Global Law Firm Los Angeles HQ

HLW designed this global law firm’s Los Angeles headquarters within the iconic Century Plaza Towers, creating a workplace that reflects both its professional rigor and its West Coast context. Grounded in the principles of Californian Modernism, the design balances a refined material palette of metal, wood, stone, and glass block with moments of unexpected vibrancy, where bold color accents introduce energy and visual interest. The project emphasizes openness, light, and a strong connection to place, aligning the firm’s forward-looking identity with the cultural and architectural language of Los Angeles.

The spatial experience is defined by a reinterpretation of the “Engawa,” a transitional zone that blurs the boundary between interior and exterior. From the moment of arrival, views are prioritized as reception and conference areas are strategically positioned inward, allowing circulation spaces to frame the exterior landscape. Wood flooring and ceiling elements extend throughout, reinforcing continuity as they connect the entry sequence to the boardroom and café. A coffee bar anchors the arrival experience, doubling as a flexible pre-function space for events, while the café unfolds with an undulating banquette and integrated greenery that softens the building’s angular geometry. A sculptural stair introduces vertical movement, linking social spaces to the Sky Garden above.

At the upper level, the Sky Garden provides a calm, communal retreat inspired by conversation pits, with circular seating and lush planting fostering informal interaction. Throughout the workplace, meeting rooms and lounges are strategically located at key corners to support intuitive wayfinding and create a diverse range of environments. The result is a cohesive, experience-driven workplace that seamlessly integrates hospitality, functionality, and a strong connection to the outdoors.