London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Thursday, Jul 10, 2025

An Award-Winning Architect’s Sun-Filled Home in L.A.

An Award-Winning Architect’s Sun-Filled Home in L.A.

The founder of Studio Nova A Architects redesigned the 1941 bungalow into a bright oasis for his family.

Acclaimed architect Stuart Magruder and his partner, Emily, are looking to part ways with their eye-catching Los Angeles home. After acquiring the dwelling in 2003, the founder and principal of Studio Nova A Architects revamped the space into a four-bedroom retreat for his growing family.



The home’s elevated position and verdant front garden create a sense of seclusion for residents.

The 1941 California bungalow is perched 14 feet above the sidewalk and nestled behind mature trees in the tiered front yard. To maximize the views from the residence, the architect added a second level to the structure, which gently rests on the dwelling’s original frame. "The design of the house sprang from the site," the architect says. "Now, the home appears as two rectangles that share one side."



An entryway leads to the family room, which boasts large bay windows and period details.

The first level houses the primary gathering areas, including the chef’s kitchen and cozy family room, both of which provide direct access to the home’s private outdoor area. "The renovation brought the backyard into the house," Emily explains. "Through the door in the den, you can see the many fruit and avocado trees, which pop against the blue sky." In addition to the living areas, the first floor also features a bedroom and a bathroom that were original to the home.



Curved archways connect the various living spaces, allowing natural light to pass through.



Original molding lines the dining room and enriches the space with original character.

A minimalist staircase leads to the home’s second floor addition, which presents three bedrooms and two baths. The primary suite offers a walk-in closet, en suite bathroom, and sweeping views of the city skyline. From the connected terrace, it’s also possible to see Palos Verdes and Catalina Island in the distance.



The remodeled kitchen includes two sinks, a large eat-in island, and custom cabinetry.

"The light and views upstairs create a sense of expansiveness," Emily says. "From the bedroom, on clear nights, you can see the moon rise in the east and set in the west before morning."



A sculptural staircase connects the home’s two volumes.

The backyardขwhich the architect notes as one of his favorite aspects of the home—offers a thriving rose garden, as well as a dining area, custom play structure, and office (with plans available for ADU expansion). "There is plenty of space for two rambunctious kids to play," Stuart jokingly adds. Scroll ahead to see more of the 2,127-square-foot renovated bungalow, which is currently listed for $1,299,000.



The upper level features 100 linear feet of built-in bookshelves.



Open shelving continues into the bedrooms, offering plenty of space for residents to display collected memorabilia. Hardwood floors can also be found throughout the two-level home.



The renovated bungalow includes three bathrooms-two of which are located upstairs. Both bathrooms on the second level feature marble countertops, as well as a custom tile layout.



The primary suite includes a private terrace, as well as east-, south-, and west-facing windows.



The first-level bathroom is dressed in original tile, which adds a playful burst of color.



The view from the backyard showcases the home’s contemporary second-story addition.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Severe Heatwave Claims 2,300 Lives Across Europe
NVIDIA Achieves Historic Milestone as First Company Valued at $4 Trillion
Declining Beer Consumption Signals Cultural Shift in Germany
Linda Yaccarino Steps Down as CEO of X After Two Years
US Imposes New Tariffs on Brazilian Exports Amid Political Tensions
Azerbaijan and Armenia are on the brink of a historic peace deal.
Emails Leaked: How Passenger Luggage Became a Side Income for Airport Workers
Polish MEP: “Dear Leftists - China is laughing at you, Russia is laughing, India is laughing”
BRICS Expands Membership with Indonesia and Ten New Partner Countries
Weinstein Victim’s Lawyer Says MeToo Movement Still Strong
U.S. Enacts Sweeping Tax and Spending Legislation Amid Trade Policy Shifts
Football Mourns as Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Laid to Rest in Portugal
Labour Expected to Withdraw Support for Special Needs Funding Model
Leaked Audio Reveals Tory Aide Defending DEI Record
Elon Musk Founds a Party Following a Poll on X: "You Wanted It – You Got It!"
London Stock Exchange Faces Historic Low in Initial Public Offerings
A new online platform has emerged in the United Kingdom, specifically targeting Muslim men seeking virgin brides
Trump Celebrates Independence Day with B-2 Flyover and Signs Controversial Legislation
Boris Johnson Urges Conservatives to Ignore Farage
SNP Ordered to Update Single-Sex Space Guidance Within Days
Starmer Set to Reject Calls for Wealth Taxes
Stolen Century-Old Rolls-Royce Recovered After Hotel Theft
Macron Presses Starmer to Recognise Palestinian State
Labour Delayed Palestine Action Ban Over Riot Concerns
Swinney’s Tax Comments ‘Offensive to Scots’, Say Tories
High Street Retailers to Enforce Bans on Serial Shoplifters
Music Banned by Henry VIII to Be Performed After 500 Years
Steve Coogan Says Working Class Is Being ‘Ethnically Cleansed’
Home Office Admits Uncertainty Over Visa Overstayer Numbers
JD Vance Questions Mandelson Over Reform Party’s Rising Popularity
Macron to Receive Windsor Carriage Ride in Royal Gesture
Labour Accused of ‘Hammering’ Scots During First Year in Power
BBC Head of Music Stood Down Amid Bob Vylan Controversy
Corbyn Eyes Hard-Left Challenge to Starmer’s Leadership
London Tube Trains Suspended After Major Fire Erupts Nearby
Richard Kemp: I Felt Safer in Israel Under Attack Than in the UK
Cyclist Says Police Cited Human Rights Act for Riding No-Handed
China’s Central Bank Consults European Peers on Low-Rate Strategies
AI Raises Alarms Over Long-Term Job Security
Saudi Arabia Maintains Ties with Iran Despite Israel Conflict
Musk Battles to Protect Tesla Amid Trump Policy Threats
Air France-KLM Acquires Majority Stake in Scandinavian Airlines
UK Educators Sound Alarm on Declining Child Literacy
Shein Fined €40 Million in France Over Misleading Discounts
Brazil’s Lula Visits Kirchner During Argentina House Arrest
Trump Scores Legislative Win as House Passes Tax Reform Bill
Keir Starmer Faces Criticism After Rocky First Year in Power
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
×