Meet Amanda Webber | Architect

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Webber and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After countless years working toward becoming an architect—and over a decade practicing as one—I realized that the traditional firm model, with its pace, hierarchy, and imbalance, didn’t align with the life or creative integrity I envisioned. I knew there had to be another way to practice architecture—one that allowed for purpose, balance, and a more genuine connection to each project, to clients, and to the teams that bring them to life.

Starting my own practice wasn’t about launching a business; it was about creating a way of working and living that felt right—authentic, grounded, and meaningful. Today, I have the privilege of collaborating with talented colleagues in a way that reflects my values, building a network of builders, landscape and interior designers, draftspeople and craftspeople who share a passion for good work and a commitment to a good life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
AWA was formed quite organically. My first solo project began in Mexico while I was briefly visiting a friend. A neighbor learned that I was a licensed architect and asked for my help with a major renovation and addition to their newly purchased home, perched at the very top of the tallest hill with unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range on the other. It was one of the most extraordinary properties in the area, but their proposed addition was about to compromise both the house and its views. I asked them to give me three days to rethink the design and see if I could provide a better solution. When I came back after the weekend and showed the Owners my redesign, they were so impressed and appreciative that they asked if I could stay and oversee the construction—for as long as it took. With only slight hesitation, I said yes!

That first project quickly led to another—a ground-up beachfront residence just up the Mexican coastline —and before I knew it, I had launched my own practice… in Mexico! It would be four more years before I took on my first project back in the United States and formally established my office stateside. Traditionally, a little backwards, but truly just going where life took me.

Living and working across countries and cultures taught me to slow down, listen, and really understand how people want to live—not just what they want their house to look like. Every project starts with that sense of curiosity and care. I’m deeply involved in every step, and I think my clients feel that partnership. The result is always something personal and grounded—homes that reflect the rhythm of their surroundings and the lives unfolding.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Los Angeles is such a special city because its neighborhoods are so diverse, each with its own energy, culture and character. Having lived in so many different parts of LA — from the Arts District in DTLA during graduate school to Venice after I landed my first architecture job — I’ve come to appreciate how much this city offers beyond the typical tourist spots, and that is the experience I share with anyone I have visiting me: the classic essence of the place with a personal twist.

If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they experience LA like a local, while still hitting the highlights that make it unforgettable. We’d start in DTLA, my old stomping ground, exploring its ever-evolving selection of unique, thoughtfully curated shops. We’d stop at one of the amazing coffee spots (there are too many to name), pop into local art galleries, then head to Little Tokyo for food. The evening would end at one of my favorite K-town spas for some hot and cold plunges and dinner in bathrobes.

Over the week we’d explore other incredible neighborhoods — Silver Lake (Pho, anyone?), West Hollywood (Melrose and Melrose Place), where I’d sprinkle in some classic LA scenes, just because it wouldn’t feel like LA without them. We’d visit the Getty Center to soak in the art, architecture, and gardens, plus the panoramic city views. Dinner would be somewhere with rooftop vistas along Sunset Boulevard, watching the city lights come alive.

We’d wrap up the week on the coast — Venice, Malibu, and the canyons — enjoying the drives, the sunshine, and the fresh ocean air. By the end we’d have experienced the energy, creativity and sheer variety that makes LA endlessly fascinating and full of surprises.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I give full credit for where I am today to my mother. As an architecture student in the 1960s, she was one of only two women in her graduating class. With talent, determination, and grit, she rose to the top at the largest firm in the world at the time—when most women in the field were only secretaries. She has encouraged and championed me my entire life, and to this day we still have design critiques together—whether reviewing other designers’ published projects or tackling my own design challenges when I need a sharp, honest second opinion. I can always count on her to tell me the truth—and to push me to be better.

Website: https://www.awarchitects.com

Instagram: https://amandawebberarchitects.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-webber-5b330b12/

Image Credits
Gieves Anderson (house photos)