drawing a line

beyond words

Architectural ideas unlike concepts from other disciplines can’t be described through words and writing alone, and as much as we think that verbal descriptions and persuasion, interpretive dance and handwaving at job-sites might help it is the drawing that describes the architect’s vision. For architects, to speak is to draw. A drawing is a recipe, a set of instructions, ‘the Bible’ around which everything revolves in order to conjure, plan and construct a building and a vision. Our language is visual. Every line, word and dimension carries meaning but as a whole a drawing must be visually clear and balanced. A drawing has a logic, a rhythm and a its own conventions and is in itself a crafted object, an objet d’art. It is this business of drawings that defines us as architects. An architect draws every day. It is the strongest tool in our arsenal to express ourselves the rest of the world. That and an occasional dance routine ;)

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pluralists. problem solvers. people people.

Plāna is a Los Angeles based architecture studio rooted in design, ecological and social sustainability and effective project management. We want our end product to be a catalyst for positive personal, social and environmental change and be a source of inspiration and joy. Our aesthetic is timeless and streamlined. We develop solutions come from a deep understanding of our clients needs. And we stay around until they are implemented. We enjoy and celebrate the diversity of our clients that include schools, landowners and developers, private individuals and public institutions.

arch speak

it words

Have you caught yourself overusing certain phrases or noticed that certain groups or generations have a proclivity for specific words or expressions? I remember for a while in architecture it was all about ‘paradigm shifts’ and lately I noticed I definitely use the word ‘language’ to describe how we communicate through forms and drawings. Here are some equivalents of ‘the new normal’ and ‘unprecedented’ in the world of architecture and design.

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words of wisdom

It is good to be reminded that all these words and concepts have a bearing in the way we contemplate and create new ideas. So let’s talk architecture…

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pluralists. problem solvers. people people.

Plāna is a Los Angeles based architecture studio rooted in design, ecological and social sustainability and effective project management. We want our end product to be a catalyst for positive personal, social and environmental change and be a source of inspiration and joy. Our aesthetic is timeless and streamlined. We develop solutions come from a deep understanding of our clients needs. And we stay around until they are implemented. We enjoy and celebrate the diversity of our clients that include schools, landowners and developers, private individuals and public institutions.

urban delight

dreaming of public spaces

It seems that under the current circumstances of continued self isolation, the public domain remains an idealized apparition as we delve deeper into the privacy of our dwellings. The experience of public space in urban centers, meeting a friend in a city square, walking across a public plaza, visiting a museum or gallery, sipping a coffee in a cafe, seem to be a long lost pastime as another wave of lockdowns ensue. The silver lining? With glimpses and memories of public space still alive in our minds and imaginations, we recall sunnier days and the outdoor spaces as they used to be or could be giving form to new visions.

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small gestures on grand scales

An early Plana study of the public space uniting Drew University and the MLK medical campus incorporates an open architectural typology with surrounds outdoors spaces through intricate walkways and farmscapes. A departure from the existing campus axis allows for better connectivity and community engagement. Serendipitous encounters between students, medical staff and members of the community, moments of bliss in a wild flower garden, a neighborhood festival with food trucks and music… Buildings themselves extend from these experiences into halls and classrooms, clinics and a completely open commissary and food hall.

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pluralists. problem solvers. people people.

Plāna is a Los Angeles based architecture studio rooted in design, ecological and social sustainability and effective project management. We want our end product to be a catalyst for positive personal, social and environmental change and be a source of inspiration and joy. Our aesthetic is timeless and streamlined. We develop solutions come from a deep understanding of our clients needs. And we stay around until they are implemented. We enjoy and celebrate the diversity of our clients that include schools, landowners and developers, private individuals and public institutions.

Winter Is Coming

a modern chalet

There is a romance and an abstract beauty to cold weather… especially for a design studio based in LA! So when we got to work on this ‘chalet’ in the Lemont neighborhood of Chicago, where the weather is known by long, freezing and windy winters, we jumped at the idea of creating a modern apparition veiled in snow. Working with existing architecture we redesigned this residential exterior to respond to the beauty of cold weather of the Great Lake region. We kept the dominant lines of the facade with the scaling sloped roof and the glass block vertical beacon and added horizontal slits to manipulate the proportions of the window openings. The result is a streamlined facade with minimal visual clutter. Yeh, that’s a Tesla truck in the driveway ;)

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snowflake

It was also important to us to create an effect of lightness for such an enormous house and have the house instead recede into its natural setting. There is something silently heroic in the way this building responds to the very harsh conditions of its surroundings. The siting and the way the structure integrates into the slopes, its fluttering, slanted roof planes almost make it seem as if the ice wrinkled and produced a shelter there. Winter teaches us a vigilance, rigor and resilience like no other season. Winter invites contemplation and a search for meaning and growth.

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home office

working smarter

How productive are you at your home office desk? Is your space isolated from all the other activities in your home? Do you have access to natural light? Is your chair comfy? All these little details play an important role in the way you work from home… In this home office we used system furniture to streamline the desk surfaces and minimize distractions. Diffused natural light coming from the glass block wall feature floods and energizes the space. An elevated loft serves as a cozy escape for reading and inspiration… OK great, now let’s get back to work!!!

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let’s go

Some tunes to help with the flow!

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pluralists. problem solvers. people people.

Plāna is a Los Angeles based architecture studio rooted in design, ecological and social sustainability and effective project management. We want our end product to be a catalyst for positive personal, social and environmental change and be a source of inspiration and joy. Our aesthetic is timeless and streamlined. We develop solutions come from a deep understanding of our clients needs. And we stay around until they are implemented. We enjoy and celebrate the diversity of our clients that include schools, landowners and developers, private individuals and public institutions.

material girl

a poised palette

When selecting materials for a project we often start with the mood we would like to evoke. In this case we wanted this office building lobby to feel modern, light and warm. Whenever possible we used natural materials and synthetic materials when not. When using the latter we always convey the true nature of the material - for instance, vinyl will never be wood so why does it have to pretend (like in many LVT products)? The materials always need to work with each other and end up forming a family. Paint colors respond to the warmth, saturation and contrast of the other materials in a room for example. Echoes of one material find their way from one area to the next. Scale and light are also important…

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let’s get physical

When we work with materials, we often not only work with samples and textures but often request mockups of major building elements and custom features. Architecture occupies physical space, as do we in spite of technology, and it is important to test certain features ahead of time for their overall appearance, relationship with other building elements, longevity, etc. When was the last time you were impressed by a stone when you touched the counter at a bank, the particular way the sun hit a building facade making it sparkle or the tactile nature of draperies in a theater? Let this be an invitation to experience and lean into our environments, their materiality and enjoy…

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pluralists. problem solvers. people people.

Plāna is a Los Angeles based architecture studio rooted in design, ecological and social sustainability and effective project management. We want our end product to be a catalyst for positive personal, social and environmental change and be a source of inspiration and joy. Our aesthetic is timeless and streamlined. We develop solutions come from a deep understanding of our clients needs. And we stay around until they are implemented. We enjoy and celebrate the diversity of our clients that include schools, landowners and developers, private individuals and public institutions.

back to school

always learning

As the school year gets rolling what can we take away from this momentum and apply it to our own lives and schedules. Taking cues from our recent work on education projects, we contemplate the various learning modes and marvel at the beauty of learning as well as academic and personal growth. Collaboration and social interaction, focused work, art, technology, ideation and imagination, physical activity and observing nature and its creatures are only a few of the forms learning happens through. Some of us are visual while others are audible or hands-on and experimental. As architects and designers, it is our job to capture all of these various forms of learning into a universal microcosm of learning called the classroom. The classroom is a teacher’s toolbox, always shifting and changing to the various activities taking place from instruction to art projects, reading and projection of educational films. The classroom is also a canvas, reflecting students’ progress as well as the school’s values and culture. We can’t help but wonder if this designated space for learning can continue beyond its walls and beyond the confines of institutions and find its way to our own lives where it can do the same. Are you still learning?

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planning for flexibility

In a recent study of classroom furniture we looked to provide flexible seating arrangements while working with technology and other AV requirements within each space. Teacher desks and storage, areas for reading and small group study and collaboration were also carefully considered and planned for. As with most designs, we start with the development of a concise programming document outlining the activities and end-uses of each space and the proposed means of achieving them both physical and operational. Throughout the design process we will constantly refer back to this document. Early planning for furniture (FF&E) is critical in the design of spaces and the ultimate architecture of educational facilities.

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minimalist homes

the concept

What happens when a client asks for a minimalist design and has a specific vision about the space being predominantly bare? Most people cringe at the thought of cold and empty spaces and are familiar with minimalism yet are somehow not at ease with it. When we think of places where we live we want them to be warm and inviting and we want to surround ourselves with things, objects and memories that remind us of our experiences or represent something about us. But what if this absence of content is an invitation to open up to new possibilities, to breathe and to think without distractions, to relax and recharge in a space as light and luminous as possible.

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the project

This Great Lake retreat was conceived for a young entrepreneur that values moments of stillness amidst a very dynamic career life. The original residence was updated with strategic strokes to open up spaces, update finishes and simplify and streamline spatial and functional aspects of the home. Minimal furnishings support the idea of ‘less is more’ and ample built in storage allows for books and other objects to be at hand while out of sight.

Now some Chicago jazz to set the mood…

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pluralists. problem solvers. people people.

Plāna is a Los Angeles based architecture studio rooted in design, ecological and social sustainability and effective project management. We want our end product to be a catalyst for positive personal, social and environmental change and be a source of inspiration and joy. Our aesthetic is timeless and streamlined. We develop solutions come from a deep understanding of our clients needs. And we stay around until they are implemented. We enjoy and celebrate the diversity of our clients that include schools, landowners and developers, private individuals and public institutions.

sweet dreams

… are made of this

When designing a perfect master bedroom retreat, there are a few key aspects for this room to remain a personal getaway and safe-haven. This special place is an expression of ones personality, hopes and dreams and is an intimate oasis. Simple yet sophisticated and furnished with only what’s most needed. No clutter! With plenty of storage, the right elegant furniture and a cozy reading or lounge area such as a modern fireplace with a comfortable chair to unwind from a busy day… What more could one ask for? Well, maybe a soundtrack…

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bodies of water

In the hot days of summer what can be better than making a splash! Water cools, cleanses and provides instant relaxation and stress relief. It perhaps reminds us of our primordial home, the ocean. It is life giving, transformative. We are mostly water. It erodes rock gently over millennia and cuts it forcefully in a laser beam at the stoneyard. It is nourishing and healing and can destroy entire cities instantly in a tsunami or by sinking it over centuries like Venice. It is elusive and will run through your fingers. It will wipe you out is you are a surfer. You can float on it endlessly.

Water has many effects - it flows, glistens, murmurs and glows when illuminated from within and is one of the most abundant resources in nature. Many cultures give it special meaning and use it as a symbol. In dreams water can stand for emotion itself. We’re getting metaphysical here…

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When used as a design element water has a tremendous impact on our wellbeing. In our Encino Hills project we used water to separate an art pavilion from the rest of an internal private court. In doing so we used water as a special boundary to another realm of creativity, play and contemplation. Water features integrated into the pool and spa provide pleasant white noise suitable for relaxation. LEDs illuminate the pool from within added color therapy and party effects. Simple materials such as smooth plaster, concrete pavers, stone and white gravel and native plants integrated into the surrounding hillside create an oasis and retreat from the Los Angeles bustle.

modern lux interiors

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Now more than ever - home is where the heart is. Modern homes often have simple lines and volumes that compose what we call minimalist interiors, yet tend to be comfortably cozy and showcase a sophisticated and timeless elegance. Interior material selections are neutral and streamlined and include stone, wood and painter plaster. Fabrics and furniture further soften the overall palette bathed in natural north light. Existing features are played up and built in cabinetry adds much needed storage to keep everything organized and clean.

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At Plāna, we consider natural light to be a basic building material, much like stone or brick. The large north facing windows in this existing residence provide much needed light and in effect transform the interior architecture and configuration of the spaces. Furthermore they open the space toward a beautiful garden setting and neighborhood views and allow the natural breezes to enter...

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What is your favorite room in the house? Is your home where you heart is? Drop us a line…

fantastic fun furniture

an all encompassing experience

Architecture does not stop at the exterior walls of a building or even with the interior design and finishes. It goes further beyond the brick and mortar materiality of a building and extends to everything that you can see and feel within a space. This is why furniture plays such an important role in the design and the ultimate experience of space.

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creative elements

At Plana we take special care of the type of furniture we select for any given space so that it will support the function and the aesthetic of any given space very early on in the design process. We work closely with the end user and incorporate furniture plans and selections so that the actual spatial and architectural requirements support their activities and goals for each project.

We love working across scales and fusing all these different elements into a cohesive whole. Because of this extensive expertise, Plana has been engaged by various clients to provide everything from furniture procurement, budgeting and other consultative services as they relate to furniture.

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Would you like to learn more? Let us know if you have any comments or questions for us!

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pluralists. problem solvers. people people.

Plāna is a Los Angeles based architecture studio rooted in design, ecological and social sustainability and effective project management. We want our end product to be a catalyst for positive personal, social and environmental change and be a source of inspiration and joy. Our aesthetic is timeless and streamlined. We develop solutions come from a deep understanding of our clients needs. And we stay around until they are implemented. We enjoy and celebrate the diversity of our clients that include schools, landowners and developers, private individuals and public institutions.

basement 2.0

It is known that Architects and Designers use variety of design tools to explore and showcase their projects and connect with clients. Here at Plāna, we love to use mood boards and collages, as they turned out to be a very appreciated and fairly understood presentation format among our clients. It is a chance for both clients and us to get a better sense of materials, colors, and even furniture and decor elements which we are leaning toward in our design.

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Given the underground position of the space, existing configuration of spaces and floor elevations and no natural lighting, it was our mission to renovate this basement for it to become a place of refuge that is warm, cozy and inviting. One of the most important things was to get just right brightness new lighting sources as well as to provide accommodations for acoustics with the introduction of ceiling baffles and wood and fabric wall surfaces. Other major renovation points were a variety of comfortable seating groups, a theater, gaming area, wine and cigar cellar, private wellness rooms and fancy mini bar.

Nice place to spend your coffee (or kombucha) break or after-work hours, isn’t it? Let us know your thoughts!

terrific TIs

meeting our clients’ needs

It’s a challenge to meet and understand the demands of today’s office space users, who are multitasking and collaborating, while also trying to stay focused on their individual work and privacy. As architects and designers, it is our goal to create office spaces that can enhance and stimulate both, making them user-centered, flexible, private and BEAUTIFUL.

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making space personal

For our El Camino TI project we looked to provide a specific number of private offices for an attorney office while providing multiple flexible areas, a speak easy bar conference room, basement theater and gaming amenities, art gallery space and convertible conference and event spaces. A rooftop deck features plenty of outdoor areas for events, fundraisers or simply to soak up the sun.

all about ADU’s

indoors or outdoors or both

What is the best and most optimal way to use your backyard’s potential and transform existing traditional spaces into inspired and luxurious indoor-outdoor living spaces? There are countless options in migrating indoor activities to the fresh breeze, and make them a focal point for your family activities, working from home, etc. With the right space, the possibilities are endless…

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the compound

Our Escalon Residence project consists of an addition to an existing modernist house and a twofold backyard renovation. First we are doing a major site rehab including an outdoor kitchen with bbq & pizza oven and swimming pool; and secondly we are adding an ADU or an Accessory Dwelling Unit built into the side of the hill. Both are integrated into the overall aesthetic of the existing mid century residence, so it seems like the entire compound was always there. The site is also working intensely with the existing hillside topography in a way that offers a sustainable and least intrusive impact on the surrounding natural habitat of the Santa Monica mountains.

studio city creative

the creative workplace

Long gone are the times of shoulder-to-shoulder “cubicles” as we evolved to open office concepts that are supporting creative thinking, collaborative working and innovation. Employees nowadays are looking for something more than just a job behind a desk. Companies are recognizing the need to support their employees need for inspiring spaces which nurture their mental and physical well-being on every level in order to optimize productivity and support the bottom line.

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tujunga creative office repositioning

The Studio City Creative Hub started as a dilapidated warehouse and became a dynamic open office space, but more than anything - a place where ideas are born. The concept for this project had a different, organic approach, where flexible office layouts had more space for group work, forums with screens for larger group presentations as well as greenery, designer furniture and accessories for a more artful and home-y vibe. Private offices and enclosed conference rooms are set on the borders and are completely transparent. This way, all activities are integrated, connected, visible and accessible, which leads to improved organization and productivity.

why the world needs more architects

#agreatercause

Architects solve complex technical issues on a daily basis, reach consensus amongst diverse teams and stakeholder groups over long periods of time a project might take to complete, envision, create and deliver buildings and edifices that have never existed before and that remain useful and relevant for generations to come. With aging buildings and infrastructure, the housing crisis and other social and economic issues, there needs to be more of the kind of thinking that architects employ for these issues to be resolved. 

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Our work on the Martin Luther King Community Medical Campus and the Family Wellness Center gave us the opportunity to make a difference. We worked on developing interior spaces for the Family Justice Center, Foster Care Clinic and the Special Needs Network all of which focus their efforts on providing care and resources to some of the most disadvantaged and at risk youth and children. The MLK Family Wellness Center is currently under construction and is about to open in early 2021.

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More than ever we need people who want the world to be a better place and have the capacity to envision and then realize it. What are your thoughts? Drop us a line…

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pluralists. problem solvers. people people.

Plāna is a Los Angeles based architecture studio rooted in design, ecological and social sustainability and effective project management. We want our end product to be a catalyst for positive personal, social and environmental change and be a source of inspiration and joy. Our aesthetic is timeless and streamlined. We develop solutions come from a deep understanding of our clients needs. And we stay around until they are implemented. We enjoy and celebrate the diversity of our clients that include schools, landowners and developers, private individuals and public institutions.

reinventing retail

Retail is not dead. Retail is changing in a big way and is by doing so reflecting how our society has evolved as a whole. We no longer go shopping just to buy things but to have an experience. As architects and developers we must understand the dynamics behind these changes.

Experience.

Retail is becoming more about the experience, i.e. the discovery, interaction and engagement with an environment, place and/or people, and less about the consumption of material goods. Authenticity and branding have become very important in the experience of going to a mall or down main street. It is the sole difference between those stores that are staying open and are thiriving and those that are closing their doors.

How can we as architects and developers, brands and real estate players stay in tune with these changes and plan for the best possible outcomes in retail development, branding and operations. What are your thoughts on the future of retail?

landscape design

#subtletransitions

How does one blur the boundary between nature and architecture especially when nature can be so challenging with its ruggedness, slopes and grades and architecture strives for its clean lines, order and organization? In negotiating this transition we often set clear limits for where one begins and the other end but what if these limits were less defined and more playful. What if this transitional landscape is both wild and structured?

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#naturesbest

This is something we explored in this residential project situated in the Santa Monica mountains.

In this project, it was all about connecting and adapting to the existing topography and landscape. By paying attention to the sloped underutilized areas, the surrounding natural materials and wide range of indigenous plants, our design team found it challenging to domesticate those parts into the unobtrusive patio. It all led to implementing simple sculptural elements, gradually fading into the nature, forming a perfect oasis.

How would you use this kind of space? Would it be for morning meditation? Or maybe for some afternoon reading? Let us know!

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the interstitial space

in-between

Ma (間) is a Japanese concept which can be roughly translated as ‘gap’, ‘space’, ‘pause’ or ‘the space between parts’. This negative space is often unplanned and is left unoccupied and barren, an afterthought without content or meaning. The absence of content is an invitation to the imagination and inspiration...

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the concept

In the heart of Beverly Hills, just between historical office building and monotonous parking structure, it was our task to redesign the 10 feet gap among two building volumes. We veiled the existing parking structure with mesh paneling in order to create more dynamic and vibrant space. The contrast in color and texture provided a backdrop for a dynamic art sculpture. A new trellis structure provides cover and interest. We then added furniture, landscaping, and lighting to complete our ‘ma’ space. Now it is an uplifting space to walk through, take a private call or a spin on a ‘spun’ chair. What in-between spaces do you have ideas for?

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pluralists. problem solvers. people people.

Plāna is a Los Angeles based architecture studio rooted in design, ecological and social sustainability and effective project management. We want our end product to be a catalyst for positive personal, social and environmental change and be a source of inspiration and joy. Our aesthetic is timeless and streamlined. We develop solutions come from a deep understanding of our clients needs. And we stay around until they are implemented. We enjoy and celebrate the diversity of our clients that include schools, landowners and developers, private individuals and public institutions.