LA’s Former Industrial Site Becomes Open-Plan Creative Studio

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles’s Frogtown neighbourhood, a former industrial site has undergone a transformation, yielding a creative studio that exudes both comfort and thoughtful design. The brainchild of Kat Bell and James Drew, the husband-and-wife team behind Argyle Design, this studio serves as the new Los Angeles headquarters for Church Edit, a creative studio and film editing facility co-founded by Drew.

The design brief called for a departure from the traditional post-production studio’s dark, confined atmosphere, instead aiming to create a workspace that embodies openness, natural light, and a residential ambiance. Originally constructed in the 1960s, the building was reimagined by Breland-Harper architecture firm as a modern creative campus, retaining its industrial essence through exposed block walls, beams, and a structural grid, while expansive windows usher in natural light and forge a stronger connection to the outdoors.

Design Philosophy and Material Palette

Bell’s design inspiration was drawn from a diverse range of influences, including Space Age aesthetics, 1970s European modernism, and a more subdued approach to contemporary interior design. The incorporation of Italian and Brazilian design elements, such as sculptural forms, leather, and modular seating, further enriched the overall style. Early mood boards referenced iconic films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Holy Mountain, capturing their atmospheric, luminous, and spatial qualities.

Throughout the studio, a balance is struck between reflective materials like polished steel, chrome, and glass, and warmer elements such as walnut, wood, upholstery, and soft carpeting. The use of beamed partitions and open shelving adds depth to the space while preserving its sense of openness. Vintage Italian and Brazilian pieces are juxtaposed with contemporary furniture, custom millwork, and artwork, resulting in an interior that feels curated and eclectic.

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Layout and Functional Design

The studio’s layout revolves around a long, narrow central hub. A custom-designed rug anchors the main area, with lounge furniture arranged in interconnected groupings that create distinct zones for gathering and work. Editing suites and support areas radiate from this central space, providing privacy without disrupting the overall flow.

Custom elements, such as the reception desk and central production table, feature Alpi veneer designed by Ettore Sottsass, alongside custom walnut desks. Vintage modular seating and oversized silhouettes introduce a touch of softness, while steel and chrome accents inject a cooler, industrial edge. Lighting is treated as an integral aspect of the architecture, with diffused ceiling fixtures, sculptural paper and fabric lights, and table and floor lamps combining to create a soft, ambient glow.

Residential Ambiance

Large windows frame the surrounding greenery, while custom vertical blinds filter the daylight, generating a dynamic interplay of shadow and movement. A calming palette of soft creams, warm beiges, and honeyed woods tempers the rawness of the architecture. The addition of cognac and black leather, sycamore windows and doors, and a walnut kitchen further warms the space. Colour is employed sparingly through artwork and select furnishings, allowing individual pieces to take centre stage without overwhelming the space. Bell notes that the environment feels “both relaxed and purposeful,” supporting the technical aspects of the work while maintaining a more human, residential quality.

Completed in approximately six months, the project showcases the potential for an industrial shell to be softened without sacrificing its original character. Situated directly on the Los Angeles River, the studio seamlessly integrates architecture, interior spaces, and environment, creating a setting designed for concentration, collaboration, and creative exchange.