How Woods + Dangaran Built This Dream Family Home

Rip & Tan: In as many words as you’d like, how would you characterize your architectural style? In what ways does your approach perhaps differ from the norm?

Woods + Dangaran: Our work is quiet, confident, and timeless. At Woods + Dangaran, our architectural process defines our approach. While each project is different, our process does not change. This consistency is what defines our work.

Rip & Tan: As a firm with focus on intentionality, what are your primary considerations when diving into a new project? 

Woods + Dangaran: Before diving into a new project and putting “pen to paper,” we spend significant time with the clients to understand what they want and need. In addition, Wood + Dangaran closely studies the site to really understand how the home wants to sit on the site.  We often say, “The site will tell you what it needs,” and we don’t fight against that idea.

Rip & Tan: What were the lifestyle needs in this home? How did those influence the finished product?

Woods + Dangaran: Like many of our clients, this home was designed for a young family. Finding a balance between beautifully designed spaces and those that support day-to-day family life can be tricky. Early in the process, our clients communicated that they like to entertain, so finding balance in the public and private realms would be a priority. This insight influenced not only the floor plan but also the quality of finishes for each space.  

Rip & Tan: How did the neighborhood, if at all, influence the project? 

Woods + Dangaran: We are influenced by Los Angeles and the rich history of architects and architecture that have come before us. Context is vital to every home we design. Also essential is understanding the culture and lifestyle of each location, and this home was no exception. 

Rip & Tan: In what ways did architecture speak to the final design of the space and vice versa?

Woods + Dangaran: We often refer to our architecture as the “non-architecture.” We think of the architecture as a canvas and the landscape and interior furnishings as the paint. The beauty of this home can be found in the spaces created by the architecture and supported by the landscape and interiors. 

Rip & Tan: How does the concept of flow play out in this space? 

Woods + Dangaran: This home has one of our favorite Woods + Dangaran-designed floor plans. There are powerful organizing principles here. The clarity of space and circulation is evident to anyone visiting.  

Rip & Tan: In architectural terms, what are the essential elements of a space built for indoor-outdoor living?

Woods + Dangaran: The most essential elements are transparency and connection to nature.

Rip & Tan: What are a few of the defining features in this build? What inspired these choices?

Woods + Dangaran: A significant feature of this home is the internal courtyard and its ability to supply all the public spaces on the ground floor with tons of natural light. Most Los Angeles properties are tight, so balancing the program with outdoor space inspired this decision. 

Rip & Tan: Let’s talk trends—any architectural pet peeves? Anything we’ll definitely be seeing less of decades from now? 

Woods + Dangaran: We are not sure this is a “trend,” but our architectural pet peeve is buildings with no relationship to the site. Typically, these structures lack a connection to the outdoors. We believe architects are increasingly sensitive to this idea, especially with smaller structures that celebrate a connection to nature.  

Rip & Tan: Whether it’s an era, another architect, or something entirely unrelated—what’s inspiring you lately?

Woods + Dangaran: While it may be counterintuitive, we find much inspiration from studying some of our older Woods + Dangaran works. By looking back and reflecting, it has helped us continue to move forward with our new projects.