CO Architects, Los Angeles: Collaborative, Immersive, Flexible.

CO Architects is renowned for its extensive portfolio of large and complex institutional, civic, academic, medical education, science and technology, and healthcare projects. Founded in 1986, the firm moved to its current location in Los Angeles in 1992 on the top floor of the newly renovated and expanded Carnation Company Building. 

“We’ve always organised our office so the team sat together and this consisted of an open office concept from the beginning,” says Principal Jennifer Knudsen, AIA, LEED AP BD+C. Each 12-person pod includes a meeting space integral to the seating area. The layout is conducive to a small impromptu discussion around a computer screen or a set of prints. Everyone has two large monitors to view drawings and some space to make their own. 

The east side of the office is narrower and has a large meeting space which looks out onto a terrace with views of some of the most iconic Hollywood landmarks, such as the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory. Office meetings are held in the ‘library’ space and a weekly happy hour on Thursdays on the balcony. “The view from the terrace is still the thing I remember most from my first interview here and what ‘wows’ many people when they first come into our office,” says Knudsen. 

Leveraging technology to improve its work has always been fundamental to the firm. With the rise of data and increased technological advances, they see that importance growing exponentially, with virtual reality/ augmented reality supporting project teams and office initiatives. 

This is a dynamic moment for LA as it embraces its public transit future and in about five years, the firm will be within a block from a newly built metro station, which will transform the neighbourhood. 

CO Architects creates buildings that impact how future generations will educate, learn, discover, and heal. The practice provides a special mix of collegiality, with opportunity and responsibility for those who are willing to take it.