Husband and wife duo Amanda Gunawan and Joel Wong founded OWIU Design in 2018 with a vision to embrace cultural influences while tackling design-forward projects that address the real estate needs of the region.
Both originally from Singapore, Gunawan and Wong find power in implementing Asian design aesthetics as well as reimagined takes on density.
Since opening, the downtown-based firm has received over 90 bookings and completed more than 20 projects including Little Tokyo Towers, an assisted living facility for seniors; Baroo, a Korean restaurant in downtown; smashburger restaurant For the Win’s Hollywood Hills location; and numerous single-family homes.
OWIU works across residential, commercial, hospitality, retail and more. It also has its own construction arm, Inflexion Builds.
In a conversation with the Business Journal, Gunawan and Wong discussed OWIU’s place in the L.A. market, their commitment to sustainability in design, the firm’s current momentum and future plans.
Tell me the story behind the name OWIU.
Gunawan: When we founded OWIU, we wanted a name that felt uplifting, progressive and rooted in the idea of evolution. The name OWIU stands for “Only Way Is Up,” and over time it has become both the motto of the firm and the philosophy that guides our work. The phrase reflects our belief that architecture is a process of constant refinement. Each project is treated as an opportunity to learn from the past, challenge conventions and push ideas forward.
For OWIU, architecture is not only about creating beautiful buildings, but about designing spaces that elevate daily rituals, inspire communities and generate a sense of momentum in people’s lives.
Why is diversity important in the design, architecture and real estate space?
Wong: Diversity is essential because architecture impacts everyone. The built environment should reflect the needs and values of society as a whole, and that requires teams (that are) representative of different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives.
In Los Angeles – one of the most diverse cities in the world – diversity is not optional; it is fundamental. The clients and communities OWIU designs for come from vastly different backgrounds. Without a diverse team, there is the risk of creating buildings that feel imposed rather than embraced.
Diversity also challenges design bias. A designer raised in a dense Asian city will naturally think about spatial efficiency in ways that differ from someone raised in a suburban environment. By bringing those perspectives together, OWIU produces solutions that are more flexible, adaptable and relevant to the people who use them.
In addition to representation and opportunity in an economic and equity sense, how does leaning into culture create value and unique aesthetics in projects?
Gunawan: OWIU’s design language is deeply informed by Joel’s and my cultural backgrounds. Joel, who is Singaporean Chinese, grew up in a city where heritage shophouses stood beside futuristic skyscrapers. That juxtaposition between tradition and modernity shaped OWIU’s instinct to harmonize contrasts in its work: serenity and vibrancy, lightness and weight, natural textures and contemporary form.
This approach is reflected in our Silver Lake quadruplex renovation (at 2333 Duane St.), originally designed by mid-century architect Carl Maston. Rather than restoring the property in a strictly preservationist way, OWIU expanded its architectural language with a wellness wing inspired by Japanese ryokans. Douglas fir and glass were used to create a meditative retreat within a dense Los Angeles neighborhood. The result was both authentic to the city’s mid-century heritage and enriched with cultural influences from abroad…
By drawing on authentic cultural narratives rather than chasing trends, OWIU creates projects that feel distinct, personal and universally relevant.
How does operating your own construction arm, Inflexion Builds, benefit OWIU’s business model?
Wong: We created Inflexion Builds in response to the challenge of finding contractors who could execute with precision, transparency and respect for design intent. Too often, projects saw ideas diluted during construction.
Unlike many design-build firms, which are construction-led, OWIU is design-led. Inflexion Builds safeguards the studio’s design quality and ensures execution meets the same high standard. The result is a process that is more transparent, reliable and efficient for clients.
The integration also opens opportunities for innovation. OWIU is able to prototype new joinery methods and material treatments directly with its construction team. This rare structure gives the firm a unique advantage in both experimentation and delivery.
At a time when we are facing a climate crisis, how is OWIU incorporating sustainability practices into its design work?
Wong: OWIU approaches sustainability through the lens of longevity. We believe the most sustainable building is one that stands the test of time, is well maintained, and does not need to be replaced. As such, (we select) materials that age gracefully and spaces that remain relevant for decades…
In residential projects, OWIU studies orientation, integrates deep overhangs to minimize heat gain and incorporates cross-ventilation for natural cooling. Natural daylighting is also emphasized to reduce energy loads.
At Little Tokyo Towers, a senior housing project, OWIU specified low-VOC finishes to improve indoor air quality and designed layouts that maximize daylight penetration. These strategies reduced energy demand while also supporting the mental health of residents.
Inflexion Builds plays an equally important role in sustainability. By directly managing material sourcing and execution, OWIU reduces waste, increases cost transparency and ensures sustainable practices are carried through from design into construction.
Tell me more about OWIU’s work for Little Tokyo Towers. What’s the significance of valuing design and aesthetics in the assisted living space?
Wong: At Little Tokyo Towers, (which serves) a primarily Japanese American senior community, we created light-filled communal areas, warm natural finishes and subtle references to Japanese architectural traditions. These choices honored cultural heritage while uplifting the daily experiences of residents.
The project was especially meaningful for the firm as it underscored the belief that design is not a luxury but a form of dignity. (We wanted to) ensure that residents could spend the later years of their lives in an environment that was positive, uplifting and beautiful.
Your services span a number of sectors. What sector(s) does OWIU work most in and what’s an area you hope to get more involved in?
Gunawan: We’re anchored by two primary foundations: residential and hospitality design. On the residential side, the firm has completed numerous single-family home renovations… OWIU has also developed expertise in mid-century modern renovations, as seen in our restoration of the Glass Ridge House, originally designed by Ray Kappe.
On the hospitality and retail side, we’ve delivered some of Los Angeles’ most notable projects, including Baroo … and Veja’s Abbott Kinney store, where storytelling and brand identity guided every design decision. (We have also gotten involved in) the rebuilding process … with ongoing projects in Pacific Palisades and Altadena to design and reconstruct homes that were destroyed.
Looking forward, we’d like to expand further into multifamily housing and public projects. Los Angeles urgently needs housing that balances density with livability. Too often, new developments prioritize unit count over community. At OWIU, we believe our integrated design-build model can deliver scalable solutions that are efficient, sustainable and deeply human. We’re also interested in civic spaces – libraries, museums and cultural centers.
Having completed more than 20 projects in the last six years, what is OWIU’s strategy for winning over clients and managing demand?
Gunawan: OWIU has grown primarily through community and word of mouth. Many clients have discovered the firm through social media, local networks or by experiencing completed projects firsthand. The studio’s approach is intentionally personal. We describe our process as “design therapy,” a method rooted in conversation and empathy, where the team learns how clients live, what inspires them and how design can bring their vision to life.
Clarity is another key aspect of our approach. (We show) strong visualizations early in the design process, allowing clients to experience the atmosphere of their future project before construction begins. This creates trust and alignment from the start.
Managing demand (stems from) OWIU’s integrated model. The design studio leads the creative process, while Inflexion Builds ensures execution. This structure allows OWIU to maintain design integrity, control schedules and deliver consistent quality even while handling multiple projects at once.
Where do you see OWIU’s future?
Gunawan: We see the future as expansion not just in scale but in scope. The firm aims to broaden the definition of design by building a holistic ecosystem that encompasses architecture, construction, product design, hospitality and community development.
The launch of OWIU Goods, a homeware line, already extends the studio’s design ethos beyond buildings. By producing handcrafted pieces, OWIU allows a wider audience to engage with its design philosophy in daily life.
Looking ahead, we also hope to play a major role in shaping how Los Angeles densifies. With cities facing challenges of climate change, housing shortages and migration, OWIU sees the opportunity to model a new type of integrated, sustainable and culturally sensitive practice.
