At Omgivning, we uncover potential
in Spaces
in Buildings
in Communities

We are in love with the extraordinary urban fabric of our cities. As architects and interior designers, we listen carefully to what the building wants to be and we create design solutions for healthy, sustainable, and resilient communities.

Our Story

Founded in 2009, we initially focused on the revitalization of downtown Los Angeles through the adaptive reuse of existing buildings and spaces. Through the years, we have expanded our services to design for a variety of adaptive reuse and new construction projects and we continue to expand our imprint across greater Southern California and further afield. Today, our design work has touched over 500 projects, from two-million square foot historic landmarks to small, local cafes. From the design of boutique hotels, multifamily housing, workplaces, to retail, dining, and theaters, our projects are welcoming environments that become essential parts of their communities.

Our team of architects and interior designers share our belief in the power of design to positively transform. The varied backgrounds of our individual team members are celebrated, embraced, and acknowledged for their capacity to contribute based on their unique talents and skills.

Services

We tailor our services to match the needs of our clients and the projects. Here is a list of our services.

  • Architecture + Interiors
  • Due Diligence
  • Programming
  • Feasibility Analysis
  • Code Analysis
  • Space Planning
  • Concept Design
  • Schematic Design
  • Design Development
  • Construction Documents
  • Bidding & Negotiation
  • Permitting
  • Construction Administration
  • Specifications
  • Lighting Design
  • Furniture Design
  • FF&E Specifications
  • Furniture Procurement
  • Adaptive Reuse Consulting
  • Building Acquisition Analysis
  • Building Repositioning Analysis
  • Building Code Reform
  • Historic Building Architectural Analysis
  • Sustainability Leadership

Our commitment to sustainability is organized by our core values. We view all our efforts as interdependent and believe it is important to take a holistic approach when setting sustainable goals and targets for our work. Our framework streamlines efforts in order to research, analyze and provide vital sustainable information to our clients and collaborators.

Design Philosophy

Unifying all of our work is our design approach. We believe in working from the inside out, seamlessly blending architecture and interior design, connecting at every scale from the macro to the micro.

As urbanists, we see our projects as points in a larger network of social and cultural activity extending from the street, the block, and the neighborhood. Drawing on our extensive connections and collaborations, we work to amplify local and sometimes forgotten histories, facilitate neighborhood growth, and advocate for policy reform at the municipal level.

As humanists, we celebrate the details that give meaning to our lives. Texture, form, color, light, and historic fabric become cues for inspiration and engagement. Our design work focuses on uniting us to a space and to our neighbors.

Our Team

Karin Liljegren, FAIA

Founder + Principal

Ai Yamaguchi

Albert Escobar

Chris Cortez

Ernie

Haley Davis

Javiera Sequeira

Eclipse Viewing

Joel Chappo

Managing Director

Jonathan Giffin

Lauren Sanchez

Luffi

Mariam Aslanyan

Accountant

Meiyee Chappo

Operations Manager

Morgan Sykes Jaybush

Director of Hospitality Projects

Richard Kassab

Staff Party at OM Home

Sam Prado

Sergio Cuculiza

Shannon Marks

Taylor Carlin

Yukie Takeshi

Careers

People join Omgivning because they love merging the new and the old. It’s a truly collaborative office where everyone makes a difference. Even the dogs! Watch this space to learn when we’re hiring (and sign up for our newsletter newsletter below to learn more).


Omgivning is a SoCalNOMA DEI Challenge Ally, seeking to advance and support the education and careers of those who have been historically under-represented in the field of architecture and various allied design professions.

Senior Interior Designer/Senior Interior Architect III Read more