In the heart of Los Angeles, a concrete shell has been transformed into a sanctuary of serenity and creativity by Indian-origin designers Utharaa Zacharias and Palaash Chaudhary. The founders of Soft-Geometrya lighting and furniture design firm, have turned the eight-story tower, originally designed by William Pereira in 1961, into a harmonious blend of work and life.
The building, known as The Elysianwas initially constructed as the headquarters for the Metropolitan Water District of Los Angeles. With its 12-foot ceilings and steel-and-concrete structure, it stood vacant for nearly two decades before being converted into residential lofts in 2014. For Zacharias and Chaudhary, the contrast between the building’s industrial past and their design philosophy, which favors serenity over sharpness and handmade over hyper-polishedcreated a unique canvas for their vision.
The Elysian: A Historic Transformation
The couple first noticed the building during their initial week in Los Angeles but didn’t think much about it due to the lack of available units. Six months later, they discovered a unit that had been passed on by many due to its view of an industrial rooftop. However, they fell in love with the space immediately.
The building’s history and architecture provided a stark contrast to the designers’ aesthetic. The 12-foot ceilings and open floor plan offered a sense of scale and light that they embraced. The floating wall between the workspace and living area became a natural divider, symbolizing the balance between control and chaos.
A Home and Workspace in Harmony
Zacharias and Chaudhary reimagined the floor plan to suit their lifestyle. They converted the original bedroom into a workspace and transformed the home office into their primary bedroom, creating a cozy nook for sleeping. The limited square footage allows their homelife and work life to flow seamlessly into one another.
The living room functions as a fluid space, showcasing objects from Soft-Geometry’s collections. It holds pieces from their recent collections, such as the Long-Haired Sconces and Flower Sconcesas well as items from nearly every chapter of their practice. The workspace, though messy, is a hub of creativity and productivity. It features a vintage workbench table, red Componibili storage units by Anna Castelli Ferrieriand various chairs sourced from Craigslist and Etsy.
The Light and the Little Details
The couple appreciates the natural light that fills their space. Zacharias describes the sunrise as golden and directwhile the sunset bounces off the bronze glass of a downtown tower, returning warm and diffused. This duality of light adds a dynamic quality to their home.
Small details and personal touches add character to their space. The kitchen features removable steel covers on the cabinet fronts, a vintage Neolt Architetto drafting table as an island, and La Palma stools bought secondhand. The walls are adorned with artworks, plants, and books, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
As they prepare to welcome their first baby, Zacharias and Chaudhary look forward to seeing how their space will adapt to the new addition. The light, the layout, and the personal touches they’ve incorporated will continue to shape their home and workspace, reflecting their Unique Design philosophy and lifestyle.
