Inc. magazine’s annual roundup of “World’s Coolest Offices” debuted this month, exposing eight awe-inspiring spaces to wishful employees everywhere. Snagging two of the coveted spots was Los Angeles-based Beats Electronics and Nasty Gal, a pair that’s deserving of our city’s star power in architecture and design.
The article points out that its selection of “cool offices” are thoroughly sophisticated, thoughtfully designed spaces that glance toward the future. We couldn’t agree more. When it comes to moving away from corporate architecture of recent decades, L.A.’s creative and open-minded audience serve as a major reason why artists can truly push the envelope.
Composed of two buildings sprawling across 105,000 square feet, Beats headquarters invites splashes of color that align with its brand’s vibrancy. Distinct hallways connect the building’s outer ring of offices with its core, where ample co-working zones await, shares the article. Bright hues are involved but don’t dominate the Beats office—instead, they are reserved for small offices, conference rooms, and meeting areas to evoke a certain mood. “They are a sophisticated tech company—but not so indulgent to goofiness,” explains Barbara Bestor, principal at Bestor Architecture, the firm who designed the headquarters. “It’s more savvy and international, rather than just an echo of Silicon Valley”.
Over at Nasty Girl, a Los Angeles-based clothing company, the new 50,000-square-foot offices are housed in three historic, connected downtown buildings. Bestor Architecture also served as the designer and managed to preserve many of the structures’ original architectural elements, such as exposed brick, steel windows, and marble flooring yet also added wood accents to warm up the concrete surroundings. Bridges and added mezzanines connect different work zones and open-meeting areas while hallways branch out from a central café area.
Tour the offices at Beats and Nasty Gal, along with the remaining winners, here.
Barbara Bestor’s work spans from offices to restaurants, retail, and residential. One of her homes is currently on sale and listed with The Agency. When asked to reveal her favorite room in the Santa Barbara home, Bestor replied, “The living room. It is like an earthy parthenon; very majestic but also very rustic and laid back.” Find out more about 3600 Toro Canyon Park Road and see our exclusive interview with the architect here.
