Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Los Angeles
Founded in 1988 by Michael Kovac, our studio has evolved into a globally recognized architecture practice rooted in humanistic values, craftsmanship, and environmental stewardship. With Managing Partner Thomas Schneider, we deliver personalized design solutions that prioritize client needs, site specificity, and material integrity. Our teams expertise spans residential, hospitality, and commercial architecture, informed by over three decades of experience and collaborations with visionary international designers.Recognized by the AIA, Architizer, and Architectural Digest, we remain committed to creating experiential spaces that enhance everyday life while adhering to rigorous sustainability standards. Our work reflects a deep understanding of local landscapes and building codes, ensuring enduring quality across projects from Wine Country estates to coastal retreats worldwide.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Hospitality Design
Interior Design
Sustainable Design
Global Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in architectural design.
- Our personalized approach prioritizes client needs and site-specificity.
- Recognized by AIA and featured in Architectural Digest.
- Projects span residential, commercial, and international commissions.
- Commitment to sustainable materials and environmental harmony.
Services
Residential Architecture
We craft bespoke residential spaces tailored to client lifestyles and environmental contexts. Our designs emphasize natural light, material authenticity, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Projects range from modernist urban homes to remote retreats, reflecting over 30 years of expertise in creating functional, emotionally resonant living environments.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial projects balance aesthetic innovation with operational efficiency. From boutique offices to large-scale developments, we integrate sustainable practices and local cultural elements. Each design fosters productivity and brand identity while adhering to strict building codes and accessibility standards across diverse sectors.
Interior Design
We extend our architectural philosophy into interior spaces, focusing on human-centric layouts and material harmony. Services include custom furniture design, lighting schemes, and spatial reconfiguration that enhance usability and visual coherence, ensuring interiors align with the buildings architectural narrative.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainability approach combines passive design strategies, locally sourced materials, and energy-efficient systems. We prioritize LEED-aligned practices and climate-responsive solutions, reducing environmental impact while maintaining aesthetic integrity across residential and commercial projects.
Global Partnerships
We partner with international architects like Foster + Partners to execute complex projects. Leveraging local expertise and global best practices, our role as architecture of record ensures design intent translates into built form with precision, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
People
Michael Kovac
Founder
Founded Kovac Design Studio in 1988, Michael brings over three decades of architectural expertise, emphasizing personalized design and environmental harmony in every project.
Thomas Schneider
Managing Partner
Thomas oversees project execution with a focus on sustainability and client-centric solutions, leveraging extensive industry experience to ensure design excellence and technical precision.
Alex Morris
Studio Director
Alex leads design teams in creating innovative residential and commercial projects, integrating modernist principles with practical functionality to meet evolving client needs.
Ana Lasala
Studio Director
Ana specializes in sustainable material applications and spatial optimization, ensuring projects meet both aesthetic goals and environmental performance standards.
Chris Trettin
Studio Director
Chris manages international collaborations, bridging global design concepts with local regulatory requirements to deliver cohesive, high-quality architectural solutions.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We adapt to client preferences but emphasize modernist principles, material authenticity, and context-driven design across residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.
Do you work on international projects?
Yes, we accept select global commissions and collaborate with international architects to execute designs tailored to local environments and regulations.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
We use passive solar design, locally sourced materials, and energy-efficient systems aligned with LEED standards to minimize environmental impact.
Can you handle complex regulatory approvals?
Our team has extensive experience navigating zoning laws, building codes, and permitting processes to ensure smooth project execution.
What is your design process timeline?
Timelines vary by project scope but typically include 3-6 months for concept development, followed by 6-18 months for construction, depending on complexity.
