Journal · Guides for owners and homeowners
Journal
Practical notes from an architect who gets projects approved and built in Los Angeles. How to open a café, change what a building is used for, get through plan check and build a home, written for owners rather than for other architects.
Featured · Homes & ADUs
The Calabasas Architectural Review Panel: what it reviews and how to prepare
Building or adding on in Calabasas usually means a design review before the building permit. Sheida has served on the panel since 2020. Here is what it considers and how to arrive prepared.
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Guides, explainers and case studies.
Case studies·2 min
Case study: a café inside a Neil Denari building on Beverly Boulevard
A retail space in one of Los Angeles' most recognisable small buildings became a specialty coffee shop. The project shows what a… Read
Permitting·2 min
LA County Health Department plan check for restaurants: what they review and why sets bounce
The Health Department approval is separate from the building permit, and it reviews things a building inspector never looks at. Here is… Read
Permitting·3 min
Retail to restaurant: what a change of use actually changes
A café in a former shop is one of the most common projects in Los Angeles, and one of the most misunderstood.… Read
Restaurants & cafés·4 min
How to open a café in Los Angeles: the permit path from lease to opening day
Every café in Los Angeles passes through the same gates: Planning, LADBS plan check, the County Health Department and inspections. Here is… ReadSchedule a consultation
Tell us about the space. We'll tell you what it takes.
A first conversation covers feasibility, the approvals your project will trigger, and a realistic timeline. No obligation.
- Phone(805) 280‑9177
- Office4774 Park Granada, #9012, Calabasas, CA 91372
- HoursMon–Fri, 9:00–5:00
- Service areaLos Angeles, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, and the West San Fernando Valley
- 01We reply within one business day to set up a call or a site visit.
- 02The consultation covers goals, budget, timeline and the approvals your project will trigger.
- 03You receive a written scope and fee proposal.