Meet Luiza and Vasily

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

Hi Luiza and Vasily, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From our early days in architectural school in Moscow to our time at SCI-Arc in Los Angeles, our passion for architecture and design has been a constant driving force. This passion goes beyond just making money; it’s deeply rooted in our minds and hearts. So, calling it a “business” doesn’t quite capture it.

After gaining diverse experience at several amazing offices in both Moscow and LA, we decided to start our own practice. It didn’t happen overnight – we began small and gradually grew through referrals. Clients trust us with designing their homes and development projects because they know their best interests are our best interests. This trust is why much of our business initially grew through word-of-mouth recommendations, allowing our studio to develop organically.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Our true passion lies in residential architecture—the space where life unfolds. Homes are sanctuaries where families grow, memories are made, and lives are lived. This represents the very essence of architecture since the dawn of humanity—the need for shelter.

We genuinely believe that humane and thoughtful design has the power to enrich lives and bring happiness. While it might sound clichéd, our mission to improve the world through architecture is deeply sincere. What truly sets us apart is the unwavering commitment to this mission and our refusal to become cynical about it.

Our journey has not been without its challenges. Guiding a project from inception to completion involves immense responsibility. However, as first-generation immigrants, we understand the importance of hard work and perseverance. This mindset has been invaluable in overcoming the numerous obstacles we’ve faced along the way.

Finnish architect Alvar Aalto once said, “Every building, every architectural work is a symbol that represents our intention to build a paradise on Earth.” We hold this belief close to our hearts, striving to bring beauty and humanity to design for all people, regardless of income. Los Angeles, with its pressing housing crisis and vast potential, presents an exhilarating landscape for residential design. It is a city ripe for experimentation and innovation, and we are dedicated to transforming its cityscape into a vibrant, livable environment.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

There are endless things to do in LA, and these are just a few that come to mind:

– Tour the Goldstein home for a truly unique architectural experience.
– Visit the Stahl House (Case Study House No. 22), an iconic mid-century modern home designed by Pierre Koenig. Known for its glass walls and breathtaking views of Los Angeles, it offers a stunning example of modernist architecture.
– Explore the Bradbury Building, an architectural landmark in downtown LA. This historic building, with its ornate ironwork, marble stairs, and unique atrium, provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s architectural heritage.

For non-architectural activities:

– Pack a bottle of wine and some food for a concert at the Hollywood Bowl on a warm summer night.
– Rent a retro car on Turo and drive along the PCH from Santa Monica to Malibu, to feel like you’re in a classic movie.
– Hop on an electric bike and ride along the beachwalk starting from Fisherman’s Village towards Redondo Beach. Along the way, you can pit stop for some fresh seafood at Quality Seafood, Inc. You’ll see unique oceanfront houses, people playing beach volleyball, kids enjoying the sand, sunbathers soaking up the sun, and get a taste of the California dream.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A big shoutout to the Moscow School of Architecture for teaching us to respect design heritage and historical context. An even bigger shoutout to SCI-Arc for encouraging us to push beyond these boundaries. Lastly, a big thank you to Los Angeles for giving us the freedom and inspiration to dream big.

Website: https://designstudiovoid.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designstudio_void/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DesignStudioVOID

Image Credits
@markofilms