reverie

the study

A place for contemplation, concentrations and deep thought and an occasional private meeting or intense conference call, the study is if anything a refuge from the mundane. It is a place for the slow kind of thinking where decisions are made and ideas are born. A library, a comfy worn leather chair, a desk with a few hidden compartments and a fireplace perhaps make it all come together. A glass of scotch doesn’t hurt either…

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a thought

An idea is just another thought away…

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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.

Bookish

the school library

Libraries are no longer stuffy and silent book storage facilities but are places of learning and discovery, story telling, group interaction and cozy spots for reading and focused study. In selecting furniture for a k-12 school library, we look to understand the various activities and provide fun, flexible and diverse areas for children to interact with the library materials, staff and each other.

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fun reads

Some reads that inspire us and we’d like to share -

1. Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

2. The Architect Says: Quotes, Quips, and Words of Wisdom

3. The Book of Symbols. Reflections on Archetypal Images

4. The White Castle: A Novel by Orhan Pamuk

5. Creative Pep Talk: Inspiration from 50 Artists by Andy Miller

What is on your bedside table? Let us know in the comments on our blog.

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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.

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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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!

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.

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?

well by design

#healthCARE

May 15th is mental health awareness day. Wellness has grown from a vaguely understood trend focusing mostly on physical parameters to a widespread phenomenon in its own right and now includes a heightened awareness of metal health as well. We look to incorporate wellness principles not just in clinics and hospitals but also in offices and homes. At the office for example, with more time being spent at work, it was natural to start incorporating live-work balance and even live-work blurring to make the employees’ time there more comfortable, enjoyable and ultimately more productive. How we feel at work is greatly attributed to how we perceive our office culture emotionally just as much our physical environment.

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the project

When we started working on a Foster Care Clinic within the Los Angeles County system, it was clear from the start that those typical small waiting rooms with no daylight, dark colored therapy rooms and uncomfortable crammed work offices won’t do anymore… On the contrary, the project was all about transparency, light and optimism. We specifically selected light pastel colors that would appeal to children and took that theme through the open plan administrative offices as well. It was about having the chance to put a smile on people’s faces, to encourage encounters and collaboration, and provide comfort through the use use warm materials and textures. To be a place that lifts spirits and boosts energy.

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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.