Social Studies Projects is a progressive design studio working across architecture, interiors, graphics, and exhibitions. Rooted in the California culture of grassroots experimentalism, collectivity, and innovation, our work draws inspiration from historic precedents across multiple disciplines to create detail-driven, original projects for modern inhabitants — in Los Angeles and beyond.
Part Time House
A former one-car garage, this ADU conversion in the Garvanza neighborhood of Los Angeles negotiates the needs of a growing family: a space for extended family stays, a work-from-home office, pool-side entertaining overflow, and a dedicated maker space for woodworking projects. A rectangular mass holds the more private spaces off the ground, bridging a new covered carport. In one ‘leg’ a writer’s office, in the other, a gathering space overlooking a pool. Harwell Hamilton Harris-inspired windows and shingles reminiscent of our clients’ favorite escapes to Muir Woods.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Project Type: ADU
Status: In Progress
Face House
For our clients’ house perched high on a hill, we outlined a series of strategic updates to refresh the facade and front yard sequence to our clients' "boring" (their word!) traditional stucco house. On the exterior, our additions underscore existing alignments between the vertical wood framing of the house and the existing horizontal datums of ground, sill, head, and ceiling heights. An existing bay window, is reimagined as an extrusion of this “hidden” order, finished on the interior as a storage bench and window seat, offering breathless views of surrounding Cheviot Hills.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Project Type: Facade Facelift
Status: Unbuilt
Span-ish House
What began as a simple repair evolved into a full interior renovation for a refined couple's Spanish Revival home. Guided by a focus on simplicity, smooth-flowing lines, and rounded corners, a standout moment came to life in connecting the previously separate kitchen and dining room with a generous arched opening.
Location: Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California
Project Type: Residential Interior Renovation + Design
Status: In Progress