THE POWER
OF DESIGN
by Claudia Endler
Like many of the spaces in Downtown Los Angeles they have been repurposed for modern life . The Claudia Endler Designs studio / Cero Space gallery at the Brewery Arts Complex occupies part of the 1904 Edison Electric Company No . 3 Plant which originally was the largest of Edison ’ s steam plants at that time . This brick-and-reinforced concrete building was designed by John Parkinson , who also designed other historical buildings in Los Angeles among them the Los Angeles Athletic Club . The building was later absorbed into the property of the Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery . The building is now part of the Brewery Arts Complex which was bought and converted into artist studios in the 1980 ’ s .
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Telemachus Studio architects designed part of this historical power plant in its earlier renovation as the Brewery Project art gallery . For the second act , Telemachus Studio recently transformed the gallery experience even further incorporating a live-work , studio while still functioning as a gallery for Claudia Endler Designs / Cero Space , its current occupants .
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Resolving the existing construction issues , Telemachus made the space both viably unique and awe inspiring . “ We view our interests as problem solving complex situations , finding the essence within , and organizing inspirational spaces for the people who will use them ,” says Carl Smith AIA of Telemachus Studio . Consistent throughout their work is the use of natural light , dramatic yet elusive space , materials that are expressive and consistent with their
function . The floating walls and materials that seemingly do not touch purposefully allow light to transfer from one space to another connecting to a larger experience . They integrated the old exposed concrete and brick , existing “ I ” beams from the past century , in contrast with the new elegant lines with suspended soffit , the effect being nothing short of sculptural .
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The Telemachus aesthetic is much in line with the modern jewelry of Claudia Endler Designs , the boutique jewelry design studio specializing in architectural commitment and custom jewelry , making it a powerfully harmonious marriage by design . “ I am fascinated by contrasting elements , round with linear , old with new , male and female , raw with finished . Elegance is in balance of proportion , eliminating the nonessential and timelessness . We are both committed to creating a memorable and powerful experience ,” says Claudia Endler whose work is collected by some of Los Angeles ’ top cultural leaders .
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Claudia Endler Designs www . claudiaendler . com
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Telemachus Studio www . telemachus . com
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Cero Space www . cerospace . com
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Brewery Arts Complex www . breweryartwalk . com
Sometimes design is so sculptural and powerful it could be considered art . What do you think ?