BENJAMIN CLAVAN, ARCHITECT, AIA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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| Architecture Firm | BENJAMIN CLAVAN, ARCHITECT, AIA |
| People | Benjamin Clavan, Ph.D., AIA |
| Address | 6241 Maryland Dr. |
| Los Angeles, California, 90048 USA | |
| Telephone | 323-933-5426 |
| Fax | Please call first |
| Benjamic@earthlink.net | |
| Web Site | |
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Contents |
[edit] Services
F I R M
P R O F I L E
BENJAMIN CLAVAN, ARCHITECT, AIA is a classic atelier architecture and design firm founded twenty-five years ago in Los Angeles. Working as the active principal of the business, Benjamin Clavan draws on the many aspects of architecture, planning, building, landscaping, and interiors with which he has been involved. This involvement has included all phases of design, participation on project development teams, commissioned research and writing, and teaching.
The result of this background is that BENJAMIN CLAVAN, ARCHITECT, AIA is capable of undertaking a wide scope of projects at various scales, and of offering services ranging from programming and feasibility studies to construction administration and architectural forensics. The commercial and residential design work of the firm is highly contextual and, at times, has involved existing structures which are to be renovated for adaptive re-use and/or expansion.
Benjamin Clavan and his associates bring to each project a wide range of problem-solving talents -- ranging from developing strategies for entitlement applications to coordinating the manufacture of custom-designed, hand-painted ceramic tiles. The strength of this analytical and studio approach to design guarantees a particularly high level of personal attention to detail and the ability to customize the firm's services for each particular project.
Benjamin is a classic Californian: born on the East Coast; educated in the South, in the West, and in England; and resident in the state for over thirty years, both in San Francisco and Los Angeles. He draws from all of these sources for inspiration, but his architecture is primarily about the California dream -- the pursuit of "livability" throughout a structure; the potentials for a seamless mesh between the building's interior and exterior spaces; the use of the landscape as a series of outdoor "rooms." Most recently he is exploring the traditional use of bold color to create architectural form.
As the firm's reputation continues to grow, clients look to BENJAMIN CLAVAN, ARCHITECT, AIA to resolve atypical or intricate design problems outside the normal practice of many other architects. We enjoy challenges. And we like the idea that the finished product will reflect not only architectural excellence, but also the crucial "bottom-line" realities for every client.
[edit] Focus
[edit] Projects
S E L E C T E D
A R C H I T E C T U R A L
P R O J E C T S
R e s i d e n t i a l
- COHEN RESIDENCE, Los Angeles, CA, current (under construction). Transformation of existing, 1-story, 2250 sq. ft., 60’s “ranch” home into a 6000 sq. ft. two-story + roof deck contemporary estate. Project includes majority solar power, new hillside infinity swimming pool, and other extensive site improvements. Two years of building entitlements required to undertake project were handled successfully by this office.
- COHEN RESIDENCE REOVATIONS PROJECT, Los Angeles, CA, 2003-2004. Expansion of existing 2-story, 2500 sq. ft. hillside residence with an additional 1000 sq. ft. to include a new Living Rm. and Family Rm., new Master Bedroom suite, and reconfiguration of other existing spaces in the house.
˜ CLAVAN RESIDENCE AND STUDIO IV, Los Angeles, CA, 2008. Remodel of 2350 sq. ft. 1935 Spanish Colonial tract home preserving remaining original detailing, juxtaposed against more contemporary design and interior elements, including new high gloss “Italian” kitchen. New complimentary landscape plan.
- CLAVAN RESIDENCE AND STUDIO III, Los Angeles, CA, 2006-2007. Upgrade of 1929 Spanish Moorish duplex - maintaining all original detailing, adding new of-the-period plumbing, lighting, etc., and placing new coloration inside and out to enhance this historic dwelling.
- CLAVAN RESIDENCE AND STUDIO II, Los Angeles, CA, 2001-2004. Transformation of 2200 sq. ft. traditional 1920’s tract home into contemporary “livable loft” space, new outdoor rooms, and interiors designed around existing collectible furnishings and art.
- CLAVAN RESIDENCE AND STUDIO I, West Hollywood, CA, 1988-2001. Renovation of traditional cottage into a “Small Wonder.” (Segment for HGTV’s Kitty Bartholemew’s You’re Home series, aired Fall, 2000. Published in BETTER HOMES & GARDENS, Spring, 1997.)
˜ REDIEL RESDIENCE ADDITIONS AND RENOVATIONS PROJECT, Los Angeles, CA, 2005. Structural stabilization and renovation/restoration of one of the original Spanish-style, Beachwood Canyon hillside homes.
˜ STARK RESIDENCE INTERIORS, Marina Del Rey, CA, 2004. Furnishings and renovation items for complete existing 2400 sq. ft. beach residence.
- STARK AND DOBB RESIDENCE INTERIORS, Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA, 2002-03. Consultation on renovation and interiors of a 5200 sq. ft. traditional home to provide a new family “nest” for these repeat clients.
- STARK AND DOBB RESIDENCE RENOVATIONS AND INTERIORS, Los Angeles, CA, 1991, 1996. Renovation and interior design of 3000 sq. ft. contemporary home to provide new 450 sq. ft. Screened Porch; enlarged Master Bedroom; new Family Room; and interior and exterior coloring. (Segments for HGTV’s Kitty Bartholemew’s You’re Home series, aired Spring, 2000. Published in BETTER HOMES & GARDENS in Fall, 1998: “Rainbow Rooms”, and Fall, 1999: “Brave New Floors”.)
˜ MYERS RESIDENCE RENOVATIONS AND SWIMMING POOL, Los Angeles, CA, 2003-2004. Complete remodel of 1920’s Spanish-style residence, including new Master Bedroom and Bath, an additional new Bath, and new Kitchen. Project includes site plan integrating new pool, cabana, decking, and terraces to tie together interior and exterior.
˜ BIANCO ACCESSORY BUILDING AND LIVING UNIT, West Hollywood, CA, 2004. New, two-story handicapped-accessible Living Unit and garage designed to compliment existing historic/cultural landmark residence. New master bath in existing residence.
˜ ALDORF RESIDENCE ADDITIONS AND RENOVATIONS PROJECT, Los Angeles, CA, 2003. Master plan for development of multi-acre, extreme hillside lot, including immediate new planted terraces, 75-ft. cantilevered lap pool, formal gardens, dog areas, and cook’s Kitchen in existing residence. The plan also provides a site for a future, 7500 sq. ft. new primary residence to tie into the new landscaping.
˜ ALLEN RESIDENCE RENOVATIONS, New Master Bath, Los Angeles, CA, 2004.
- ALLEN RESIDENCE INTERIORS, Los Angeles, CA, 2002-03. Design, furnishings and coloration for traditional home to meet the special needs of sight-impaired (98% of vision lost) individual. (Segments for DIY Network special 5-part program, Enable Your Home, filmed at residence, aired November, 2003.)
˜ GREENE RESIDENCE PROJECT, Beverly Glen, Los Angeles, CA, 1999-2000. New 3500 sq. ft. multi-level home on hillside site to include great hall/kitchen; master bedroom and office suite; and children’s realm -- all linked by a continuous skylit staircase.
˜ LUCAS RESIDENCE PROJECT, La Canada Flintridge, CA, 1999. 1000 sq. ft. addition and renovations to existing California ranch-type house. New master bedroom suite to be located on upper-portion of lot, connected to existing residence by enclosed bridge over an existing pool. Renovations include gourmet, teaching kitchen, and new gallery corridors.
˜ BULL RESIDENCE PROJECT, Altadena CA, 1998. Renovations/replacement of a 4300 sq. ft.1940's California ranch-type house with a 6800 sq. ft. structure.
˜ RESIDENTIAL MOVIE THEATER PROJECT, Malibu Lake, CA 1998. Addition of fully-equiped free-standing movie theater on an estate property for a well-known film and TV actor.
˜ VASQUEZ AND VOHLERS RESIDENCE RENOVATIONS, Los Angeles, CA, 1998. Changes to master bedroom and bath suite.
˜ RENBERG RESIDENCE PROJECT, Sunset Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 1996-1997. Renovations/replacement of a 3500 sq. ft.1950's California ranch-type house with an approx. 5000 sq. ft. residence.
˜ KLEBANOFF AND PALL RESIDENCE PROJECT, Los Angeles, CA, 1996. Addition to hillside Los Feliz residence for purposes of in-home offices for both clients; renovation of existing space for use as a family room; and work to provide additional usable outdoor areas.
˜ REISMAN RESIDENCE RENOVATIONS, Los Angeles, CA, 1995. Creation of Master Bedroom suite, including relocation of Master Bath, within existing structure in Century City.
˜ KEMP ESTATE, Los Angeles, CA, 1993-95. Renovations and additions to 5-acre, multi-building Mulholland Drive property. Project includes major work at main residence; new caretaker's residence; new tennis court and adjacent, enclosed entertainment pavilion; new free-standing screening room structure; and extensive site and landscaping improvements. Total "enclosed" construction, including outdoor rooms, equals 16,250 sq. ft.
˜ CORBETT RESIDENCE, Santa Monica, CA, 1992-93. 4200 sq. ft. Spanish Colonial revival-influenced home built on foundations of existing house, including new 4-bedroom/3-bath second level; 20-ft. high Family Room; new Kitchen; organization of new and existing rooms around a series of exterior terraces; and interior design and furnishings.
˜ LEVYN RESIDENCE, Beverly Hills, CA, 1990-91. Addition of 800 sq. ft. to major renovation of 2700 sq. ft. Colonial-style home, including new Master Bedroom suite; and new Family Room and Kitchen designed around outdoor terrace.
˜ ENGLANDER RESIDENCE, Santa Monica, CA, 1989. 3200 sq. ft. Spanish Colonial revival-style home built around former 2000 sq. ft. house. Project includes three Bedrooms; Family Room; Master Bedroom suite with separate Office; and three new Baths.
˜ NAVE RESIDENCE, Contra Costa County, CA, 1977-78. New construction of 4200 sq. ft. ranch house and stables designed for public and private requirements of Bishop of Mormon Church.
˜ GILMOUR RESIDENCE, Brickyard Cove, Richmond, CA, 1976-77. Two-phase construction of new 3200 sq. ft. marina residence and boat dock built entirely on pilings in the San Francisco Bay.
S E L E C T E D
A R C H I T E C T U R A L
P R O J E C T S
O f f i c e s / C o m m e r c i a l
˜ HYPOTHESIS Offices IV, Los Angeles, CA, 2007-2008. New offices and interiors. doubling the size of this international market research firm, in the Fine Arts Building -- A National Historic Landmark building in the original business district of Los Angeles..
- HYPOTHESIS Offices III, Los Angeles, CA, 2006. Expansion of existing offices.
- HYPOTHESIS Offices II, Los Angeles, CA, 2003. The second new offices, located in a loft conversion in the historic Coast Savings Building in downtown Los Angeles. (Featured on “The Insider’s List with Julie Moran”, FINE LIVING NETWORK, Spring, 2007. Also named #2 “Overall Ergonomic Design” in Moran's Top 10 Ergonomic Office Items.)
- HYPOTHESIS Offices I, Los Angeles, CA, 1999-2000. New offices and interiors located in a converted warehouse loft space.
˜ SCRIPPS NETWORKS Office Consolidation, Los Angeles, CA, 2000 - SCRIPPS NETWORKS Office Expansion, Los Angeles, CA, 2001 New, 26,000 sq. ft., full-floor high-rise office building design in two projects to integrate the programs and requirements of four distinct corporate entities – creating a new West Coast headquarters for this national cable communications giant (HGTV, FOOD Channel, DIY Channel, Fine Living.) Design includes edit facilities for non-defunct, Scripps Productions, and a 3000 sq. ft. landscaped roof deck.
˜ Y ARRIBA Y ARRIBA Construction Administration, Downtown Disney, Anaheim, CA, 2000. On-site California representative of Miami, FL executive architect for this 550-seat dinner theater located at Disneyland’s major new commercial expansion.
˜ STARK CARPET New Showroom, Laguna Design Center, Laguna Nigel, CA, 1999. Renovations of 4800 sq. ft. showroom for use as new Orange County location for national carpet and fabric business.
˜ PACIFIC DESIGN CENTER IdeaHouse Expansion, West Hollywood, CA, 1998. Design for major expansion of the "IdeaHouse" program -- a full-scale residence showcasing the products and services available at the West Coast's center for interiors showrooms. Expansion includes development of a second residence, facades for both houses, and "site" plan combining the two within the PDC.
˜ PACIFIC DESIGN CENTER Showrooms, West Hollywood, CA
TILE EMPORIUM New Showroom, 1999. Satellite 1100 sq. ft. space for Los Angeles business.
STUDIO BECKER New Showroom, 1999. 2700 sq. ft. space for national cabinetry manufacturer based on design plans developed by the tenant.
DONGHIA Showroom Expansion, 1999. 1250 sq. ft. expansion of existing 4500 sq. ft. national furniture and fabric manufacturers’ showroom. Work coordinated with DONGHIA’s New York-based design team.
DE BENDICTIS Showroom Expansion, 1999. Doubling of size of existing lamps and furniture showroom to a total of 2800 sq. ft.
PASTON/RALEIGH Showroom Expansion, 1999. Addition of 585 sq. ft. to existing 2693 sq. ft. furniture showroom, including renovations to existing space.
HGTV Office Expansion, 1998. Addition of four offices and new storage in adjoining suite to existing facilities of the West Coast headquarters of this national communications company.
STARK CARPET Showroom Renovations, 1998-99. Remodeling of existing 7400 sq. ft. space to provide new display areas for Old World Weavers fabrics; new rug displays, new lighting, and a reconfigured entry.
RODRIGUEZ & COMPANY New Showroom, 1998. Re-location of existing furniture gallery to 4750 sq. ft. space at the PDC.
RUTT OF LOS ANGELES, New Showroom Project, 1999. Relocation of Los Angeles showroom of national custom cabinet manufacturer to new 3500 sq. ft. space.
˜ TOWNE AND COUNTRY SHOPPING CENTER, Visalia, CA; - WESTERN VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER, Clovis, CA; and - WESTWOOD’S VILLAGE SQUARE, Los Angeles, CA. 1999 Renovation studies and designs for three Cal American commercial properties, including development of signage opportunities.
˜ UCLA MEDICAL CENTER LIVER TRANSPLANT OFFICES Remodel, Los Angeles, CA, 1997. 2200 sq. ft. space planning and interiors for the liver transplant team at the Dumont-UCLA Transplant Center (with Espace Design, Santa Monica, CA).
˜ LAW OFFICES OF FLEMING AND BERKLEY Tenant Improvements, Los Angeles, CA, 1991: 5700 sq. ft. New, high-rise office space for 26-person firm in unique existing semi-circular floor plan. Work includes interior finishes and furniture lay-outs.
˜ TUMBLEWEED RESTAURANT, Beverly Hills, CA, 1988: Complete renovation of existing restaurant and kitchen, including interior design consultation. (Featured as one of ESQUIRE's top new restaurants nationwide, 1988.)
S E L E C T E D
A R C H I T E C T U R A L
P R O J E C T S
F e a s i b i l i t y S t u d i e s / B u i l d i n g A n a l y s e s
˜ Cal-Trade Center Master Plan Project, San Pedro, CA, 1999. Proposal for redevelopment of 2.8-acre downtown site to integrate adaptive reuse of existing 166,000 sq. ft., 11-story office building and underground parking, a new transit hub, a new 400+ multi-level parking garage; and 30,000 sq. ft. of new retail. (A joint effort of Cal America Properties. the Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.)
˜ Pacific Design Center As-Built Documentation, West Hollywood, CA, 1997-98. Preparation of new digitized master set of measured drawings of entire 1.25 million sq. ft., two-building, medium-rise complex. (With John James Armstrong, Architect, AIA)
˜ Mix Magic Post Production Sound Studios Expansion. Hollywood, CA, 1996: Proposed 7250 sq. ft. renovation and new construction, including 2500 sq. ft. theatrical dubbing studio, avid edit rooms, lounge, and offices.
˜ Russian Immigrant Program and Synagogue, Inc., West Hollywood, CA, 1994-95: Work for this non-profit organization includes participation in the design of the Program's proposed Social Annex and Kosher Kitchen; and proposed Neighborhood Recreation Center; and various land use entitlements applications, including public representation.
˜ TicketMaster 1/2 Price Ticket Office Design Consultation, Hollywood, CA, 1992: Programming, and design and permitting approaches for historic Pantages Theater storefront office remodel. (Execution by others.)
˜ Inland Pacific World Trade Center, Pomona, CA, 1985. Assembly of successful application for membership in World Trade Centers Association as part of the effort to develop a world trade center in Pomona. Preparation of Survey of Interest for the Center, which was distributed to 12,000 Southern California businesses. (Consultant to CPR/Urbanetics, Developers, Los Angeles, CA, and the Pomona Economic Development Corporation, with KMG Main Hurdman, Los Angeles.)
˜ Ivy Childrens' Music Park, Los Angeles, 1982. Project concept and proposal for development of the abandoned Ivy Substation into a community music center. (With Lomax-Rock & Associates, Architects, Venice, CA)
˜ 141 Steuart St. Renovations and Additions, San Francisco, 1979: Member, design team for 80,000 sq. ft. of offices, restaurants and commercial space in aging high-rise and low-rise waterfront buildings. (For Lloyd Flood, Architect, San Francisco, CA.)
˜ Angel Place Office Block Redevelopment, Worcester, England, 1973: Historic building survey and measured drawings. (For Sir Frederick Gibberd & Partners, Architects and Town Planners, London.)
