Los Angeles is often defined by Hollywood, beaches, and traffic, but for an architect, this city is a treasure trove of incredible built environments and world-class art institutions. While I am loving my time working at Bell Design Group and diving into new projects, I make it a priority to use my weekends to seek inspiration outside the office. Recently, I dedicated my time to visiting two of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks: The Getty Center and MOCA (The Museum of Contemporary Art).
My visit to The Getty Center was, in a word, spiritual. As architects, we all study Richard Meier’s work, but seeing this campus in person is a completely different experience. The journey begins with the tram ride up the hill, slowly lifting you away from the noise of the freeway and into a serene atmosphere. The architecture itself is breathtaking.
I spent hours just walking through the courtyards, admiring how the buildings frame specific views of the city and the ocean. The interplay between the white structures and the organic Central Garden creates a perfect balance. It wasn’t just about the art inside—though the collection is impressive—it was about how the light moves through the spaces. It was a reminder of how powerful thoughtful design can be.
In stark contrast to the hilltop serenity of the Getty, my trip to MOCA on Grand Avenue plunged me right into the urban heart of Downtown Los Angeles. The energy here is entirely different.
Walking through the galleries at MOCA pushed me to think differently. The contemporary art collection is bold, challenging, and abstract. It reminded me that creativity doesn’t always have to follow a strict grid like the Getty; sometimes it needs to break the rules.
Living in a city with such diverse architectural languages is constantly feeding my design thinking. It’s exciting to bring that renewed perspective back to my desk on Monday mornings.
