BRIDGING THE GAP

Best known for bringing L.A.’s Bridge House to life, architect Dan Brunn is applying his pared-down, graphic aesthetic to a slew of exciting new projects.

Having grown up surrounded by Tel Aviv’s Bauhaus buildings, architect Dan Brunn began soaking up interesting architecture from a young age. “Moving to L.A., I was struck by the opposition,” he explains. “All of a sudden we were in a dark, dingy home with small windows and compartmentalized rooms. I think this hit home, and made me question domestic architecture.” That—along with a pivotal visit to the Guggenheim as a child and even playing with Legos—influenced his decision to become an architect. “I didn’t follow the directions, and would create fanciful worlds, akin to what you’d see in Blade Runner,” he says of his Lego creations. Now, after gaining acclaim for his brook-straddling minimalist marvel Bridge House in L.A., Brunn is busy with various projects set to debut in 2022 and beyond, including new restaurants in L.A., homes across SoCal, a mini-hotel at SingleThread Farm in Sonoma—“imagine Amangiri on a farm,” Brunn says—a sustainable seat for Recaro, and a customized Omega watch and box. “I attribute my success to the embrace I received working here by my clients,” says Brunn. “The city is truly young, and as an architect, I feel empowered and greatly responsible to shape its future.” Here, Brunn shares the beautifully designed products and places inspiring him right now. danbrunn.com

Portrait by Michael Allen