Work in Progress
It’s been a while since our last newsletter. We’ve been focused on the work and moving quickly with project development and studio growth but wanted to take a minute to check in and share what’s been happening. We’ll try to do that more regularly moving forward.
Across the studio, several projects are now in construction, where ideas are tested, refined, and ultimately take shape in the real world. It’s always a rewarding phase, where the work continues to evolve in meaningful ways.
- Public West Hollywood is the reopening of an iconic West Hollywood property, restoring the historic structure through a streamlined revitalization process.
- Tower Grove Residence balances openness and privacy across a steep site, creating a sense of clarity and continuity throughout.
- Wilkins Townhomes explores shifting light and shadow to bring new multifamily housing into the quiet character of its Westwood neighborhood.
- The Park Planned Homes focuses on rebuilding community after the Eaton Fire, working with families to restore the historic Gregory Ain homes with updated systems for long-term resilience.
While each project is different, they’re all shaped by the same approach: thoughtful iteration and a constant balance between big ideas and the realities of building.
Studio Growth
Our studio’s growth is a direct reflection of the expanding collective that shapes our work. We are pleased to welcome:
- Brian Davis, AIA – Associate Principal
- Vanja Deretic – Associate Principal, Finance and Operations
- Yoann Liu – Project Architect
- Ena Yanchapaxi – Senior Designer I
- Ming Chen – Designer I
- Zione Grosshuesch – Designer I
- Gene Jinyong Park – Designer I
- Han Na Kim – Designer I
- Francis Wu – Designer I
- Matias Munoz-Rodriguez – Designer I
Ongoing Inquiry and Advocacy
Since being elevated to the AIA College of Fellows last year, Brian has continued to focus on the intersection of architecture, climate, and the discipline’s evolving responsibilities, building on a series of ongoing talks and conversations that included two keynote lectures for Teulo Talks Live in Auckland and Queenstown, New Zealand, and a panel discussion at the 9th annual 1.5°C Symposium on Climate Change for AIA Los Angeles COTE.
As part of the (Re)Building with Resilience panel, Brian drew from ongoing work in Altadena, the Palisades, and Malibu, where rebuilding efforts are prioritizing resiliency while navigating the realities of environmental urgency and rising construction costs. The discussion focused on practical strategies, including WUI-compliant assemblies, low-carbon material systems, water efficiency, and insurance-aligned design, alongside scalable approaches for fire-adapted, climate-resilient homes and neighborhoods.
He will also be leading a panel discussion at the upcoming Design for Dignity Conference on May 29, 2026.
