Soft-Geometry Founders Craft a Multifunctional Loft in Los Angeles
Utharaa Zacharias and Palaash Chaudhary, the creative minds behind the lighting and furniture design studio Soft-Geometry, have consistently infused their work with elements of playfulness, a deliberate sense of unhurriedness, and an appreciation for life's everyday customs. Their creations, including furniture and various household items, lean towards a calm and artisanal aesthetic, eschewing sharp edges and overly polished finishes. This design philosophy created a delightful paradox when they discovered their new home: a stark, concrete-clad apartment, seemingly at odds with their inherent style.
This dichotomy was further pronounced by the building's rich past. Constructed in 1961 by the renowned architect William Pereira, The Elysian initially served as the headquarters for the Metropolitan Water District of Los Angeles. Designed with an emphasis on durability, featuring towering 12-foot ceilings and a robust steel-and-concrete framework engineered to surpass the city's seismic regulations, the structure lay vacant for nearly two decades before its transformation into residential lofts in 2014.
Upon settling into their new residence, every aspect of the space—its vastness, the quality of light, the industrial rooftop views, and the dividing wall between the work and living areas—came together with striking immediacy. Chaudhary remarked on this wall, noting its inherent role as a 'natural divider between order and creative chaos.' The couple reimagined the floor plan to better suit their needs, converting what was originally a bedroom into a dedicated workspace and repurposing the former home office as their primary sleeping quarters. Chaudhary succinctly described their bedroom arrangement: 'We essentially sleep in a snug alcove.'
The living area is a dynamic and adaptable zone, serving less as a conventional social space and more as an exhibition for their diverse collection of objects. Currently, it proudly displays pieces from their latest lines, including the Long-Haired Sconces and Flower Sconces, launched during their New York collection, 'Flowers in Our Hair.' Beyond these recent additions, the room features items representing almost every phase of Soft-Geometry's artistic journey, such as various tables, lamps, chairs, and mirrors.
The workspace centers around a vintage workbench, anchoring the room. One wall is dedicated to their digital setup, housing a screen, computer, and pin-up boards adorned with design notes and inspirational imagery. On an opposing wall, vibrant red Componibili storage units, designed by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, neatly organize color samples, fabric swatches, and a myriad of other small items that defy easy categorization. This room also functions as a versatile area for leisure and work, ideal for reading, spreading out sketches, or arranging photo prints for editing. Adjacent to this creative hub is the kitchen, characterized by its sleek steel and white palette. Its impressive 12-foot ceiling provides ample vertical space above the cabinetry, which is thoughtfully decorated with their cherished artworks, plants, and books. The island, a vintage Neolt Architetto drafting table, serves a dual purpose for dining and collaborative work.
The sleeping area, though compact, possesses an endearing quality. Zacharias finds deep satisfaction in its coziness, likening it to a small berth or a room encapsulated within another. It is adorned simply with their inaugural Flower Sconce, their beloved giant elephant ear plant named Haathi, and, on a nearby pillar, a single wedding photograph alongside an alarm clock.
As the couple anticipates the arrival of their first child, they look forward to witnessing how their home will further evolve, embracing the softness of tiny footsteps and the delightful unpredictability that comes with a growing family. Throughout these changes, one element remains constant and cherished: the ever-present light. Zacharias beautifully describes this daily spectacle: 'Sunrise paints the room in a direct, golden hue—a truly wonderful awakening. Sunset, in turn, reflects off the bronze glass of a downtown skyscraper, returning to us as a warm, diffused glow, allowing us to experience it twice, each time with a distinct mood.'
The LA loft of Soft-Geometry founders Utharaa Zacharias and Palaash Chaudhary exemplifies a thoughtful integration of personal and professional life within a compact, architecturally significant space. Their design choices reflect a commitment to slow, handcrafted aesthetics, transforming a stark concrete shell into a warm, adaptable environment. This home, filled with their own creations and curated finds, acts as both a functional residence and a dynamic showroom, celebrating humor, serenity, and the evolving rhythms of their lives as designers and soon-to-be parents.