Following our previous visit to Studio MM, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to Los Angeles this week to explore the work of Bunch Design.

From their office in La Cañada Flintridge, the firm has built a portfolio of “thoughtful, creative, and unique” projects with a “strong emphasis on the inventive use of materials, the qualities of light, use of structure, and the relationship between the space and its users.” Recently, the firm’s Hollywood ADU project was honored at the 2024 AIA|LA Residential Architecture Awards.

Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm is currently hiring for a Senior Architect to join their Los Angeles team. For candidates interested in applying for a position or anybody interested in learning more about the firm’s output, we have rounded up four ADU projects in the city by Bunch Design that exemplify the firm’s ethos.

Hollywood ADU, Hollywood, CA

The Hollywood ADU was designed to accommodate retired parents on the ground floor while incorporating a home office on the upper level. The 1,000-square-foot ground floor ADU includes living spaces, while an external staircase leads to a 400-square-foot office space, which features balconies offering views of the Hollywood Hills and surrounding trees. 

Located near the Hollywood Grove Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ), the design respects the architectural context by incorporating modern craft elements with wood materials and complementary massing. Strategies such as clerestory windows and integrated courtyards enhance the sense of space, creating a connection between indoor and outdoor areas.

Echo Park ADU, Los Angeles, CA

Located at the rear of a 5,000-square-foot property behind an existing house, the Echo Park ADU comprises one bedroom and one bathroom. Designed with high ceilings and expansive windows, the scheme takes advantage of side yard setbacks to create courtyard views. The structure consists of two rectangular plaster volumes that are slightly shifted, providing shading and privacy by blocking views of neighboring properties. 

The exterior plaster finish complements the adjacent craftsman home, while wood ceilings and floors create a warm interior atmosphere. A linear skylight enhances the spatial flow, guiding occupants through the space. “The combination of views, materials, and use of exterior space makes a small house that one will never tire of,” the firm notes.

Elysian Cottage ADU, Los Angeles, CA

Situated in Solano Canyon near downtown Los Angeles, the Elysian Cottage ADU is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom scheme that blends contemporary design with warmth and intimacy. A clear Douglas fir ceiling enhances the home’s linearity, creating a sense of spaciousness. The 45-foot-long structure was positioned to ensure privacy while preserving a 60-year-old walnut tree, while clerestory windows frame views of Elysian Park. 

Designed on a tight budget, the 750-square-foot space maximizes functionality with mezzanine levels and reclaimed materials. Japanese influences subtly appear in elements like reclaimed kimono boxes and a slatted closet door, reflecting the owner’s heritage while maintaining a rustic, handcrafted aesthetic.

Silverlake ADU, Los Angeles, CA

The Silverlake ADU is situated on a narrow 25-foot-wide lot, behind a front house with a history linked to the silent film era. The owners sought to revamp an existing garage and studio space into a functional and inspiring art/work environment. Adapting a pre-designed ADU to fit the site, the design incorporates wraparound clerestory windows that create a floating roof effect, enhancing natural light and openness. 

A central skylight introduces varying daylight patterns and views of the surrounding palm trees. The modest kitchen is designed for simple use, while the bathroom is discreetly positioned yet benefits from natural light. Large openings at the front and rear connect the interior to small landscaped courtyards, enhancing the connection to outdoor spaces.

Meet Your Next Employer is one of a number of ongoing weekly series showcasing the opportunities available on our industry-leading job board. Our Job Highlights series looks at intriguing and topical employment opportunities currently available on Archinect Jobs, while our weekly roundups curate job opportunities by location, career level, and job description.