HED, Los Angeles: Transparent, Collaborative, Accountable.

While the firm was founded in 1908, the practice in Los Angeles dates back to 1969. The decision in 2007 to locate the LA office in the heart of downtown was an intentional and strategic move in support of the revitalisation of the urban core and the diversity of offerings in the area. 

At HED, they believe in celebrating a culture that reflects the locality while remaining true to a common set of values. “We see sustainability as one way that we can make a positive impact by supporting the triple bottom line through design,” says HED Principal, Chairman and CEO Peter Devereaux. “When we can improve the economic, social and environmental performance of our projects we define that as success.”

A benching furniture system for project teams allows for flexibility and mobility as teams grow and shrink over the course of the project. Huddle spaces for team meetings are sprinkled throughout the office as are small, enclosed hotel spaces for small private meetings. Two large kitchen areas with communal worktables located at opposite corners of the floor promote casual interaction and collaboration across project teams. Team leaders no longer sit inside private offices but instead sit with and are accountable to their project teams within the studio space. As a practice, they look for meaningful opportunities for their staff to engage in a dialogue with the fabric of the city Specifically, in Los Angeles the ‘HED LArt’ programme was developed to increase the quality of their design approach by offering staff the chance to explore different venues and engage in a broader design dialogue. Recent field trips to tour completed projects include the opening ceremony for the brand new USC Village. 

At HED, every team member has the opportunity to contribute to a collective body of work that is delivered at an exponentially greater level than what would be possible when undertaken alone. “We are in the idea fulfillment business, and bring what may have started as an individual concept into a collective achievement that embodies, defines, and enhances the built environment,” says Deveraux.