Sweet ADU Design and Build Journey
Our client dreamed of building an additional dwelling unit in Leimert Park, California for the past 25 years. She approached us to help her realize her dream when our company was nothing but a distant idea. Inspired by her trust, we took the leap of faith and founded ATELIER X DESIGN. Little did we know, she in turned helped us to realized our dream to create a new collaborative design practice in Los Angeles, California. This is the story of our shared design journey of go-giving, growth, and friendship.
Sweet ADU: Feedback Loop 101
We love bringing high-end residential design and build expertise to every dream home—no matter the size. To us, great architecture isn’t about budget or luxury materials; it’s about people and consideration. It’s about building trust, creating something meaningful, and distilling design down to what truly matters. When we get that right, we back it up with best-in-class design and service, and connect with like-minded builders who share our commitment to serving others.
Sweet ADU: Framing Review with Contractor
Sharing some cut shots from Sweet ADU - Framing 104
We love bringing high-end residential design and build expertise to every dream home—no matter the size. To us, great architecture isn’t about budget or luxury materials; it’s about people and consideration. It’s about building trust, creating something meaningful, and distilling design down to what truly matters. When we get that right, we back it up with best-in-class design and service, and connect with like-minded builders who share our commitment to serving others.
Sweet ADU: Framing Review with Owner, Architect, Contractor | Bonus Scenes
Sharing some cut shots from Sweet ADU - Framing 103.
We love bringing high-end residential design and build expertise to every dream home—no matter the size. To us, great architecture isn’t about budget or luxury materials; it’s about people and consideration. It’s about building trust, creating something meaningful, and distilling design down to what truly matters. When we get that right, we back it up with best-in-class design and service, and connect with like-minded builders who share our commitment to serving others.
Sweet ADU | Framing 103 - Owner, Architect, Contractor Meeting
Today, we feel incredibly grateful to visit Sweet ADU alongside our client Michelle to visit with Barry Paster (Archwood Builders) and Rodrigo Mota (Mota Builders) to review the build in progress. Sweet ADU is more than just a building - it’s a story of our shared trust, growth, and the spirit of go-giving. It’s a journey shaped by design, collaboration, and friendship.
Sweet ADU | Framing 102
We’re excited to share Part 2 of our wood framing series, offering an inside look at the intricate relationship between building codes, permitting, utility approvals, drainage, and the wood framing construction process. This phase is where design transitions from concept to reality, emphasizing the importance of planning and coordination. Whether you're a homeowner looking to better understand your build or an early-career architect eager to refine your approach, Sweet ADU’s construction journey provides valuable insights into the practical side of design and construction.
Sweet ADU | Framing 101
In just six weeks, the team has excavated the site, demolished the existing garage, and completed the concrete foundation. Now, we're moving into the framing stage, which will take approximately 2–3 weeks. This is an exciting milestone, as we can finally see the scale and proportions of the ADU come to life in its context. Today, we sit down with Rodrigo Mota of Archwood/Mota Builder to discuss the framing process—what goes into it, key challenges, and how it sets the stage for the next phases of construction.
Sweet ADU | Foundation 103
For the Sweet ADU project, we discuss the slab-on-grade foundation process with Howard Chu and Lukas Peter of ATELIER X DESIGN, alongside Ricardo Mota of Mota Builders. From preparation and reinforcement to pouring, grinding, and using concrete as a finished floor, we cover the key steps to achieve a durable and visually refined foundation. Tune in as we break down the logistics, techniques, and craftsmanship behind creating a seamless, high-performance base for Sweet ADU.
Sweet ADU | Foundation 102
Explore the foundation-building process for an ADU in Part 2 of our site observations. After demolishing the existing garage, the cleared space is used for sand storage and base preparation, ensuring a stable slab-on-grade foundation. Learn how aggregate layers improve compaction, rebar spacers maintain proper reinforcement, and rough plumbing is set before the concrete pour. Watch as tie wires secure the rebar mat, tarps protect the site from rain, and trenches remain intact for inspection…