Vertebrae redefines craft through computation, engineering, and artistic skill. We prefer to face complexity head-on, finding meaning in systems at all scales. Our approach utilizes machines—digital and analog tools—to manifest universal architectural principles: harmony, rhythm, asymmetry, and balance.

Founded by Lisa Little in 2012, Vertebrae is a Los Angeles-based practice versed in the history of Southern California’s rich technological and spatial experimentations. Vertebrae follows in the trajectory of the Light and Space art movement of the 1960s by using emergent materials and cutting-edge fabrication techniques to design environments that offer a dynamic play of light, volume, and scale. From objects to occupiable space, we work to engage ambient phenomena through built form.

We consistently strive for design excellence by harnessing a deep belief in small spaces' catalytic potential and sustainability. This thorough understanding of space often allows us to do more with less.

Our projects range from sculpture and large-scale public installations to residential and commercial commissions. Our work has won numerous awards and has been widely published and exhibited, appearing in the LA Times, The Wall Street Journal, Interior Design Magazine, The California Design Biennial, and numerous museums, galleries, and books.

2021
Elodie Games
Tenant Improvement, 2100 sf Budget $210,000
Venice, CA [in progress]

2020
Oak St Studio
550 sf Budget $210,000
Santa Monica, CA [in progress]

Roy - Music Studio, 545 sf
Budget $450,000
Los Angeles, CA [in progress]

Blue Ruby
Hospitality, 3,600 sf
Budget $1,250,000
Browns Valley, CA [in progress]

2019
Rose Hotel
Hospitality Renovation, 12,100 sf Budget $2,400,000
Venice, CA [in progress]

Watershed Nature Retreat Hospitality, 4,500 sf Budget $1,125,000
[in progress]

2018
Roosevelt
Tenant Improvement, 615 sf Budget $92,000
Los Angeles, CA

Grand Motel
Hospitality Renovation, 5,925 sf Budget $1,500,000
Los Angeles, CA

Aroma Cafe
Tenant Improvement, 3500 sf Budget $265,000
Los Angeles, CA

Intersectionality
Small Scale Structure, 10’x15’x10’ Budget $3,000
Los Angeles, CA

2017
MircoMeld
Small Scale Structure, 10’ x 12’ x 15’ Budget $10,000
USC, Los Angeles, CA

Santa Clara
Multi-Family Remodel, 4,800 sf Budget $840,000
Venice, CA

Psyop
Tenant Improvement, 11,000 sf Budget $750,000
Venice, CA

Shaded Pool
Public Art Structure, 500 sf Budget $25,000 Undisclosed [unbuilt]

2016
Troll Blue Swell Bar Commercial, 240 sf Budget $220,000 
Venice, CA

Make in LA
Tenant Improvement, 20,000 sf Budget $1,500,000 
Chatsworth, CA

Hexlab
Tenant Improvement, 13,000 sf Budget $650,000
Chatsworth, CA

Cabrillo
Multi-Family Remodel, 5208 sf Budget $260,000
Venice, CA

Music Studio Addition, 600 sf Budget $481,000
Venice, CA

2015
Rumple Zone
Small Scale Structure, 30’ x 12’ x 16’ Budget $1,500
USC, Los Angeles, CA

Historic Breakers Hotel
Multi-Family Adaptive Reuse, 90,800 sf Budget $12,600,000
Long Beach, CA [unbuilt]

2014
Spilo Worldwide
Tenant Improvement, 8,600 sf Budget $430,000
Vernon, CA

2013
Kuwait City Villas Interior design, 1,060 sf Abu Fatira, Kuwait

2012
A Loose Horizon
Small Scale Structure, 30’ x 12’ x 15’ Budget $45,000
Pasadena, CA

Ontario Avenue
Tenant Improvement, 11,000 sf Budget $560,000
Burbank, CA

2011
Three Horned Beast (+ Baby Beast) Small Scale Structure, 15’ x 15’ x 26’ Budget $85,000
San Diego, CA

Cloud Canopy
Small Scale Structure, 144’ x 35’ x 10’ Budget $125,000
Los Angeles, CA

2010
Technicolor Research Facility Commercial Interior, 6,000 sf Budget $230,000
Palo Alto, CA

Art Los Angeles Contemporary Event Design
Budget $17,000
Los Angeles, CA

Squid Capsule
Small Scale Structure, 40’ x 30’ x 18’ Budget $20,000
Silverlake, CA

Fat Fringe
Small Scale Structure, 150’ x 40’ x 10’ Budget $3000
Silverlake, CA

2009
Asylum Visual Effects
Post Production Facility, 13,000 sf Santa Monica, CA [unbuilt]