Inside a Couple’s 900-Square-Foot Los Angeles Loft That Functions as Both Office and Home

Utharaa Zacharias and Palaash Chaudhary, founders of the design firm Soft-Geometry, have created a multifunctional 900-square-foot loft in Los Angeles that serves as both their home and workspace, exemplifying a trend toward integrated living and working environments.

The loft is located in the historic Elysian building, originally designed by William Pereira in 1961 as a water district headquarters and converted into residential units in 2014. Zacharias and Chaudhary moved into their unit six months after first seeing it, drawn by its scale, light, and industrial character, despite initial reservations about its rooftop view.

The couple transformed the original bedroom into a workspace, while the home’s primary bedroom is a small nook they sleep in, designed with custom white ash furniture. The space is filled with objects from their design collections, including vintage furniture, handmade decor, and artwork, creating a layered, curated environment. Their design philosophy emphasizes serenity and handmade details, contrasting with the building’s industrial history.

Designing Small Spaces for Dual Use

This project highlights how small, historic spaces can be adapted for both living and working, reflecting a broader shift toward flexible, multifunctional environments driven by remote work and changing lifestyles. It offers a model for integrating personal and professional life in limited square footage without sacrificing aesthetic or comfort.

Historic LA Building and Adaptive Reuse

The Elysian building’s history as a seismic-resistant, industrial structure designed by William Pereira adds a layer of architectural significance to the loft. Its conversion into residential units in 2014 has made it a desirable but unconventional choice for creative professionals seeking unique living spaces. Zacharias and Chaudhary’s approach aligns with a trend of reimagining historic buildings for modern, multifunctional use, blending industrial character with personalized design.

“We want to wake up and see exactly where we left off the night before.”

— Palaash Chaudhary

Remaining Questions About Space Adaptation

It is not yet clear how the space will evolve as the couple prepares to welcome their first child, or how they will further modify the loft to accommodate new needs and potential chaos.

Upcoming Changes with New Family Member

The couple plans to adapt their loft for parenthood, which may involve reconfiguring the sleeping nook and workspace. They also intend to continue refining their design approach to small, multifunctional spaces, potentially serving as a model for others.

Key Questions

How do they manage work and personal life in such a small space?

They have designed the loft with distinct zones, such as a dedicated workspace and a cozy sleeping nook, allowing them to blend and transition between roles seamlessly. They also prefer to keep the environment informal and layered with objects that inspire them.

What are some key design features of their loft?

The loft features vintage furniture, handmade decor, curated artworks, and flexible furniture pieces like a drafting table used as an island. The high ceilings and industrial structure provide a spacious feel despite limited square footage.

Will the space change with the arrival of their baby?

It is likely the couple will reconfigure parts of the loft to accommodate a nursery and the needs of a growing family, but specific plans have not been publicly announced.

How does the building’s history influence their design choices?

The industrial, seismic-resistant character of the building contrasts with their design ethos, which favors serenity and handmade details. This contrast informs their curated aesthetic, blending raw architecture with curated objects.

Source: Architectural Digest