Brady Street Shelter

Working with LA County’s CEO and Capital Programs offices, an unused classroom wing of a neighborhood Church was transformed into a bright, welcoming and efficient emergency housing facility under the LA County Emergency Housing Ordinance.

With a tight budget, the design team reconfigured small classrooms into dorm rooms for 4 to 8 residents. Each room is arranged in a series of “pods” for varying levels of privacy using existing elements and new storage components. Each room is naturally lit and incorporates egress windows, in-room laundry facilities, and space for shared desks.

Support services were integrated into the existing spaces, including a warming kitchen, dining area, lounge, computer room, case management offices, reception, and meeting areas.

A color palette inspired by the nonprofit’s branding defines different spaces, different tones within each space create more intimate and program-specific zones. New toilet and shower facilities were added, combining existing and new fixtures in a cohesive blue tile design. HVAC, plumbing, and fire life-safety systems were all upgraded.