Los Angeles, often referred to as the “City of Angels,” is renowned for its association with Hollywood and its picturesque coastal landscapes. This economically vibrant city boasts thriving commercial, financial, and cultural sectors within a sprawling metropolitan area, offering a high quality of life that attracts a diverse range of people and talents seeking success.
For individuals considering a move to Los Angeles, whether for lifestyle or job opportunities, we have curated a list of the finest tiny home architects in the region. These firms are distinguished for their expertise in crafting homes that optimize space while maintaining style, functionality, and comfort.
ORA
923 E 3rd St. #105, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Los Angeles-based architecture firm ORA specializes in residential, commercial, hospitality, and institutional structures. Its extensive skill has allowed it to build a diverse portfolio of projects that showcases its ability to meet clients’ individual needs. Each of the firm’s designs uses playful and functional features to maximize the value of aspects like space, light, quality, and longevity. The firm’s leader, Oonagh Ryan, a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), works to ensure that the firm maintains the quality and philosophy of its work, and that it continues to bridge the gap between architecture, interior design, and lifestyle.
By taking a creative approach to designs, ORA can build spaces that reflect current trends while maintaining classic architectural principles. The Rome House in Mount Washington, a residential remodeling and interior design project, embodies this ability. ORA was requested to rework an 880-square-foot post and beam hillside home from 1953. While working on the home, the firm learned that, while many of the home’s features were still intact, it had limited storage and a dated kitchen and bathroom. ORA removed the wall between the kitchen and the main living area and enlarged the kitchen’s window opening to create a bright and open space.
EYRC Architects
10865 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232
Founded in 1979, EYRC Architects is the oldest firm on this list. Its experience serving the industry for more than four decades has given it the ability to build spaces worthy of national recognition from the AIA. In fact, EYRC Architects has received more than 150 awards from prestigious industry organizations. Behind this success is the firm’s team of 45 professionals, each of whom is a master of various building types like houses, libraries, universities, and government facilities. Regardless of the project type, these designs follow a humanistic approach based on multicultural modernism and an utmost respect for site, climate, and culture. Guiding this team of skilled professionals are principals Steven Ehrlich, Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), Takashi Yanai, FAIA, Patricia Rhee, FAIA, Mathew Chaney, AIA, Ashley Richardson, AIA, and Bryn Garrett AIA.
Schindler on Ellis Avenue, a two-bedroom, 981-square-foot home, was originally built in 1939. In response to the homeowner’s request to update the home’s design and amenities, the firm worked to conserve the original design while adding contemporary living features like a flat-roofed box with clerestory windows and large glass panels. Some of the interior elements that the firm restored included built-in furniture and storage space, as well as the original brick and plaster fireplace. EYRC Architects also did extensive landscaping to create a seamless transition between the front yard and the home, in order to foster a better sense of shared space.
Anonymous Architects
1800 S Brand Blvd. Suite 117, Los Angeles, CA 91204
Anonymous Architects uses an approach that values adapting and evolving to the changing trends and landscape. Under the leadership of Simon Storey, the team works to produce spaces that are tailored to each unique site, budget, and client needs. Meanwhile, its style of architecture comes from observing the way nature functions, taking inspiration from how it thrives in various environments and situations. The resulting philosophy states that buildings should evolve similarly; each structure must be a response to unique factors. Anonymous Architects relatedly aims to build spaces that foster a positive connection between humans and nature.
The BIG & small project in Mt. Washington is one of Anonymous Architects’ notable residential ground-up projects. The firm planned around an empty lot, which was half the size of the typical minimum lot size, aiming to maximize the interior volume. The design avoided incorporating full-height dividing walls, in order to give the team freedom to create a large room in a small space. Anonymous Architects designed a home that does not touch the ground so that the homeowners have full access to the garden and views outside.
AAHA Studio
9856 Vidor Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90035
Run by husband-and-wife team Harper Halprin, AIA, and Aaron Leshtz, AIA, AAHA Studio has a culture that emphasizes the importance of close collaboration and friendly relationships. The firm values the individuality of each team member and client it works with, making sure to leverage individual viewpoints to produce holistic plans and designs that cater to unique problems and lifestyles. Each project the firm has worked on is built on nimble and inventive principles that incorporate changing trends without compromising on traditional architectural philosophies.
The Del Rey Residence is one project that features AAHA Studio’s interior and exterior renovation capabilities. This 1,000-square-foot home features a vaulted ceiling in the living and kitchen area, as well as new finishes and layouts, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The exterior space, meanwhile, underwent landscaping to prepare for the installation of two decks and a fire pit.
MINARC
2324 Michigan Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90404
Erla Dögg and Tryggvi founded MINARC in 1999 to provide small-scale renovation, new construction, and architectural services to several markets, including residential, commercial, and public. Regardless of the project type, MINARC focuses on creating a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces. The firm’s signature design features include maximizing natural light, building outdoor living spaces, and highlighting scenic and natural views. This effort can also be seen in its environmentally aware choices like the absence of paint, thoughtful material choice, and the installation of energy-conscious cross-ventilation. MINARC commonly uses reclaimed wood, recycled glass and rubber tires, cement panels, and other durable materials to ensure a structure’s longevity.
This Santa Monica tiny house features one of MINARC’s sustainable designs across its 140-square-foot space. The firm made sure to maximize the minimal space afforded to the project, which can be seen in the compact kitchen, bright living area, and cozy sleeping space. To make the home seem even larger, the firm made sure its design let in as much natural light as possible. Additionally, MINARC built the home using concrete panels that ensure the home is durable, weather-resistant, and temperature-regulated.
