We think about how people use, feel and respond to the spaces they inhabit. Creative planning and organizing comes naturally to us and the first step is listening to our clients. We seek to understand needs, site, budget and context because these factors are at the center of a tangible vision that becomes unique to each project. Our design solutions are focused to address our Clients goals. - be it creating or transforming a space, achieving economic success or creating community.
Our Process for translating ideas into a tangible vision:
We use a design thinking process: we listen, observe, ask questions, research, think, ideate, create and test.
We test different ideas in 2d and 3d formats using various tools: hand sketches, physical models, 3-D Computer generated models using various tools at progressive design stages.
We test spatial proportions and map out materials and finishes.
We have crafted a thoughtful, collaborative and iterative design process to create a design journey that meets and respects our Clients expectations. We communicate and map this journey into a progressive four stage design process consisting of : schematics; design development; permitting and construction observation.
We provide a clear idea of schedule and we value engineer through each design stage so we can give our Clients the best value for their investments
Services we provide:
Architecture design, Interior design, Entitlements (city agency approval and permitting), Renovations, Additions, Urban Infills, Master Planning, Project management and Feasibility studies
We are experts in Mixed use and Multifamily housing, both Affordable and Market Rate ( Apartments and Condominiums)
We enjoy designing Single Family Residences and Accessory Dwelling units and love to work with couples and families to realize their dream homes
We take special pride in designing Kindergarten through High school educational environments and help translate pedagogical models into spatial experiences
We Design and Renovate Places of Worship
Our Design thinking process, analytical and critical thinking skills, innovative ideas and hunger to keep exploring continues to add unexpected and different project types to our portfolio
We believe that design must be made accessible to all . Our focus is to provide a healthy return on investment for our Clients through the concept of “Good design is Good Business”.
We know that well designed spaces make people relaxed, inspired, invigorated, insightful, comforted and productive. These positive emotions spark ideas and interaction that inspire action to fulfill individual or collective dreams contributing to better futures, neighborhoods and cities.
Below are some testimonials from existing and former Clients, Consultants and Collaborators
"In my capacity as Executive Director of Community Corporation of Santa Monica, I have worked with Ms. Bhagat on two multi-family rental housing projects. She is the perfect fit for you if you want an architect who listens to what you want, executes the design and construction drawings flawlessly, handles the permits and approvals side with aplomb all the while with a smile on her face and soothing words for the agitated. I like her sense of style, her firm grasp of the nuts and bolts, and her ability to solve problems. She can take a complicated project from conception to certificate of occupancy. I highly recommend her for your architectural and design needs."
Joan Ling , Former Executive Director of Community Corporation of Santa Monica
"I have worked on and off with Pooja for 7 years on a very complex and complicated mixed-use project in an extremely challenging entitlement climate. She is extremely diligent, thorough and drives results. Pooja is not only hard working but is very personable and can interact well with a multitude of audiences. She has been an integral part of the team and the project would not be where it is today without her passion, commitment and diligence"
Gino Canori, Executive Vice-President, Related California
"Pooja is smart, thorough, and talented. As her client, I felt like I was in good hands. No detail was left unaddressed and, best of all, the design was beautiful.”
Sue Kientz, Former Director of Housing Development, Community Corporation of Santa Monica
"I have had the pleasure to know and work with Pooja over the past 6 years. She is a true professional in every sense, extremely talented designer, strong team leader, excellent communicator and problem solver. I very much appreciate her passion and positive demeanor she constantly displays and know that she will be a highly valuable integral part of any team she is a part of. Looking forward to having the opportunity to work with Pooja again soon."
Justin Grant, Contracting Manager at Morley Builders
"I had the great privilege of collaborating with Pooja on several large projects while she was at Moore Ruble Yudell. She is an extremely talented architect and designer, and an excellent communicator in dealing with Clients and design teams. She also happens to be a very nice person, and it was always nothing but a pleasure working with her. Pooja would be an asset to any project fortunate enough to have her involved!"
Mike Rich, AIA, LEED AP, Principal/Owner at LARGE Architecture
"I worked closely with Pooja for 6 years, and highly recommend her skills in both design and project management. She is particularly an expert in complex multifamily housing, understanding not just the nuances of user-centered design, but also the importance of schedule and budget on project success. Her management style is direct, efficient and results-oriented, without ever sacrificing top-tier design quality."
Eric Tecza, AIA, Project Manager at Sares-Regis Group