Otis College of Art & Design President's Suite Renovation

Phase 1 of the Ahmanson Building renovations consolidates senior administration, Institutional Advancement, the Provost’s office, Career Placement, Financial Aid, and Student Services into a single 15,500 sf floor—creating a seamless one-stop experience for students, staff, and visitors.

Recognized as a city landmark and prime example of Modernist commercial architecture, the building retains its character-defining features, including a distinctive precast concrete façade with a staggered punched window pattern evoking the IBM 029 punch card.

Inside, EYRC developed a material palette of natural materials, rich textures, and deliberate pops of color to define entry points, gathering spaces, and quiet retreats—complementing the building’s inherent brutalist aesthetic of concrete, steel, and glass. A cost-conscious yet impactful approach prioritizes transparency, flexibility, and timelessness, with color, pattern, and light working together to reflect the College’s identity as an art and design institution.