Commune is the Los Angeles-based design firm behind the amazing Ace Hotel and Swim Club in Palm Springs (pictures above and below). Commune was founded in 2004 with a diverse staff of interior designers, architects, and graphic designers. Using a collaborative mindset, they assemble a team for each project, whether it’s a residence, commercial space, retail environment, website, or corporate identity.

Aside from the Ace Hotel, Commune’s past commercial spaces include Heath Ceramics in San Fransisco, Oliver Peoples in Malibu, Opening Ceremony in Tokyo, retail design for the Standard Hotel in New York, and many more. Commune has designed residential spaces throughout LA, as well…

Including this incredible home on Mulholland Highway in Hollywood.

Commune sells housewares online. They also have shops in West Hollywood and Palm Springs and just opened in the newly relaunched retail boutique The Shop at the Standard Hotel in downtown LA. The Shop is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m  to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Shop at the Standard
550 South Flower (Flower at Sixth Street)
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213-892-8080

Community Shop @ Commune (call for hours)
650 N. Robertson Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-855-9080

Community Shop @ Ace Hotel & Swim Club
Open Friday afternoons, Saturday & Sundays through the desert high season and by appointment.
701 East Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760-325-9900

9119 Thrasher Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90069
2 BR, 2 BA
$1,435,000

This significant architectural remix was one of the last works of the late Franklin D. Israel. Built in 1957, this home is a classic case-study era home that features walls of glass and post and beam ceilings. This house is in an extremely private Hollywood Hills location, surrounded by multi-million dollar estates of Thrasher and Doheny.

The residence has an open floor plan, with a bright and spacious living room, stunning walnut floors, and a fireplace. The adjoining kitchen has been superbly updated. Rooms open to the deck, which features vibrant green views over the Doheny Hills. The master suite and second bedroom provide built-ins and terraces with views.

If you would like to see this fantastic mid-century modern home in the Hollywood Hills in person, email me or call me at 323-775-6305 to schedule a showing!

More info and photos of 9119 Thrasher Ave.

1641 Woods Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90069
2 BR, 2.75 BA
$2,995,000

This internationally published architectural home is a Brian Murphy masterpiece. Constructed out of polished concrete, steel and glass, this home has spectacular city views from every room, including the pool and spa.

It features a dramatic two-story living room, media room, commercial kitchen, cantilevered library, guest suite, and amazing master suite.

This is the ideal property for those looking for extreme privacy; the property itself is gated and is located on the only gated street on the Sunset Strip.

If you would like to see this stunning Hollywood Hills home in person, call to schedule a showing at 323-775-6305 or email me.

More info and photos of 1641 Woods Dr.

1555 Rising Glen Road
Los Angeles, CA 90069
4 BR, 4 BA
$2,495,000

Built in 1955, this ultra-private, gated 3,565 square foot mid-century modern home has been stylishly remodeled and upgraded. It features 4 bedrooms–2 upstairs and 2 downstairs.

The home offers unique architectural details, an open floor plan, spectacular city lights views, a luxurious private pool area, a cook’s kitchen, as well as designer finishes and fixtures. There is also a camera security system.

There is a wonderful cook’s kitchen with a center island.

A spacious deck off the master bedroom provides a great place to relax and enjoy the spectacular views.

There is also a secluded and serene pool area.

If you would like to see this luxurious mid-century home in the heart of the Hollywood Hills, call me to schedule a showing at 323-775-6305 or email me!

More info and photos of 1555 Rising Glen Rd.

858 N. Doheny Drive
West Hollywood, CA 90069
2 BR, 2 BA
$1,449,000

This landmark Lloyd Wright Studio and Residence, located between Doheny and Sunset, has been on and off the market since November. It was in escrow multiple times, but the deals never closed. Now it’s back on the market with a price drop.

The 2,413 square foot home on a 3,611 square foot lot features a stuccoed frame with elaborate precast concrete blocks. Beautifully restored by Eric Wright, the home is an ideal live/workspace and is zoned for both. It features two units–each with unique character. The upstairs offers a large living room with an amazing fireplace and angled glass. The downstairs studio has large workspace centered around a great outdoor patio.

The Lloyd Wright Studio and Residence is a rare opportunity to own a significant architectural property! If you’d like to schedule a showing call me at 323-775-6305 or email me.

More info and photos of 858 N. Doheny Dr.

8530 Hedges Pl – John Lautner’s Wolff House 1961 (Top)
Los Angeles, CA 90069
4 BR, 3.5 BA
$5,895,000

2400 Carmen Crest Dr – Thornton Ladd’s Wolff House, 1958 (Bottom)
Los Angeles, CA 90068
2 BR, 1.75 BA
$1,995,000

There are currently not one but two architecturally significant Wolff Houses on the market. First we have John Lautner’s Wolff House. Built in 1961 this carries a much heftier price tag – which is probably why it’s been on the market for almost a year. This home is one of the most unique homes in all of Los Angeles and fully demonstrates Lautner’s genius and creativity.

Next we have Thornton Ladd’s Wolff House in the Hollywood Hills. While a few years older, this is the lesser-known of the two homes but is just as impressive. This one-0f-a-kind “floating glass pavilion” just hit the market and features panoramic ocean and city views.

More photos of the Wolff Houses after the break.

Lautner’s Wolff House:

Ladd’s Wolff House:

So which Wolff House would you buy if money was no object? Personally I think I’d go with Lautner’s. He’s always been one of my favorite archiects and how often do you get a chance to buy a designated Historical Monument?

If you’d like to set up a showing for either house please email me!

More photos and info of  8530 Hedges Pl (Lautner) and 2400 Carmen Crest Dr (Ladd).

1699 Woods Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90069
4 BR, 4 BA
$3,595,000

You can’t get much better than this four bedroom, four bath home in the Hollywood Hills. Built in 1953, it has clearly undergone a full modernization. Walls of glass open to the outdoor living room, incredible pool and spa, and breathtaking downtown city views. The master suite shares this amazing views and opens directly to the pool, as well. It also features a walk-in closet, immense steam shower, and a two-person soaking tub.

The kitchen features beautiful cabinetry, Wolf appliances, Sub-Zero refrigerator and more.

This gorgeous home would be a dream come true for someone looking for their perfect spot in the Hollywood Hills. If you’d like to schedule a showing email Rob or call him at 323-775-6305.

More info and photos of 1699 Woods Dr.

Woodbury University’s School of Architecture and the MAK Center are co-hosting a memorial honoring Julius Shulman from 5:30-8:30pm on Sunday, February 21st at the MAK Center For Art & Architecture at the Schindler House. The Enduring Contribution of Julius Shulman includes a cocktail/hors d’oeuvres hour and speakers who will share their memories and impressions of Shulman, a long-time friend of Woodbury. Here is the schedule for the evening:

Introductions:
Kimberli Meyer

The Trajectory of Julius’s Life:
Philip Ethington

Panel Introduction:
John Crosse

Panel Discussion:
“Julius Shulman and the Built Environment” – Steven Erlich, William Krisel, Wim de Wit, with Mary Melton as moderator

Toasts to Julius:
Rose Nielsen

Final Remarks:
Norman Millar

For more information, contact www.MAKcenter.org or call (323) 651-1510.

8222 Marmont Lane
Los Angeles, CA 90069
3 BR, 3.5 BA
$3,695,000

Actor James Franco is selling his Sunset Strip home located just a hop, skip and a jump from local celeb-hangout the Chateau Marmont. I’ve enjoyed Franco in the few movies I’ve seen him in (Pineapple Express, Milk) and I enjoy is his taste in architecture and design as well (except for those bearskin rugs…hmmm…)

The house has a nice open floor plan, a Chef’s Kitchen with a La Cornue stove, and city views. Much of the design is classic Hollywood which I think is fitting for a house located on Marmont Lane.

Franco purchased the house in 2006 for $2,325,000 so he’s hoping that his upgrades pay off nicely. Overall I think it’s a pretty classy property that will make some lucky owner happy, but it might be a little overpriced. What do you think?

For the rest of the photos and more info, click here.

Just a friendly that tomorrow, November 7th, is MAK Day at the Schindler House in West Hollywood. What is MAK Day exactly? A look at the day’s itinerary should answer that question for you:

12 – 1 pm: A graphic workshop with Handbuilt Studio for Project Food / LA, in preparation for the Edible Endeavors Convention, Yuju Yeo leads participants will generate foodie propaganda – banners, flyers, posters, etc.

1 – 2 pm: Curatorial walk-through on the exhibition Otto Neurath. Gypsy Urbanism with guest curator Nader Vossoghian

2:30 – 3:30 pm: Criticality, Agency, and Visual Language
A panel discussion on exhibition and display strategies in relation to infrastructure, do-it-yourself methods, social space engagement, graphic communication. Moderated by MAK Center director Kimberli Meyer

PANEL Participants
Nader Vossoghian: architectural historian and guest curator of Otto Neurath. Gypsy Urbanism
Rosten Woo: designer, writer, educator, and co-founder of the Center for Urban Pedagogy
Linda Pollack: artist, creator of Habeas Lounge
Alexis Rochas: architect, creator of a rooftop garden prototype SynthE Green Roof
Juliette Bellocq: graphic designer, Handbuilt Studio

3:30 – 6 pm: Hungry Urbanism Edible Endeavors Convention #3
A survey of food advocacy practices in Los Angeles. In a rapid-fire series of presentations, a diverse set of individuals and organizations will present their work on behalf of food issues in the city. Project Food / LA presents this part rally, part political convention, part lecture and part panel discussion. Curated by Michael Pinto.

The entire event is free and there will also be free Coolhaus ice cream snacks on Superlove granola bars. Lots of free to take advantage of, so be sure to check it out!

MAK Center for Art and Architecture
835 North Kings Road
West Hollywood, CA 90069
323 651 1510