Project: BA Collective Studio Offices
Architecture: BA Collective Studio
Partners: Hagy Belzberg, Cory Taylor, Jennifer Wu
Project Architect and Project Manager: Jenny Fontenot
Project Team: Chris Arntzen, Amanda Schwarz, Elizabeth Pyatt, Melissa Yip, Michelle Lei
Location: Santa Monica, California, United States
Area: 6900 ft2
Year: 2021
Photo Credits: Bruce Damonte
Text by BA Collective Studio
Our current studio space reflects who we are and what we advocate for in our work. Although the original site was only a single surface parking lot, the location was idyllic on Santa Monica’s vibrant and pedestrian-friendly Main Street with numerous transit options, unique local businesses, and one block from the beach and its recreational offerings.
The lot’s void afforded us the opportunity to do ground-up construction and build a 7,100 sf (including a second-floor deck and an expansive rooftop deck) mass timber structure. In 2018, during the design and permitting phases, it was the first mass timber project for the city. We designed, developed, and constructed it using this sustainable construction system as an important case study for city officials and other building owners.
Our building was completed in October 2021 and is comprised of two stories and mezzanine, a second-floor deck, and a rooftop terrace. A garage houses three parking lifts, two cars per lift, creating a greater footprint. In addition to the mass timber, all new utilities, EV charging stations, light sensors, operable windows for natural air flow, and a solar panel system with battery backup were installed as part of the sustainability plan. There is plenty of flexibility with the design to allow for multi-tenant use.
We consistently strive for innovative design and practice what we preach. The result is an inspiring environment for conceptualizing and producing our body of work. Having this studio is a reinvestment in the community that we have been a part of for many years.
