Home to the rich and famous, and typically known as the center of Hollywood and movie culture, Los Angeles has a lively and fun atmosphere that attracts people from all over the world. The city is full of activities for tourists and locals alike, such as walking down the popular Venice Beach, spending a day in the Universal Studios theme park, and driving around the Beverly Hills neighborhood. Los Angeles’ unique mix of different cultures, which includes a heavy influence of Mexican and Japanese traditions, also gives people a wide range of culinary experiences.
For those who want to live in Los Angeles or expand their business to this city, we have created a list of the city’s best interior architects. These firms have worked on impressive structures that take into account great architectural design, Los Angeles’ fascinating culture, and the unique styles of their clients.
Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill (SOM)
333 South Grand Ave. Suite 3600, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Founded in 1936 to provide clients with a variety of services for architecture-related needs, Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill (SOM) has since grown to also include urban design and interior design services in its expertise. The specialized technical knowledge, creativity, and deep understanding of policy and economics that the SOM team has allows them to create design solutions that serve a wide variety of functions. SOM currently has locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London, and Michael Mann, a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), serves as the managing principal of the Los Angeles branch. He leads the team in using a partnership-based approach to complete projects. Each of the firm’s locations focuses on refining its architectural, engineering, urban planning, and sustainability capabilities.
The Desmond, a commercial building in Los Angeles, is part of SOM’s renovation and adaptive reuse portfolio. The structure was originally a five-story vacant historic warehouse meant to function as an automobile showroom. SOM reworked the structure into about 88,000 square feet of modern and creative office space for Anschutz Entertainment Group and its entities. As it began planning, the firm decided to take a minimal intervention approach by focusing on restoring architectural integrity and capitalizing on existing features like high ceilings, large windows, and exposed concrete. SOM later added a sixth-floor glass pavilion with a north-facing terrace. As the firm continued with the major upgrades that complied with seismic and lateral loading codes, it also made sure to accentuate The Desmond’s industrial details to create a modern and loft-style design. Many of the structure’s features also promote health and well-being, including interconnected stairways and an outdoor deck.
Perkins&Will
617 West 7th St. Ste 1200, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Perkins&Will primarily focuses on creating designs for the health, government, education, science, sports, and corporate sectors. Among its projects is the Kaiser Permanente Hollywood Romaine Medical Offices in Los Angeles, in which Perkins&Will provided interior tenant improvement work. This involved installing wall graphics and murals inspired by local street art, as well as maximizing the limited daylight and views in the center waiting room, which is located on a narrow floor plate. By using modern, colorful, and lively furniture, Perkins&Will was able to create an inviting atmosphere for healthcare visitors, patients, and staff.
Led by principal and managing director Richard Marshall, Perkins&Will’s Los Angeles branch works to create stunning spaces by maximizing the potential of design. Marshall uses his experience from over 30 years in the industry to lead the team as a business leader, architect, urban designer, and executive coach. He helps Perkins&Will develop human-centered designs that highlight the benefits of sustainability, resilience, diversity, inclusion, and mobility-based details. The firm works these details into all facets of a project, including architecture, interior design, urban design, and landscape architecture.
SmithGroup
550 S Hope St. #1950, Los Angeles, CA 90071
While SmithGroup was founded in 1853, making it the oldest firm on this list, it makes sure to adapt to current and modern standards for design and engineering work. The firm continuously researches industry trends and practices to make sure it can effectively use data, advanced technology, and design thinking to help clients with their projects. Its innovative processes and methodologies ensure it can accomplish stunning spaces while serving the built and natural environment through architecture, engineering, urban design, and environmental science. With Bonnie Khang-Keating serving as the vice president of the Los Angeles chapter and the office director for the San Diego chapter, SmithGroup has completed numerous sustainable and future-focused projects for clients in various industries.
The Arup Los Angeles Headquarters is among SmithGroup’s corporate projects. This project was meant to accommodate the client’s expanding staff and services while offering better transportation options for employees. SmithGroup used a collaborative approach to complete the development and construction of the building. Arup leadership and staff were deeply involved in the envisioning and decision-making processes, resulting in a design that inspires clients, peers, and employees. SmithGroup particularly made sure to showcase its expertise in acoustic, lighting, structural engineering, and other available services. The design centered around a central open staircase, promoting creativity and wellness in the three-story workspace. The firm installed a main conference center, huddle rooms, and niche work areas. The floor plate near the staircase provides informal seating and encourages interaction between employees, and there is also a lively cafe area on the top level that can be used to host community and industry events.
Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects
10865 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232
Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects (EYRC Architects), formerly known as Ehrlich Architects, has branches in Los Angeles and San Francisco to help clients create stunning homes and commercial spaces. As an internationally recognized firm, it has the ability to accentuate California’s modern architecture through new technology, while simultaneously working with cultural and environmental sensitivity. Its projects, which include homes, courthouses, libraries, university centers, and government facilities, have received extensive recognition. This includes nine national AIA awards, among its 150 accolades, as well as the title of AIA California Council Firm of the Year.
Steven Ehrlich, an FAIA and a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), works with six firm partners to continuously refine EYRC Architects’ operations and strategies. He uses his experience from working on indigenous structures in Africa to produce dynamic designs. His other firm partners include: Takashi Yanai, an FAIA; Patricia Rhee, an FAIA, member of Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP); Mathew Chaney, a member of AIA and DBIA, and a LEED AP; Ashley Richardson, a member of the AIA and a LEED AP; and Bryn Garrett, a member of the AIA and a LEED GA (Green Associate). Yanai primarily serves as the leader of the San Francisco studio. He leverages his skills from working as a design journalist and editor in Tokyo to establish relationships between designs and the environment through reinterpretations of traditional Japanese design. Rhee has worked as a design jury for the AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice, the DBIA, the University of Southern California, and the SCI-Arc. Her skills allow her to guide professionals from both EYRC Architects and international organizations. Chaney has served as the principal-in-charge for some of the firm’s biggest and most complex projects, including the Pendry Hotel + Residences in West Hollywood. Before joining the firm, he worked as one of the lead creatives on the Walt Disney Imagineering team. Richardson also worked on the Pendry Hotel + Residences, as well as on the Theater District Living and Learning Neighborhood at UC San Diego. She is known for efficiently managing large teams and building strong client relationships. Lastly, Garrett primarily works as a facile designer for a broad range of project types. He leads EYRC Architects’ sustainability initiatives to integrate wellness and net zero strategies during the design process.
Kiyohara Moffitt
620 Moulton Ave. Studio 106, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Kiyohara Moffitt was founded in 1987 by Ko Kiyohara, an AIA member, and Gina G. Moffitt, a member of the AIA and Society of American Registered Architects (SARA), as well as a LEED AP. They founded the firm in order to bring clients quality architectural design services. Currently, Moffitt serves as the sole principal using her experience from nearly four decades in the Southern California architecture industry. Her portfolio features commercial, residential, and interior design work.
Having completed more than 100,000 square feet of projects, Kiyohara Moffitt is known for its commitment to serving client needs through value-adding services. Its dedication to quality work can be seen in how its thoughtful programming, design, and coordination place client welfare and interests at the center of the process. A majority of Kiyohara Moffitt’s work comes from the referral and return of satisfied clients.
AAHA Studio
9856 Vidor Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90035
AAHA Studio uses a design-driven process to come up with the best solutions for specific problems. Its owners, husband and wife Aaron Leshtz and Harper Halprin, who are both AIA members, work collaboratively with clients to understand how to maximize the individuality and quality of their designs. AAHA Studio utilizes modern technology, updated industry knowledge, and customized services to accomplish stunning spaces and provide client-centric services.
Halprin’s expertise lies in architectural and interior design work, as she has completed projects for the retail, residential, civic, commercial, and education sectors. She is also skilled in project management, construction, custom furniture, lighting, and product design. Leshtz, meanwhile, focuses on detailed and expert craftsmanship, honing in on the distinctions between style and quality. He has helped with the development, documentation, and construction of flagship retail concepts, high-end residences, and creative office spaces.
