Mother’s headquarters in LA echoes the surrounding streetscape

Independent branding agency Mother has offices around the world, each reflecting its location and the work that goes on inside. For the company’s latest expansion in Los Angeles, Shadow Architects transformed the 15,000-square-foot complex into a hub for creatives. “We wanted to be inspired not only by the space, but by each other, to bring our ideas to life,” says Paul Malmstrom, Founding Partner, Majka.

Located in West Adams, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, the site spans an entire block and contains four existing structures that were formerly part of a cabinet manufacturing facility. Shadow Architects also completed the mother’s office in Gowanus, Brooklyn, and the firm wanted to put a California twist on the community feel—and looked right outside the door for inspiration. “We really focused on the idea of ​​the storefront and how it interacted with street life,” notes Rachel Newton, senior designer and project manager at Shadow Architects. Exterior elements such as wide overhangs, aluminum cladding and textured stucco are reminiscent of the area’s industrial roots.

The headquarters is organized around three thematic zones: Mom’s House, Recreation Department, and Goods and Services. Each sector refers to a different civic typology, suitable for different activities that take place within them. The heart of the space, the open market, is a sign of the mother’s origin, when in 1996 the founders gathered for lunch at the kitchen table in London and the agency was born. The tree in the middle is an unexpected centerpiece that brings vibrant greenery.

Golden State sunlight is maximized in every corner through new windows and energy efficient glass garage doors. Skylights added to the original vaulted pinewood ceiling create the feeling of an endless canopy, balanced by custom millwork and furniture produced by local craftsmen.

Interiors would BC office include selected settings for completed tasks and informal gatherings. Workspaces include a mix of open-air booths, counters and secluded phone rooms. For meetings, employees can choose from strategic rooms lined with sound-absorbing acoustic material to casual lounges. Organic blue and green tones are paired with white oak, cork and sisal, capturing the strength and beauty of nature.

Although the LA hub is now complete, for the staff at Mother, it will ideally evolve just as their concepts do, and Malmstrom is looking forward to what’s next. “We work in a fluid way, so this is a living space, not one that is set in stone,” he adds. “We are already preparing to start something new.”

For more information on Mother LA Headquarters do Shadow Architects and House BCa visit shadowarchitect.net.

Photographers would Eric Stackpole Undehn.

Anna Zappia is a New York-based writer and editor with a passion for textiles and can often be found at a fashion show or shopping for more books. Anna writes the Friday Five column as well as commercial content.