Independent branding agency Mother has unveiled its latest Los Angeles headquarters, a 15,000-square-foot creative hub that draws inspiration from the vibrant streetscape of West Adams, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Designed by Shadow Architects in collaboration with Office of BC, the innovative workspace transforms a former cabinetry fabrication facility into a dynamic environment that celebrates both community and creativity.
The expansive complex spans an entire city block and incorporates four existing structures that previously housed a cabinetry manufacturing operation. Shadow Architects, who also designed Mother's Gowanus, Brooklyn office, approached the Los Angeles project with a distinctly California perspective on community building. "We really focused on the idea of the storefront and how it interacts with street life," explains Rachel Newton, senior designer and project manager at Shadow Architects.
The architectural design pays homage to the area's industrial heritage through carefully selected exterior elements including wide overhangs, aluminum siding, and textured stucco finishes. These materials create a visual dialogue with the surrounding neighborhood while establishing the building's contemporary identity. The design team maximized California's abundant natural light by installing new windows and energy-efficient glass garage doors throughout the facility.
Internally, the headquarters is organized around three distinct themed zones: Mom's House, the Department of Recreation, and Goods & Services. Each sector references different civic typologies and accommodates various activities that support the creative process. "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 at Mother.
The heart of the complex features an open marketplace concept that pays tribute to Mother's origins. The design references the agency's founding story from 1996, when the founders gathered around a kitchen table in London to establish the company. A striking tree planted in the center of this space serves as an unexpected focal point, bringing vibrant greenery into the industrial environment.
Skylight installations added to the original vaulted pine wood ceiling create an endless canopy effect, balanced by custom millwork and furnishings crafted by local artisans. The interior design by Office of BC includes carefully curated settings that accommodate both focused individual work and informal collaborative gatherings. Work areas feature a diverse mix of open-air booths, bar-height counters, and private phone rooms for confidential conversations.
Meeting spaces offer employees multiple options depending on their needs, ranging from strategy rooms lined with sound-absorbing acoustic materials to casual lounge areas for informal discussions. The interior color palette combines organic blue and green tones with natural materials including white oak, cork, and sisal, creating an atmosphere that captures the strength and beauty of the natural world.
Despite the completion of the Los Angeles hub, the team at Mother views the space as an evolving entity that will adapt alongside their creative concepts. "We work in a fluid manner, and so this is a living space, not one that's set in stone," Malmstrom adds. "We're already preparing for the start of something new." The headquarters represents not just a workplace but a testament to the power of thoughtful design in fostering creativity and community connection.
