For nearly a decade, the design-driven firm has been rooted in a culture of family and a collaborative philosophy working on projects across various scales and scopes. Their designs are grounded in a rigorous dialogue informed by a deep understanding of their clients’ needs and visions. AAHA Studio is a solution-driven practice, utilizing industry technology, knowledge and an inquisitive nature to deliver seamless project management and high-quality final results. See how Harper and Aaron bring an idea to life in today’s Designer Friday.
Anchored by bold, offset volumes and a palette of walnut, concrete and shou sugi ban, this Santa Monica home opens wide to the outdoors, blurring the line between courtyard and kitchen.
Andrew Joseph: Can you describe a project that you’re particularly proud of?
Harper Halprin and Aaron Leshtz: We love projects that let us dive into all the moving parts — it’s so satisfying when we can tackle the architecture, interiors and even the furniture! It creates this seamless, cohesive aesthetic that makes the whole project shine. One of our early full-on house projects, the Pickford Residence in Culver City, was originally planned as a renovation. But after some brainstorming, it transformed into a brand-new build. The clients were amazing — they embraced the design journey and were open to infusing their home with a playful, personal touch. That energy made the experience a total joy for us! We ended up designing a home that was flexible and perfect for their growing family, which was so special since our own family was expanding at the same time. Working so closely with open-minded, adventurous clients makes the whole process not just rewarding but genuinely fun!
AJ: What is your favorite design trend from the past?
HH: As any good LA native should be, we’ve been heavily influenced by the case study houses scattered around the city. One thing I love about that era and style of interiors is that there was very little use of a plain, painted wall. Initially conceived as a way to unitize a lot of the projects, there is a generous use of paneling and alternative wall materials that create a rich and inviting aesthetic. The exterior brick or stone often wraps in from the exterior, complimenting interior wood paneling. It’s so easy to default to a painted drywall surface these days, that it’s refreshing to look into the past and be reminded of a much more interesting way to think of vertical surfaces.
With bold angles, ipe wood cladding, split-face stone and rooftop greenery spilling toward the street, the Pickford residence balances contemporary edge with natural softness while framing a layered and welcoming façade that sets the tone before you even step inside.
AJ: How do you approach designing for a client with a specific style in mind?
HH: If you look at our work, you’ll see that, style-wise, it’s fairly eclectic. Our goal has always been to let the client lead with what they’re looking for and what they like and then to find ways to imbue our design philosophies and ideas into those styles. Oftentimes, a client will tell us they like a specific style and then they’ll send us their inspiration, or their Pinterest board, and it’s all over the map. So, it’s our job to try and find the essence of what they actually want and work forward from there – no matter the style.
AJ: What is your favorite design tool to use?
AL: The easy answer is a pencil – as I always think best with one in my hand—even if I’m working at the computer. But lately, I find the iPad to be so useful as a general design companion. I use it for redlining, sketching details, marking up shop drawings, etc. It’s also the perfect site visit tool as I can take a quick photo of a condition we’re looking at and start drawing over it looking for solutions. It saves a ton of time and communicates my thoughts immediately to the contractor or clients.
The trick is to not get too bogged down by the “technology” of it all and use simple tools. I’m a big fan of the Notability and BimX apps.
The architecture here was carefully composed to draw the eye outward, with every line, opening and material choice designed to frame and celebrate the view beyond.
AJ: What is your favorite design-related quote?
HH: “You say to brick, ‘What do you want, brick?’ Brick says to you, ‘I like an arch.’ If you say to brick, ‘Arches are expensive and I can use a concrete lintel over an opening. What do you think of that, brick?’ Brick says: ‘I like an arch.’” —Louis Kahn
I think we first heard this quote by Louis Kahn in our first or second semester of architecture school and it always stuck with us. It’s a wonderful reminder that the easiest way to do something is not always the best way and that everything has a purpose in a way. It’s also amusing to imagine the brick having a smug, self-assured attitude when it says “I like an arch.” That always made me laugh.
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