the fire-safety requirements for Jackson Hole.

Based on the homes location in former “wildlands”, additional protections were needed to counteract wildfires which can reach peak temperatures within seconds. All of this was accomplished without sacrificing home’s aesthetics or its inhabitants’ views of the bucolic setting.

Click Here to Preview or Purchase on Amazon

Abramson Architects teamed up with local Los Angeles filmmaker/editor, Michael Wolfe, to submit a short for the 2019 AIA Film Challenge.  

The fifth annual contest highlights ways architects have collaborated with civic leaders to build resilient and sustainable communities. Our 2019 submission focuses on our efforts as a mid-size architecture firm to "Bridge the Gap" between the current built environment and the community needs.

In addition to the short film, featured here, we've also created a series of "takeaway" videos from our June 19th event aimed at bringing together local residents with the architecture and engineering community. These can be found on our Facebook page. 

"Technicolor Drip” is the official name of the iconic Jen Stark mural adorning the PLATFORM Design District's Washington Arts structure. The psychedelic 45 x 65 foot permanent installation is a focal point for the highly curated Culver City design district, ensuring visitors experience “a rainbow every day”.

Trends Magazine recently featured this short video of Jen during the creation of the visually striking installation. 

Hillel 818, the Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, serves over 6,500 Jewish students from CSU Northridge (CSUN), Pierce College, and LA Valley College. Despite their location in an outdated 1940’s building, the center provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for over 6,500 students. Abramson Architects’ contemporary design focuses on updating security and upgrading infrastructure while also capitalizing on the opportunity to enhance user comfort and improve the operational efficiency to better serve future programs. 

DS Honda Construction is beginning Phase I, consisting primarily of the interior remodel of the social hall, courtyard, and office spaces. Phase II will consist of strategically placed additions, the majority of which will create a new consolidated entry/lobby lounge. This will be the first major modernization of Hillel 818 since the building was converted from a fraternity house to a student center in the mid-1980’s.

The project was recently featured in the San Fernando Business Journal’s October 14, 2019 Real Estate Section:
Security Looms Large for CSUN’s Jewish Center

On Tuesday, November 5th 2019, Trevor Abramson will be joining representatives from Hackman Capital, Cambridge Pacific Ventures, and KPRS Construction Services on a panel entitled “Game Changing Downtown Culver City Developments: Everything You Need to Know About Notable Projects.”

Of the two dozen local projects Trevor’s firm has completed in Culver City, the most notable is Runyon Group’s 220,000 sqft flagship PLATFORM Complex. The project converted a blighted area into an eclectic development heralded by Fast Company as “The LA Mall that’s Defying the Retail Apocalypse”. The successful introduction of this curated design district helped usher in the current major construction projects in Downtown Culver City.

The discussion is a part of BisNow’s “Culver City State of the Market” and will bring together developers, architects, and contractors for other major projects including the Culver Steps, Culver Studios, Culver City Creative, The Entrada, and Access Culver City. Additional sessions during the premier event include “Navigating Culver’s Boom” and “Maintaining Culver Charm”.

We are proud to announce that firm principals David Pascu, Björn Schrader, and Marco Marraccini have been elevated to Partners. David, Bjorn, and Marco have been instrumental in the firm’s purposeful growth.

David’s focus on advancing the architectural details shines through in his delivery of both custom single family homes and multi-family housing.

Bjorn’s modernist approach and desire to shape his own surroundings lends itself to projects requiring both high design and “speed-to-market”.

Marco’s passion for community-centered architecture help him to navigate multiple stakeholders in building consensus for design solutions.

Architects Sasha Monge and Dror Ram, Research Director Ryan Novi, and Senior Interior Designer Kate Balfour have been elevated to Associate.

Join us in Congratulating the new Partners and Associates. These individuals embody the spirit of Abramson Architects by bringing a rare human touch to an increasingly corporate landscape.

On September 5, 2019 Abramson Architects joined a select few of Los Angeles’ top architecture and design firms in displaying their one-of-a-kind cat condos at Herman Miller LA Showroom. After the event, the dozen luxury modern cat houses were put up for auction along with hand-painted cat bowls from feline-loving celebrities such as William Shatner, Kristen Bell, and Clint Eastwood.

This unique event benefits the LA-based non-profit, FixNation, which provides free spay/neuter services for homeless cats (stray, abandoned and feral felines). 

For their third year in the charitable event, the team created a piece entitled, “CatCube: A Meow-dular Dwelling”. The flexible system uses magnets to link the parts together, allowing pet owners to configure the number and type of units that best suit their cat’s needs. The single modular design was split into two cat houses for the purpose of the auction and has been featured in the following international architectural publications.  

Dezeen
"11 Architectural Cat Shelters”

Architectural Digest
"Last Week, the L.A. Design World Was Buzzing About … Cat Condos"

Fast Company
"These Cat Houses are Nicer than Human Houses. We're Not Event Joking"

interiors+sources
"Architects and Designers Build Shelters for Homeless Cats"

Abramson Architects continues to explore how designers “Bridge the Gap” between the built environment and community needs. In this series of three videos, they offer helpful takeaways and insights from the speakers and attendees of their June 19th event on "Biking in LA".

PART 1 - Advancing the Conversation
http://bit.ly/31KTNMQ

PART 2 - Creating a Culture Shift
http://bit.ly/2NcnT7B

PART 3 - What Drives You to Cycle
http://bit.ly/2ZcIoUp

For the past 19 years, the Healthcare Design Showcase has been published to exemplify the best design and architecture in the healthcare industry. The Schwartz Aesthetic Institute is one of 42 projects chosen for the 2019 Edition based on the criteria of innovation, collaboration, aesthetics, and functionality/operational performance. 

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ONLINE SHOWCASE

While relocating their practice, formerly known as the Schwartz Medical Offices, the owners recognized an opportunity to create a glamorous space reflective of the meticulous eye for detail and attention to artistry exhibited by Dr. Schwartz and his staff. Every part of the design was a joint effort between the design team, consultants, vendors, fabricators, and client stakeholders. Read more here. 

From June 20-23, 2019 the Los Angeles Design Festival honors the city’s rich design culture and diversity of talent. AA is participating in two events during this citywide celebration of creativity.

PANEL: “BIKING in LA: BRIDGING THE GAP” June 19, 2019 | ATA | 8924 Lindblade St, Culver City
  5PM: Office Tour & Social Hour | 6PM: Panel and Q&A
CLICK HERE TO RSVP BY JUNE 10th

AA is kicking off this year’s celebration with a pre-festival panel discussion and office tour on June 19th. The panel features experts in the field of design, advocacy, community engagement, wellness, and urban planning to discuss both short and long term strategies for creating a more accessible and interconnected city.

Confirmed Panelists:

Trevor Abramson, FAIA
Design Principal, Abramson Architects

Greg Laemmle
Laemmle Theaters, The Laemmle Foundation, and the Los Angeles County Bike Coalition Member

Kelton Wright
Author of the City Cycling Guide: Los Angeles and Vertical Director of Movement & Sports for Headspace 

Andrew Ross, PE
Civil Engineer, County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works

WINNING INSTALLATION: “PARK by Adham Ghatit”
June 20, 2019 - June 23, 2019 | ROW DTLA Market Row | 777 Alameda Street, Los Angeles
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

PARK is one of the winning submission from this year’s Los Angeles Design Festival Installation Competition. The playful exploration features a pavilion, designed by AA Project Manager Adham el Ghatit, and brings together plants and shade under a timber framed space to create a small urban park.

You can check out Adham's installation at the ROW DTLA between June 20-23. The installation is free and open to the public.

For ROCA USA’s new campaign Interior Designers Kate Balfour and Sara Cecil camped out at the AA-designed Platform Complex to help kick off the Los Angeles leg of ROCA’s storytelling journey.

In keeping with the theme of “What is Design”, Kate and Sara discuss why they create places for connection and how they approach the delicate balance between trendy and timeless.

Click Here for the full profile:

“People are drawn to spaces that are well designed. They might not realize it’s the design of the place that makes them feel so good but at the end of the day, it really matters.” -Kate Balfour, Senior Interior Designer, AA.

“When we’re designing in California, being able to bring the local flavor into the aesthetic is really important.” -Sara Cecil, Interior Designer, AA.

Geared at attracting tech industry tenants, Synapse has done exactly that. Scopely, an interactive entertainment company, will relocate from their current location to 8888 Washington in 2020. The mobile games maker will more than double their currently footprint after they take residence in their new state-of-the-art headquarters.

The angular geometry of Synapse’s glossy white exterior membrane, made from custom molded glass fiber reinforced panels, gives the 92,000 sq ft creative office complex a sense of movement and purpose. Electricity and network bandwidth are sized to accommodate the high demand a user such as Scopely requires and are further supported by true fiber redundancy.

Synapse is the second phase of the AA-designed Platform mixed-use complex which transformed an abandoned used-car dealership and former railroad station into a lively hub of fashion, art, and culinary talent. Synapse continues where Platform left off by fulfilling the promise of a pedestrian friendly public realm connecting the busy Culver City Metro stop and the city’s rapidly growing Downtown.

LA Times
‘Star Trek’ game maker Scopely lands lease in new Culver City office building

Urbanize LA
This Week's Leases: Video Game Maker Expands in Culver City

Bisnow
Gaming Company Scopely Expands Headquarters In Culver City 

The Hollywood Reporter
Scopely More Than Doubles Footprint with Major Culver City Expansion

Pocket Gamer
Scopely’s recent success is bringing the publisher a new Culver City headquarters

Venture Beat
Scopely expands headquarters in Culver City in L.A.

L.A. Biz
Scopely to expand headquarters in Culver City

Los Angeles Daily News
Interactive gaming company to lease another 60,000 square feet in Culver City: The company likes adventure, so dogs are welcome at work and snacks are free.

Connect California: Commercial Real Estate News
Scopely to Expand HQ at Runyon’s Platform in Culver City

Culver City Observer
Scopely to Expand Headquarters in Culver City.

In a recent  Design LA Magazine article entitled “Culver City Now”,  Michael Webb explores the history and future state of this rapidly growing community. The LA Times' quarterly publication examines how the city is dealing with a billion dollars of new construction while continuing their legacy of smart, forward-looking development.  Two Abramson Architects projects were featured in the discussion about how enlightened civic planning is transforming the community.

The Platform converted an abandoned and blighted area into an eclectic retail, restaurant and creative office development. It AA’s intent to preserve the site’s rich history by repurposing several existing buildings and celebrating these previous operations through the art of architecture.

The Synapse is a mixed-use office structure which celebrates the tech industry’s ability to share complex concepts and ideas through elegantly interconnected networks. The creative office’s design is a biomorphic representation of the rapid electro-chemical signaling mechanisms occurring in our neural networks.

Other completed Culver City projects, not listed in the article, include Keslow Camera’s collaborative office, the artfully design Hackman Garage, and two facilities for Cedars-Sinai Medical System. AA is also designing multiple projects in the booming Hayden Track along with the new “Brick and Machine” development set to bring 85,000 sq ft of office and retail space to Downtown Culver City.

Celebrating smart and sustainable multidisciplinary design, this year’s International Design Awards (IDA) jury bestowed Abramson  Architect’s LALA Bridge with the Gold Award in the Architecture Category for “Arches, Bridges, Viaducts, and Gateways”. The iconic structure offers a solution to the current bike path’s lengthy detour around the Marina. The pathway is a five percent sloped spiral ramp that is nestled within a latticed shell structure. It was generated by lofting two rotated ellipses along an arch. The monumental bases contribute to the spatial and social experience by becoming an occupiable event space.

In addition to the IDA Award, LALA Bridge has also recently been honored by the BSA/AIA (Boston Society of Architecture). The concept was originally conceived to start a discussion on ways the broken pathway could be made whole. In keeping with their desire to leverage old schools of thought with the boldness of new, AA continues to explore this topic.

Interior Design Magazine released the findings of their first ever PowerGrid LA survey in 2019, after having focused on New York for the last two years. Abramson Architects (AA) ranked 23 on their list of Top 50 Architectural Firms in Los Angeles, a reflection of the firm’s ability to preserve constant design themes that reflect their Southern California roots while remaining inventive and progressive.

Interior Design Magazine’s ranking is based on AA’s local development portfolio within downtown L.A., Arts District, Culver City, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Long Beach, and Pasadena. AA’s relevant work includes several local projects such as Third and Traction, a conversion of underused structures in Downton LA into a mixed-use complex that exudes the neighborhood's vitality, and The Union at Sunset, the transformation of a previously introverted site into a vibrant gathering place connected by a network of outdoor terraces. The Los Angeles Premium Outlets (Abramson Architects, Design Architect with DLR Group, Executive Architect) also made the list as the 17th largest On-the-Boards Development project.

Javier Gil Vieco, architect and photographer for Abramson Architects, was recognized on February 12, 2019 at the AIA-Los Angeles’ Architectural Photography Awards Ceremony. His submission, entitled “Glowing Profile”, received the following comments from the Jury:

“This one I absolutely loved. It is so minimal. It’s so confusing. It renders architecture as a body. You don’t know if it’s on its side, if it’s a landscape, or what the sky is doing. It just feels sort of sensual in a way that I don’t normally see architecture in a photograph.”

The purely playful composition achieved by this exercise reflects the importance of composition in Javier’s photographic work.

“Architecture is a great subject to create suggestive abstract compositions like this one,” said Javier during his acceptance speech at the Schindler House/MAK Center in Los Angeles.

“The materiality of buildings and its elements, the different textures, and contrasts between light and shade, all add up to enrich photographs in a very unique way, which makes architecture photography so special.”

Amongst one of the most competitive awards programs in the United States, AIA|BSA Design Awards - Boston Society of Architects honor excellence in architecture. Abramson Architects is proud to announce that the BSA recognized the LALA Gateway Bridge with its 2018 BSA Unbuilt Architecture and Design Citation Award.

A few of the Jury comments:

The bridge, because of its scale, becomes a monument to Marina Del Ray and Los Angeles. The curling ramp was thought of as an outdoor LA Guggenheim. One juror considered this bridge “so LA;” ...an appropriate and compelling design for a bridge in LA.
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Abramson Architects contributes the 4, 500 sq ft award winning Lima Residence of Calabasas, CA  For full details go to https://www.architravel.com/news/lima-residence-by-abramson-teiger-architects/

Abramson Architects contributes a modern renovation to the Religious Places, TEMPLE ISRAEL of Long Beach, CA  For full details go to https://www.architravel.com/architravel/building/temple-israel/

Abramson Architects collaborates with ArchiTravel and contributes one of their award winning residence.  For full details go to https://www.architravel.com/news/kelly-residence-by-abramson-teiger-architects/

Abramson Architects contributes the First Presbyterian Church of Encino, CA featured in the RELIGIOUS PLACES section of ArchiTravels online architectural guide.  Full details go to https://www.architravel.com/architravel/building/first-presbyterian-church/

#HelloPlatform

AA's PLATFORM is featured in the Commercial | Retail | Urban section of ArchiTravel guide. Full details, go to https://www.architravel.com/architravel/building/platform/

ArchiTravel highlights AA's Sinnott residence.  An Iconic Angular Home with Timeless Attraction.  To view the full article...https://www.architravel.com/architravel/building/sinnott-residence/

Luxe Interiors + Design Magazine is the “essential source for those with a passion for creating beautiful surroundings and living well.” The team at AA is proud to see Trevor Abramson, FAIA featured in the publication’s ‘Eye on Design 2018’ compendium on regional style.

Amongst the most prestigious and competitive awards programs in the United States, the annual American Institute of Architects Los Angeles Design Awards honor excellence in architecture. Abramson. Architects is proud to announce that the AIA|LA jury recognized the Platform, a retail, restaurant and workplace development, with its 2017 Los Angeles Design Award.Go to project

The Urban Land Institute is a global nonprofit education and research institute with a mission to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in sustaining and creating thriving communities worldwide. At its Fall Meeting on October 23, 2017, AA’s Trevor Abramson and Björn Schrader presented the Platform, a retail, restaurant and workplace development in Culver City. The ULI’s Fall Meeting attracts over 6,000 attendees each year.

We are excited to share our latest creative office design for Octagon - a global sports marketing and talent agency. We believe that branding goes beyond a logo and a handful of colors.  It is an experience that must be felt immediately upon entering a space.  For this client, we implemented materials found in sporting venues and equipment such as textured leathers, metal mesh, and glossy wood to brand the space without being too literal.  Go to project

Having previously designed multiple office locations for Huge, the team at Abramson Architects aimed to apply the company’s core values to a space that was uniquely Atlanta. Visibility and community are important factors in a Huge workplace. The designers implemented alternative working spaces amongst open seating and glass enclosed environments.Go to project

We are honored to accept another recognition for our work at PLATFORM, a retail, restaurant and workplace development in Culver City. The Los Angeles Business Council hosts their annual architectural awards, this year celebrating projects that embrace cutting-edge green design and smart transportation systems. “Los Angeles is where art, culture and commerce come together — and the Architectural Awards help us celebrate what L.A. offers to the world,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “This event helps strengthen cultural and economic ties with our international partners, and I thank the Los Angeles Business Council for making it possible.”Go to project

Congratulations to the design team for their work on Platform, a retail, restaurant and workplace development in Culver City.  The project was selected by a jury of industry peers for demonstrating excellence in city making and community building.    Go to project

A jury of architects, restaurateurs and design writers have chosen eleven finalists from projects across the country for the American Institute of Architects LA Restaurant Awards. Now we need your support to win the People’s Choice Award! Simply click on the link below to be directed to the voting page.

Click here to vote

The second AA-designed Mainland Poke shop is now open in Marina del Rey. The design team continued their signature look for the fast-casual brand that was originally established in the Glendale location.
Custom Furniture  
The poke brand’s signature blue color is seen in the mixed material seating that was custom designed for the client.
Wood Accent Wall  
A wood accent wall was designed to mimic fish scales for a perfectly on-brand textural element.

Bisnow’s Big West Coast Retail Event is happening in Los Angeles at the end of March. Real estate developers and designers will join top brand executives for a day of presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities focused on the future of the retail industry in a changing market. AA's Design Principal, Trevor Abramson, will be moderating a panel of industry experts on the topic Leasing Trends Outlook.

Event Details
Tuesday March 28, 2017
10:05AM - 10:50AM | Leasing Trends Outlook Panel
Additional events will be held from 8:00AM - 3:00PM

Sheraton Downtown LA
711 S Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA

Click here to register

Abramson Architects is excited to announce their latest magazine feature for the Wyoming Residence. Trends Ideas Magazine wrote a beautiful tribute which was published both on their print and digital platforms, which can be read by clicking below.

“As we become increasingly aware of the negative effects our actions can have on our world, many of us are responding by want-ing homes that ‘sit lightly on the land’. It’s a phrase that can encompass a number of different aspects – and many of those were integral to the design of this new home by Abramson Architects.” – Trends Ideas  

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The AIA San Fernando Valley Chapter held its annual awards that recognize design excellence.  Three of AA's projects were chosen as winners.

Platform - Citation Award Go to project
Cohen Residence - Honor Award Go to project
Glenhaven Residence - Merit AwardGo to project

Janice Francois, Director of Interiors at AA, offers tips on unique hardware upgrades for any space of the home. Her picks can be found alongside those of other prominent interior designers on the popular website My Domaine.

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Abramson Architects is proud to report the continued success of the firm's Interior Design department.  The team has just received an award from BUILD News which recognizes AA as the Best Interior Design Studio in California.  The 2017 Interior Design Awards honor excellence in design in both commercial and residential interiors.

“The firm utilized poke bowls’ aquatic origin—a poke bowl is a dish of cubed fresh fish served over rice and topped with an assortment of flavorful toppings—and the traditional fish markets where one might go to acquire their ingredients, as inspiration.
A decorative pattern comprised of variously recessed wooden blocks lines a main interior wall, while tessellated white tiles reminiscent of fish scales wrap the separate food preparation area. Design Principal Trevor Abramson explained, ‘The white tiles and wood talk to materials found in a traditional fish market and are a perfect palette for the vibrant colors found in the fresh fish poke.’” – The Architects Newspaper

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Abramson Architects is expanding their Washington Boulevard footprint with the latest addition to the highly popular Platform development which was also designed by AA and opened in May of 2016. The new building will feature three stories of creative office space, ground floor retail and restaurants, and underground automated parking.

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