A Creative Hub for a Los Angeles Post-Production Studio on the River
Church Edit‘s new headquarters commands a prime spot along the Los Angeles River in Frogtown, seamlessly integrating nature with urban design. This 3,000-square-foot space, originally an industrial site from the 1960s, has been transformed by Breland-Harper into a vibrant creative campus, maintaining its original CMU block walls and exposed beams. As a leading post-production facility, Church Edit exemplifies a perfect blend of innovation and design.
A Vision by Argyle Design
James Drew, co-founder of Church Edit, enlisted Argyle Design, a studio created with his wife, Kat Bell, to craft the interiors of this innovative space. The result is a blend of modern elements and historical charm, making it an ideal creative environment.
Preserving Industrial Charm with Modern Touches
Breland-Harper’s intervention focused on adding expansive glazing and refining circulation without altering the building’s essential industrial framework. “Rather than fully transforming the building, the intervention preserves its industrial bones,” states the Argyle team. They balanced retaining historical elements with introducing warmth and modernity, an approach reflected in the studio’s architecture.
For more examples of industrial chic transformed into artistic spaces, OYO Architects’ office overhaul in Ostend Harbour showcases striking design with a similar approach.
Transforming the Studio Experience
Bell contrasts typical post-production studios, often “dark and enclosed,” with their vision for a light-filled, residentially inspired workspace. The challenge was to enhance natural light and softness without sacrificing studio functionality, an endeavor successfully realized here in their location.
Material Harmony and Design Precision
Exposed gray block walls harmoniously pair with cooler stainless steel and chrome elements. Sycamore windows and walnut kitchen features enhance warmth, complemented by custom walnut desks in editing suites. The interior scheme combines soft creams, warm beiges, honeyed woods, cognac leather, and wool, contrasted by vibrant artwork and select furnishings, offering a sophisticated environment for the studio. This blend of elements captures an industrial chic aesthetic.
Open Layout with Functional Flow
The design features a long, narrow central volume accentuated by a custom yellow wool rug. Integrating lounge furniture fosters both gathering and productivity. Private editing suites extend from this central hub, described by Bell as offering expansive sightlines while providing moments of sheltered privacy—a design ethos that complements the needs of the facility.
To explore another innovative blend of historical and modern design, discover how the Cherry Lane Theatre was transformed into a modern revival.
Lighting and Mood: A Layered Approach
Lighting design features diffused ceiling fixtures mingling with sculptural paper lights, Noguchi pendants, and vintage Italian lamps from designers like Luigi Massoni and Guzzini. Large windows capture daylight, subtly modified by vertical blinds to create dynamic patterns of light and shadow throughout the space. This thoughtful blend of residential warmth and industrial functionality ensures Church Edit operates as a welcoming yet efficient post-production studio.
Sources & Links
Source: design-milk.com
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the interiors of the Church Edit studio?
The interiors were designed by Argyle Design, a studio created by James Drew and his wife, Kat Bell.
How does Church Edit differ from typical post-production studios?
Church Edit differs by offering a light-filled, residentially inspired workspace, contrasting typical studios that are often ‘dark and enclosed.’
What materials are used in the design of the studio?
The design uses exposed gray block walls paired with stainless steel and chrome, sycamore windows, walnut kitchen features, and custom walnut desks.