What could be better than a retreat from the chaos of everyday life? The owners of this SweisKloss designed and constructed custom home can escape the chaos and noise of life in this serene and spacious primary bathroom.
Read MoreCommuters to Santa Monica can now enjoy the royal treatment. Throne Labs’ recently installed a high tech and eco-friendly public restroom at the Downtown Santa Monica Metro Station. ADA compliant, Throne toilets are designed to serve a wide range of people from providing a baby changing station to offering complimentary menstrual products, with hands-free operations for most functions. To access the free restrooms, users scan a QR code and then have 10 minutes to do their business.
Read MoreIn honor of National Book Month (and Banned Books Week), it’s time for SweisKloss’ 3rd Annual Guide to independently owned bookstores in the Los Angeles area.
Read MoreUp and down the coast of California, sites showcasing Hispanic heritage are in danger of disappearing. Latinos in Heritage Conservation, a nonprofit organization committed to the “preservation of Latinx places, stories and heritage,” compiled a list of sites around the country that reveal a rich history, cultural influences and architectural significance, and are in danger of destruction
Read MoreThis month’s spotlight shines a light on one of SweisKloss’ newest team members, designer and project manager, Zaid Soudani. Born in Amman, Jordan and raised in Los Angeles, Zaid’s love of design and art began at an early age, with a high school course in graphic design sparking his interest in cutting edge technology.
Read MoreThis coming Monday is the Fall Equinox, marking the day when we experience roughly the same amount of daylight and darkness. In ancient cultures this was a powerful reminder of the deep connection between nature, time and human, and it had a profound impact on the built environment. Many of these extraordinary ancient structures exist today (in partial ruins) displaying architectural ingenuity and yet still holding mysteries after all this time.
Read MoreFrom the craftsman cottages on the canals, to colorful beach houses on the oceanfront walk, to warehouse conversions on Abbott Kinney, Venice Beach architecture is an eclectic mix of styles that reflect its bohemian spirit. This summer, Venice Beach celebrated 120 years as a vibrant seaside neighborhood.
Read MoreSet on a 10-mile windswept stretch of the Pacific coast in Northen California lies a community dedicated to living in harmony with nature and preserving the area’s rugged beauty. Welcome to The Sea Ranch, an idyllic community of more than 2,000 homes on 7,000 acres interspersed among cypress hedgerows, redwood forests, sprawling meadows and the majestic ocean (thesearanchlodge.com).
Read MoreLast night, 23,100 birds were in flight according to BirdCast. While we tend to think of autumn as the avian migratory season, many birds begin their trek south to warmer climates in August.
Read MoreThis Tuesday, August 26, is National Dog Day. At SweisKloss, we love our four-legged friends who frequently can be found roaming the office looking for belly rubs, treats and attention. And many of our clients are dog lovers too.
Read MoreNotebooks, pencils and pens, backpacks… The list of back-to-school items is endless and increasingly costly. While we always recommend reusing and recycling items from last year, but if you are in the market for some new supplies, try making purchases with companies that also give back to schools, students and teachers in need through product donations.
Read MoreBefore they created LA’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, Sao Paulo’s Ibrapuera Park or London’s Gherkin building, these famous architects spent their early years at internships, pursuing various (non-architectural) professions, and working in diverse fields.
Read MoreWhat could be more peaceful than showering under the stars? At this SweisKloss designed and constructed Westchester new build, the primary bathroom is “divine”.
Read MoreSanta Monica is celebrating 150 years with festivities kicking off this month and continuing through the end of the year. The city has a rich history, a lot of which is reflected in its striking and diverse architectural styles.
Read MoreWhile July is “Plastic-Free” month, SweisKloss has always been committed to sustainability and resiliency. Our designs incorporate thoughtful solutions from electric heat pumps and installing HydraLoop graywater systems, to specifying reclaimed materials and locally sourced products, to incorporating compost receptacles in kitchen design. But our commitment goes beyond our architectural designs – we are proud to be a Santa Monica Certified Green Business since 2018.
Read MoreWith the weather heating up many of us are spending more time in our front yards, back patios and public parks. These spaces provide a connection to nature, tranquility, and shade! More than just plants, ponds and bridges, Japanese gardens provide serenity and inspiration, and these hidden gems can be found throughout southern California.
Read MoreFourth of July means fireworks, parades, picnics and barbecues (oh and independence and freedom and patriotism and sacrifice for all those things we hold dear). We thought we would share some of our staff’s favorite dishes and drinks to bring to your July 4th gathering.
Read MoreIn theory, not too much has changed in theater design since the 5th Century BC when the Theater of Dionysus was built in Athens. The fundamentals have remained the same - an arc shaped raised seating area and a stage. Sure, we’ve made some adjustments -- movie theaters have replaced the stage with a screen and our seating is decidedly more comfortable than stone.
Read MoreWith the official start of summer this Friday, there’s no better time to highlight the timeless Bel Air pool and pool house SweisKloss created for this Paul Williams designed home.
Read MoreJune gardens are in full bloom with purple flowers bursting from Jacaranda trees, roses spilling over fences and star jasmine perfume filling the air. But not everyone has the luxury of spacious front and back yards. Cities are becoming denser with outdoor space at a premium. Enter the rise of the living roof industry of green roofs and rooftop gardens. From quiet meditation spots to sensory and herb gardens to stargazing spaces, green roofs provide precious outdoor spaces in the concrete jungle.
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