Following our previous visit to Michael K. Chen Architecture, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series to Los Angeles this week to explore the work of OFFICEUNTITLED (OU).

A practice of architects, designers, and strategists working across Los Angeles and New York, the firm describes its ethos as one that “combines ambitious design with deep professional experience” to deliver “thoughtful yet unexpected design solutions.” In recent weeks, the firm’s work was celebrated at the 2024 LA Architectural Awards by the Los Angeles Business Council while in 2023 the firm’s Harland residential project was among the winners at the 2023 AIA Los Angeles Residential Architecture Awards.

Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm is currently hiring for a Business Development Specialist to join their Culver City 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 playful, experiential projects by OFFICEUNTITLED (OU) that exemplify the firm’s ethos.

Heartburst, Black Rock City, NV

An art installation designed for Burning Man, Heartburst emphasizes sustainability, community, and mindfulness. Created to inspire visitors to engage with their surroundings and reflect, Heartburst is built from approximately 884 bamboo poles connected at 1,570 points, with the bamboo structure forming four heart-shaped entranceways that promote unity and diversity. Prefabricated in 70 components, the structure was assembled over one week, requiring innovative solutions to withstand wind gusts up to 75 miles per hour. The design subsequently featured bolted connections, metal wire lashings, and helical earth anchors for stability.

Bamboo was chosen for its sustainability, being strong yet lightweight, and having a minimal environmental footprint. The installation achieved a net-negative carbon impact, offsetting 7.5 metric tons of CO2, demonstrating a sustainable model for construction. Following its success at Burning Man, the structure was later exhibited at the RAM Gallery in Bakersfield, CA, and is under consideration as a permanent installation to extend its environmental benefits.

AVA Arts District, Los Angeles, CA

AVA Arts District is a seven-story development designed as a creative hub for artists, offering live/work units and spaces for production and wellness. Inspired by the industrial rooftop repurposing seen throughout the area, its “Buildings on a Building” concept reflects the Arts District’s historic materiality and design. The project supports diversity and community engagement, with spaces that encourage collaboration and adaptability, exemplified by the parking structure’s potential for conversion to meet future needs.

Artistic details are prominent, with murals by local artists in the lobby paying tribute to the district’s creative heritage. Industrial elements, including locally sourced wood, metal, and concrete, link the modern structure to its surroundings. The 475 live/work units are minimalist, with ample workspace and city views. The lower brick base supports upper levels clad in light metal panels, making the project appear as a composition of structures rather than a single mass.

Invisible Frame, West Hollywood, CA

The Invisible Frame billboard was designed to reimagine Sunset Boulevard’s history of eclectic signage by enhancing engagement through modern technology and experiential connections. Unlike traditional static billboards, this structure emphasizes streamlined, interactive functionality. Drawing inspiration from the 1930s and the Constance Bennett Building, the billboard is clad in reflective material that creates an illusion of images floating in the sky without borders, redefining how signage is perceived in West Hollywood.

The project honors the historical significance of billboards on Sunset Boulevard, creating a bridge between old and new visual communication methods. Beyond advertising, it serves as a platform for public art, collaborating with organizations like the West Hollywood Moving Image Media Art Program (MIMA) to feature local digital artists’ work. This dynamic canvas allows seasonal art displays and synchronized billboard events, seamlessly integrating floating images into the skyline.

Cayton Children’s Museum, Santa Monica, CA

Located near Santa Monica Pier, the Cayton Children’s Museum project sought to transform part of Santa Monica Place, originally designed by Frank Gehry, into a dynamic, indoor play space for children. The museum’s design is anchored on non-linear, unexpected spaces that encourage exploration and community engagement through play. The interior layout features over 30 interactive exhibits across five themed neighborhoods, promoting learning, collaboration, and reflection.

Throughout the interior, unique architectural objects such as the Armadillo, Porcupine, and Onion serve dual purposes as interactive features and functional spaces for ticketing, classrooms, and theater areas. The centerpiece element, the Cloud Climber, consists of a massive net structure that spans over 20% of the museum, allowing children to traverse above exhibits and observe below.

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.