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Sector

Adaptive Reuse

We blend the past and present with less waste and embodied carbon, making old buildings shine anew.
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Adaptive reuse involves transforming existing buildings to serve new purposes while altering their appearance and functionality.

At HLW, we specialize in reimagining spaces with a keen eye for history and modern needs. Whether converting a disused mall into a vibrant creative campus or transforming an old dairy processing plant into a bustling startup headquarters, our design philosophy seeks a seamless blend of historical aesthetics and contemporary requirements. We are committed to designs that are not only visually appealing and functionally innovative but also environmentally conscious and socially responsible.

 

Rooftop urban garden above a brick industrial building, showcasing modern sustainable design with lush greenery against an expansive cityscape background.
“In adaptive reuse, we update historical places with modern design, transforming them to meet the operational, technical, and social needs of a community or client. Our projects showcase how reimagined spaces can drive sustainable, vibrant growth without demolition.”
Profile photo of Sejal Sonani.

Sejal Sonani, AIA LEED AP

Principal, Managing Director, California

The Dairy, Los Angeles, CA

Adaptive Reuse Highlights

2,000,000

square feet of space repurposed.

Award-winning

projects, coast to coast.

50-75%

reduction in embodied carbon can be achieved through adaptive reuse.

Exterior view of a former Macy's building in Los Angeles, California.
Before: West End, Los Angeles, CA
After: West End, Los Angeles, CA
After: West End, Los Angeles, CA
Before: The Annex, Los Angeles, CA
After: The Annex, Los Angeles, CA
After: The Annex, Los Angeles, CA
Aerial view of a former factory in Los Angeles, California.
Before: The Depot, Los Angeles, CA
After: The Depot, Los Angeles, CA
Modern office building integrating green spaces: an employee enjoys a lush rooftop garden walkway, with palm trees and blue skies in the background, emphasizing eco-friendly design and work-life balance.
After: The Depot, Los Angeles, CA
Before: Park Place, El Segundo, CA
After: Park Place, El Segundo, CA
After: Park Place, El Segundo, CA
Before: The Dairy, Los Angeles, CA
After: The Dairy, Los Angeles, CA
After: The Dairy, Los Angeles, CA
Before: INSITE, El Segundo, CA
After: INSITE, El Segundo, CA
After: INSITE, El Segundo, CA
Before: Deutsch Steelhead, Los Angeles, CA
After: Deutsch Steelhead, Los Angeles, CA
Open-plan office space featuring exposed beams and HVAC ductwork, with wood-toned desks, black ergonomic chairs, and pendant lighting. Glass-walled meeting rooms and abundant greenery add to the modern, functional design promoting collaboration and airflow.
After: Deutsch Steelhead, Los Angeles, CA
Before: West End, Los Angeles, CA

Related Work

All Work
Modern commercial architecture featuring a modular building design with white corrugated metal exteriors. Landscaped green roof terraces and external staircases complement the urban backdrop, enhancing sustainability and communal space.

The Depot

Los Angeles, CA

Rooftop terrace features modular seating and lush plantings, optimizing urban space with a green area and walkways, amidst a backdrop of cityscape and palm trees.

The Dairy

Los Angeles, CA

West End

Los Angeles, CA

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