LOS FELIZ OVERLOOK
2024

There's too much to say about this project, but the bare essence of it's existence wouldn't be possible without the infinite trust and collaboration between an ambitious designer and a couple of crazy Swedes who really just want to live the Hollywood life. Not the Industry life, but more-so the ability to inhabit a piece of land where the interior and exterior are interconnected. Where swimming all year is acceptable and where their kids can grow without being in the confines of 4 walls. Maybe a few Madmen parties as well.. but that's a narrative for another day. 

From our first consult until the last gutter was installed, our kids nearly completed two school grades. I've never redesigned a project so many times. Not because of indecisive clients or poor design, but because of the constraints presented by trying to fit every single imaginable amenity inside a tiny site with no access, wedged between a 15 foot stone cliff, the Los Angeles Building Department and a stiff budget. Ultimately, it worked out. 

Initially, we had this project quoted by a number of general contractors but bids were coming in close to $500K. Insane. I had poured 4 months into the design and knew there was absolutely no reason we couldn't make something work for $300K. I brought in a handful of talented craftsmen I knew, swapped the pool for a pre-fab shipping container spa, and had general laborers handle the majority of the basic earth work. I even pitched in an handled most of the carpentry & steelwork. We ended up with a beautiful space, on budget, and I was able to accomplish a few 'firsts'. First green wall, green roof and pool house.  We're all very happy its over, very proud of what we created and came out good friends!


Location: Beachwood Canyon, CA
Budget: $325,000      Construction Timeline: 9 months
Designer: Aaron Hinish
Contractor: Castellon Landscape |  Ochoa Pools 
Aaron Hinish  |  Natee Fagtongpun