{"id":42791,"date":"2025-08-01T15:00:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T13:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architect-us.com\/blog\/2025\/08\/leroy-street-studio-selected-projects-copy\/"},"modified":"2025-08-01T14:26:05","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T12:26:05","slug":"bell-design-group-selected-projects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architect-us.com\/blog\/2025\/08\/bell-design-group-selected-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"Bell Design Group’s Selected Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"

History<\/strong> of Bell Design Group<\/h4>\n

Founded by architect and designer Tima Bell<\/strong>, Bell Design Group (BDG)<\/strong> has built its reputation on the seamless blending of art<\/strong> and architecture<\/strong>. Bell, whose roots stretch from New York<\/strong> to Venice Beach<\/strong> and Peaks Island, Maine<\/strong>, honed his craft at Rice University<\/strong> and SCI\u2011Arc<\/strong>, with formative creative residencies in Europe<\/strong>. Around 2011<\/strong>, he established BDG in Los Angeles<\/strong>, envisioning a practice that would challenge conventional boundaries and celebrate design as both a cultural<\/strong> and spatial<\/strong> act.<\/p>\n

From its earliest projects – spanning film production campuses<\/strong>, hospitality environments<\/strong>, civic spaces<\/strong>, and multi\u2011family housing – <\/strong>BDG has been driven by a belief that design<\/strong> must engage deeply with context<\/strong>, community<\/strong>, and craft<\/strong>. The studio\u2019s work is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach<\/strong>, often partnering with artists<\/strong>, fabricators<\/strong>, and cultural consultants<\/strong> to create environments where architecture<\/strong> becomes a living, experiential form of storytelling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In recent years, BDG has embraced technological innovation<\/strong>, shifting from Revit<\/strong> to Graphisoft Archicad<\/strong> for its flexibility, intuitive modeling, and cloud\u2011based collaboration – particularly valuable for the firm\u2019s international<\/strong>, multidisciplinary<\/strong> team. Tools like Bluebeam<\/strong> and BIMx<\/strong> have further enhanced their ability to coordinate across time zones and deliver design precision.<\/p>\n

Over more than a decade, Bell Design Group<\/strong> has evolved from a small Los Angeles architecture studio<\/strong> into a respected, internationally recognized<\/strong> practice. Its projects speak to a refined balance of creativity<\/strong> and pragmatism<\/strong>, art<\/strong> and architecture<\/strong>, innovation<\/strong> and empathy<\/strong>. In a world where design often risks becoming formulaic, BDG continues to remind the profession that architecture<\/strong>, at its best, is both a craft<\/strong> and a cultural act – <\/strong>a discipline that shapes not just buildings, but the experiences<\/strong> and stories<\/strong> they hold.<\/p>\n

[Do you want to keep up to date with new job opportunities with Architect-US Partner Companies like BDG? Leave us your contact info<\/span><\/strong> here<\/strong><\/a><\/span>.]<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Company Culture at Bell Design Group<\/h4>\n

BDG\u2019s studio culture<\/strong> is a defining strength of the firm. The practice operates on a foundation of collaboration<\/strong>, mentorship<\/strong>, and shared creativity<\/strong>\u2014deliberately maintaining an ego\u2011free environment<\/strong> where ideas flow openly. This approach ensures that every project benefits from the collective talent of the team, rather than the vision of a single designer.<\/p>\n

The firm actively supports diversity<\/strong> and international talent<\/strong>, offering mentorship, career growth opportunities, and technical training. By investing in its people, BDG has achieved an exceptionally low staff turnover rate<\/strong>, fostering a tight\u2011knit team<\/strong> that shares a commitment to design excellence.<\/p>\n

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We treasure the multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment which the collective of shared experiences brings to our designs, bettering our ability to create relevant and empathetic architecture.<\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This strong cultural foundation enables BDG to approach each project with both creative boldness<\/strong> and technical precision<\/strong>. Whether working on a sustainable housing development<\/strong>, a hospitality project<\/strong>, or a civic space<\/strong>, the team draws on its collaborative ethos to deliver work that is innovative<\/strong>, context\u2011driven<\/strong>, and community\u2011focused<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

[Let us take on the work of finding your dream job for you and\u00a0join us<\/span><\/a> today!]<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before becoming BDG, the firm was known as Relativity Architects<\/strong>, founded in Los Angeles\u00a0by Tima Bell<\/strong> and Scott Sullivan<\/strong>. Relativity quickly earned recognition for its inventive, narrative\u2011driven approach to architecture. <\/strong>We at Architect\u2011US<\/strong><\/a> have been proud collaborators with BDG since their Relativity Architects<\/strong> days. From the very beginning, we have worked closely with their leadership to bring international architectural talent<\/strong> to Los Angeles – helping to welcome professionals such as Daniel\u202fSosa Navarro, Jasmin\u202fT\u00e9r\u00e9se M\u00fcller, Fernanda\u202fDias de Azevedo, and Carolina\u202fHeras Fern\u00e1ndez through our Job+J1 Visa Program<\/strong><\/a>. Each of these architects has enriched BDG\u2019s multicultural studio culture<\/strong> and strengthened its ability to design with a global perspective<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Our collaboration has now expanded through a new partnership with the Arquia Foundation – <\/strong>a Spanish philanthropic institution founded in 1990<\/strong> to promote cultural, educational, and professional mobility in the fields of architecture<\/strong>, design<\/strong>, urban planning<\/strong>, and construction<\/strong>. The Foundation is widely known for its scholarship programs<\/strong>, which provide young architects with the opportunity to gain valuable international experience.<\/p>\n

Through this partnership, Architect\u2011US is facilitating BDG\u2019s participation in the Arquia Scholarship Program<\/strong>. We are currently in the process of bringing Marina\u202fMartinez Arana, one of this year\u2019s scholarship recipients, to join the BDG team in Los Angeles. This initiative reinforces BDG\u2019s commitment to international exchange<\/strong>, emerging talent<\/strong>, and design innovation<\/strong>, while continuing our shared mission of connecting global architectural talent<\/strong> with leading U.S. design firms.<\/p>\n

Bell Design Group’s Selected Projects<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Castle Argyle Apartments – Hollywood, California<\/h4>\n

The Castle Argyle Apartments<\/strong> in central Hollywood, a 1928 landmark originally built as a luxury residence-hotel for guests like Cecil B. DeMille, Clark Gable, and Howard Hughes, now serves as affordable studio and one\u2011bedroom housing for seniors. Amid the challenges of the COVID pandemic, Bell Design Group<\/strong> led a meticulous, full\u2011scale renovation<\/strong> that reinforced the structure, modernized utilities and fixtures, improved accessibility, and refreshed the building\u2019s interior and exterior while honoring its Hollywood Regency roots<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Designers revived period\u2011inspired colors and patterns to evoke the building\u2019s classic glamour while integrating modern updates for comfort and efficiency. Communal areas were transformed with new windows, enhanced views of the landscaped courtyard, and expanded amenities including a library, kitchen, dining room, lounge, exercise room, and on\u2011site medical facilities. Original coffered ceilings were uncovered and restored, and all apartments received new kitchens, bathrooms, appliances, air conditioning, flooring, and fresh finishes.<\/p>\n

A curated public art program<\/strong> adds to the building\u2019s character, featuring a large ceramic tile mosaic visible from Argyle Avenue, a figurative mural, and a glass\u2011tile lobby mosaic by Roberto Biaggi<\/strong>. Two restored neon signs now illuminate the night, preserving the property\u2019s iconic Hollywood presence. This revitalization celebrates the building\u2019s cultural legacy while ensuring it continues to provide safe, vibrant, and affordable housing<\/strong> for the senior community.<\/p>\n

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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

East End Studios Glendale – Glendale, California<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Located northeast of Los Angeles along a major thoroughfare connecting to Downtown, the East End Glendale Campus<\/strong> is a dynamic urban production hub. The project includes two newly constructed sound stages<\/strong> with supporting spaces such as green rooms and make\u2011up areas, plus three stories of production offices<\/strong> that buffer the private campus from the busy street. Adjacent surface parking, <\/strong>partially covered, serves as an outdoor mill area with ample space for staging, trucks, and trailers.<\/p>\n

The design fosters a strong connection to Glendale Avenue<\/strong>, with the main office building featuring setback areas, built\u2011in planters, and benches that integrate with the streetscape and encourage pedestrian activity. These setbacks also break up the building\u2019s massing, creating a more human\u2011scaled, approachable fa\u00e7ade.<\/p>\n

Architecturally, the building combines high\u2011quality materials – <\/strong>vertical wood louvers, glazed curtain walls, and smooth concrete surfaces – to create visual variety and warmth. The carefully coordinated palette of colors and textures ensures the campus blends seamlessly with its surroundings while supporting both production efficiency and community engagement.<\/p>\n

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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fear of God – Los Angeles, CA<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

In Downtown LA\u2019s Arts District<\/strong>, BDG transformed an existing warehouse into the headquarters for the iconic fashion brand Fear of God<\/strong>, collaborating closely with founder and lead designer Jerry Lorenzo<\/strong>. The design creates a city\u2011like environment<\/strong> with neutral, flexible enclaves that support both creative exploration and business operations without interference. Each space was tailored to its function, resulting in a refined, aesthetically restrained setting for design and merchandise display.<\/p>\n

The project also strengthens the LA Fashion District<\/strong> community, addressing nighttime safety concerns with a discreet, black\u2011painted brick exterior free of signage. Sustainability played a central role\u2014BDG prioritized adaptive reuse<\/strong> over demolition, installed energy\u2011efficient windows<\/strong>, preserved clerestory daylighting<\/strong>, and integrated Energy Star appliances<\/strong> and low\u2011flow plumbing fixtures<\/strong>. These strategies reduced both embodied and operational carbon footprints, positioning the project as a sustainable model<\/strong> for future developments.<\/p>\n

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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group | Photography by Tom Bonner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Bell Design Group<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We will be posting more projects by BDG <\/strong><\/span>in the upcoming weeks and months, so keep an eye out for more of their incredible work! Every Friday we will be posting a new Featured Company<\/strong>, so join us again next week!<\/span><\/p>\n

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