Architecture for the Toughest Projects in Los Angeles.

Tell us about your project
Tell us about your project

For 24 Years, We've Solved the Problems Others Avoid.

Indoor rock climbing gym with climbing wall and people climbing, socializing, and using the counter area.

Ziese Architecture specializes in the projects that demand more: adaptive reuse of historic buildings, specialty facilities (climbing gyms, food banks, production studios), and complex permitting challenges. We're AIA/NCARB/LEED AP certified and have guided 100+ projects through Los Angeles' and other jurisdictions toughest approval processes. If your project requires both creative design and regulatory mastery, let's talk.

Let's Discuss Your Project
Let's Discuss Your Project
Empty spacious room with high ceilings, exposed white wooden beams, large windows, light wooden flooring, and white walls, with a few beige chairs and ottomans.
Open-concept living room and kitchen with white walls, wooden beams, hardwood floor, dining table with white chairs, white and gray kitchen cabinets, island with bar stools, and large windows.

Custom Residential & Commercial Design.

Modern building with white exterior and vibrant blue accent panel, large glass windows, landscaped area with small plants and rocks, and parking lot visible in background.

Ziese Architecture is a Los Angeles–based firm specializing in custom residential, commercial, tenant improvement, and adaptive reuse projects. We are frequently brought in where projects face zoning challenges, phased construction, historic constraints, or tight urban sites.

Founded in 2008 and based in the Brewery Arts Complex, our practice balances modern functionality with character, technical rigor, and attention to detail—producing spaces that feel intentional, efficient, and specific to how they are used.

ABOUT OUR FIRM
ABOUT OUR FIRM
Modern commercial building with glass entrance, metal siding, and a logo featuring an elephant on the corner.
Interior of a restaurant decorated for Christmas with hanging star and chandelier lights, exposed brick walls, wooden furniture, and a bar area in the background.

Our Architectural Services.

White modern house with a pool in the backyard, outdoor furniture, potted plants, and solar panels on the roof.

  • Custom Homes & Residential Remodels
    Bespoke single-family residences, additions, and remodels designed around real-world constraints and long-term livability.

  • Commercial, Retail & Tenant Improvements
    Office, restaurant, and commercial interiors with a focus on efficiency, brand alignment, and constructability.

  • Historic & Adaptive Reuse Projects
    Upgrading existing and historic structures while respecting character, codes, and current performance demands.

  • Full Architectural Services
    Project feasibility, permitting and agency coordination, construction documents, and construction administration.

Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Interior of a bright, beach-themed restaurant with blue and white chairs, a bar area, wooden barrels, a refrigerator with drinks, and aquatic decorations like life rings hanging from a balcony.
Indoor rock climbing gym with colorful holds on climbing walls and a climbing a student in white shirt and brown shorts climbing on the right wall.

Fire Rebuild & Recovery Experience.

Modern house with gray stucco and wooden siding, situated on a sloped landscape with hills in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.

Ziese Architecture has extensive experience assisting homeowners with rebuilding after wildfire loss, including fire rebuild projects in Malibu and other fire‑affected areas of Los Angeles County. Our work includes navigating expedited permitting pathways, jurisdiction‑specific requirements, and fire‑resilient design strategies.

See our fire rebuild resources
See our fire rebuild resources

Our Articles.

Articles
A Homeowner’s Guide to Building an ADU in Los Angeles (2026)
A Homeowner’s Guide to Building an ADU in Los Angeles (2026)

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are one of the most effective ways to add space, income, and flexibility to a Los Angeles property but the process is far from plug-and-play. This guide breaks down how ADUs actually work in LA, what to evaluate before you design, and how to move from idea to approval with clarity and confidence.

What’s Next 2.0: Updated Guidance for Homeowners Beginning Their Rebuild After the Los Angeles Wildfires
What’s Next 2.0: Updated Guidance for Homeowners Beginning Their Rebuild After the Los Angeles Wildfires

The landscape for fire rebuilds has evolved. Learn about what we’ve learned as a firm in approaching a fire rebuild project within the current environment.

Why Hire a Boutique Architecture Firm Instead of a Budget Architect?
Why Hire a Boutique Architecture Firm Instead of a Budget Architect?

Architectural fees vary a lot, the simple reason for this is the quality of drawings aren’t always equal. Poorly made drawings can end up costing you a lot down the road. Learn the importance of having quality drawings done by a boutique firm as opposed to a budget architect, and how this can save money in the long term.

Celebrating the Completion of MR CHOW Dubai
Celebrating the Completion of MR CHOW Dubai

Mr Chow Dubai has officially opened its doors, bringing the brand’s signature elegance and modern style to the city. Featuring a dramatic mirrored ceiling and bold design details, the new second-floor restaurant sets the stage for a truly elevated dining experience.

How to Design Fire Resilient Homes and Buildings
How to Design Fire Resilient Homes and Buildings

As fires become an ever more prevalent danger to homes in Southern California, learn architectural strategies that can give your home a better chance against wildfires.

Rebuilding After The Woolsey Fire - Malibu Residence Case Study
Rebuilding After The Woolsey Fire - Malibu Residence Case Study

Learn about the process of rebuilding our client’s home after it was lost in the Woolsey Fire, and what rebuilding a home can entail.

Homeowner's Guide to Los Angeles' Wildfire Executive Orders
Homeowner's Guide to Los Angeles' Wildfire Executive Orders

Learn more about the executive orders passed in response to the Palisades and Eaton Fires.

Los Angeles Wildfires, What’s Next?
Los Angeles Wildfires, What’s Next?

Our hearts are with the communities affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. At Ziese Architecture we wish to provide the knowledge we have as architects to help our communities rebuild.

A Guide to Hiring an Architect: Understanding the Design Process
A Guide to Hiring an Architect: Understanding the Design Process

Many people have a vague understanding of what Architects do, but the process of design and permitting can often be confusing. This guide walks through the process to help those who’d like a better understanding of what hiring an architect entails.

Follow Us on Instagram.

KASIH — a material-driven interior featuring exposed systems, custom detailing, and a warm, atmospheric layout. #ZieseArchitecture #InteriorDesignLA #CommercialArchitecture #DesignDetails
Light-filled, thoughtfully crafted, and designed to inspire. ✨ The Revery — a flexible photo + video production space and event venue in Los Angeles, shaped to support creativity, collaboration, and versatility. #ZieseArchitecture #TheReveryL
Revisiting this Los Angeles Penthouse that blends thoughtful spatial expansion with refined modern details. ✨ From the expanded loft and custom staircase to tailored millwork and a kitchen designed around the fireplace, every element was designed to