Windish Agency

Flexibility at work in a 1920s warehouse.

Windish Agency
Chinatown

This 6,000-square-foot headquarters for a music booking agency was adapted to fit within a 1920s warehouse in an industrial quarter of LA’s Chinatown district. As an office by day and event space by night, this project is all about designing for a flexible use of space, framed by materials that respect the building’s heritage character.

Each mezzanine has its own stair access, allowing microbusinesses to have their own private space with the larger coworking footprint, with a large multi-purpose space in the center. Two conference rooms fronted by large pivoting screens effortlessly expand the open space footprint when not in use, while oversized tables set the scene for both collaborative working and evening dining.

IN THE DETAILS

The existing structure, steel glazing systems, and wood flooring were all restored and reused, with new infrastructure elements designed to reduce resource demands and increase energy performance.
Drawing on the character of the surrounding precinct and building heritage, the materiality balances natural timber and industrial elements, including custom plywood and steel furniture. Plywood booths offer flexible and semi-private work areas, while stacked reclaimed timbers signal building level changes and create informal gathering spaces.
The new mezzanine with open workstations frees up first-floor space to create a drop-in coworking environment by day and a large music industry event space at night. New glass openings and doors expand connections and views from indoor spaces to a landscaped outside courtyard, allowing for larger events.