Sweet ADU | Framing 103 - Owner, Architect, Contractor Meeting

ConstructionWood FramingSweet ADU
Written By Howard Chu

Sweet ADU: Framing Review with Owner, Architect, Contractor

Our client dreamed of building an additional dwelling unit in Leimert Park, Los Angeles 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 in 2023.

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.

Howard Chu

Howard Chu grew up in Texas, where his appreciation for design and craftsmanship began. After studying architecture at the University of Houston and earning his Master of Architecture from Columbia University in 1994, he moved to New York City to pursue his vision of creating poetic and meaningful spaces.

Howard’s passion for creating timeless, meaningful designs has shaped some of the most extraordinary projects for discerning clients worldwide. His career includes a decade as Director of Design at Masastudio and collaborations with Rick Joy, Thierry Despont, Kelly Wearstler, James Polshek, West Chin, and Stephan Jaklitsch, honing his ability to create designs that reflect clarity, material richness, and cultural resonance.

In 2023, Howard founded ATELIER X DESIGN with Lukas Peter to transform the design experience—guided by the principles of nature, culture, and joy—and build a studio from the ground up. Working with Aesop and private residential clients, the studio combines simplicity, materiality, and a sense of place to create enduring designs. At ATELIER X DESIGN, Howard continues to craft spaces where natural elements, cultural narratives, and joyful experiences converge to inspire and elevate.

Originally from Taiwan, Howard moved to Texas before pursuing architecture at the University of Houston and earning his Master of Architecture from Columbia University in 1994. In 2012, he reconnected with his college sweetheart, and soon after, they married and settled in Montrose/La Crescenta. Embracing a lifestyle rooted in nature and balance, Howard finds inspiration in the quiet beauty of his surroundings, allowing his work to reflect a deeper connection between design, environment, and the human experience.

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