Completion Date:     12/14/2014

Square Footage:      20729

Building Use:           Photography Studio

Location:                 8549 Higuera Culver City CA 90203

Project Description:

Our client is a brand manager who provides the ultimate environment for the fashion and entertainment industry. Photography studios are known throughout the industry as hubs for world-class photographers and directors to shoot content for all types of different entertainment projects. After several years without operation, a partnership between the studio owner and an innovative operator led to the redesign of the existing 21,000 square foot space. The new design serves as the rebirth of the studio, and a renewal of an incredible brand. The new operator worked side-by-side with the design and consulting team to bring the client’s vision to life.

The client’s two main objectives were creating a design experience and implementing new infrastructure upgrades. The design aims to inspire the photographers and celebrities who use the space. The team worked closely with the client to develop every detail that their customers would need, including custom designed makeup tables, based on industry benchmarking. This was made possible by using the client’s photography review app, “globaledit”, which became the primary form of communication between the client and team. Its use was paramount during the design and construction phases, allowing the design, consultant, construction and client teams to communicate instantaneously and make real-time decisions.

This project’s focus was creating “the studio of the future” and is designed to cater to every detail of the celebrity experience. The goal of this project was to create a space to see and be seen which inspired the design process to focus on every sensory experience of our client’s visitors and employees alike. Visions of fashion, photography, texture and sparkle along with sounds such as soft ambient music, click of cameras and steam from espresso machines were chosen to inspire the design of this project and appeal to the senses within this creative space. To design a premier facility that never fails to engage clients, the team worked to create a space that provides the ultimate in creativity, amenities and technology to help this unique brand come alive. In the center of this space is the lobby that serves as a hub for all activity and provides additional lounge, library, café, and concierge space that places all essential amenities at the fingertips of employees and visitors. Hanging down to overlook the lobby is a 300 square foot mezzanine that serves as a VIP lounge area. The mezzanine along with the welcoming lobby come together to create the social center of this collaborative space. Connected to the lobby are four photography studios that were designed with the needs of both photographers and talent in mind.
Each individual photography studio incorporates a main studio and cyclorama and is set up as a suite with luxury amenities including a private restroom, kitchenette, workstation, VIP lounge, wardrobe room and hair and makeup stations with hue controlled lighting systems. The aesthetic of this industry shines through in the design of this space to create exceptional experiences for this exceptional brand.

C.O.T.E. | Committee on the Environment

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