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This past May, we participated in the Small Lots, Big Impacts design competition, hosted by cityLAB UCLA. For us, this was an opportunity to reimagine dense housing on underutilized, city-owned lots in Los Angeles. Our submission was centered around creating replicable housing models that integrate social infrastructure, ecological systems, and regulatory innovation—key ingredients for addressing affordability, resilience, and long-term neighborhood stability.
At Danielian, we view this kind of conceptual work as more than an entry in a design challenge—it’s part of a larger, ongoing commitment to supporting housing needs across Los Angeles. Alongside forward-looking prototypes like this, we’re engaged in projects that respond directly to community needs, including designing rebuilds for residents affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires and creating a modular library of concepts originating from our iDA Lab that fire victims can choose from as part of their rebuilding process.
Our efforts don’t stop there. Through our iDA Lab, we’re designing innovative approaches that leverage SB-9 lot splits and ADU legislation to make the most of Los Angeles’ limited land resources. A couple of these projects are already under construction in the Santa Monica area, pioneering new ways to maximize limited lot sizes while introducing gentle density. Each residence is designed to feel naturally integrated into the neighborhood fabric, proving that efficiency and community connection can go hand in hand.
Whether through competition entries, disaster recovery efforts, or exploring new construction models, we’re committed to contributing solutions that strengthen Los Angeles’ housing ecosystem—solutions that can be adapted, scaled, and built upon to meet the diverse needs of the city’s residents today and in the future.
Turning ideas into impact.
Our unbuilt concepts are more than exercises in design—they’re stepping stones toward housing that’s affordable, resilient, and built for community. If you share our vision for better urban living, let’s explore how we can bring the next project to life together. Connect with us →
Together For LA
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Helping in the best way we know how!
The Danielian Associates team is passionate, creative, and committed to the art of designing places and spaces we call home. Our founder, Art Danielian, FAIA, grew up in the close-knit communities of Altadena / Pasadena and was inspired by local architecture to pursue a career in residential design. Our architectural studios are now guided by his son, John Danielian, AIA, as we continue to fulfill his father’s passion: turning ideas into beautiful and functioning homes where people can enrich their lives and thrive. Danielian Associates Architects + Planners has grown into a nationally recognized firm, providing architecture and planning services from our offices in Irvine and Los Angeles.
With many of our team members having roots in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties, we’ve always believed that the spaces we create are more than just buildings—they’re the backdrop to people’s lives. And when the fires swept through the greater Los Angeles area earlier this year, displacing families and uprooting communities, we knew we had to do more than watch from the sidelines.
In the wake of the devastation, our team has come together in a few small ways to support those affected:
It’s in moments like these that community matters most. If you or someone you know needs help reimagining a home lost in the fires, we’re here—with open hands, listening ears, and design solutions grounded in care.
Please reach out to learn more about how we can help with architectural support and home rebuilding. Together, we’ll find a way forward.