In Culver City, where lot sizes are tight and space is at a premium, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) offer a smart solution for homeowners. Our clients, a family of four plus two dogs, came to LETTER FOUR with a clear challenge: they needed more space, but also didn’t want to relocate during construction.

The existing property featured a single-family home with a detached garage, and through thoughtful site planning during the Conceptual Design phase of our signature design-build process, we developed a strategic two-phase approach: first, build the ADU, then renovate the Main House.

With Phase One, we expanded the existing garage to the maximum allowable 1,200 square feet, designing a comfortable two-bedroom, two-bathroom ADU. This flexible space not only meets long-term needs for guests and visiting family, but also allows the entire household to remain on-site during the renovation of the main residence.

The overall design is rooted in a clean, modern-Scandinavian aesthetic. For the exterior, we incorporated floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive door system that opens directly to the backyard, creating a strong indoor-outdoor connection to the pool, shared yard, and Main House.

The interior was driven by functionality without sacrificing style. We collaborated closely with our clients to maximize every square foot—integrating smart storage solutions and maintaining a sense of unification throughout. The main living spaces remain calm and airy with clean lines and minimal clutter, while the bathrooms offer a playful contrast with more graphic, colored, and textured finishes.

Now that Phase One is complete, we’re thrilled with the result—and even more excited to begin Phase Two: the full renovation of the Main House. Once both are finished, the entire property will be tied together with curated hardscape and landscape design, creating a cohesive, welcoming family home.

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