--- title: "Vertebrae Art and Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/vertebrae-art-and-architecture-pfvwus-pf~184706810 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~184706810.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Vertebrae Art and Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/29832bf402f54c7f_9515-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "725 South Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, California 90014, United States" latitude: 34.0443 longitude: -118.2509 phone: "(424) 273-4426" website: http://vertebrae.la rating: 5 review_count: 17 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 9 followers: 299 last_updated: 2026-09-04 --- # Vertebrae Art and Architecture > Los Angeles Premier Architecture Firm - 6X Best of Houzz! Original Houzz profile: [Vertebrae Art and Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/vertebrae-art-and-architecture-pfvwus-pf~184706810) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Los Angeles, CA - **Serves:** Los Angeles, Bel Air, Brentwood Los Angeles, Hollywood, Venice, Glendale, Pasadena, Inglewood, Burbank, Universal City, Santa Monica, Hawthorne, North Hollywood, Brentwood, Monterey Park, Huntington Park, Sherman Oaks, Altadena, Culver City, San Gabriel, Studio City, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, South Pasadena, Pacific Palisades, El Segundo, Malibu, Marina del Rey, Topanga, East Pasadena, Playa Vista, Dodgertown, Playa del Rey, Toluca Lake - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (17 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2016–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Woman owned - Award winning - Published nationally ### Business highlights - Woman owned - Award winning - Published nationally Vertebrae addresses each architectural inquiry with a unique approach. We fuse aesthetic intention and program to create formally compelling yet relevant design. Individual context and socially responsible motive are design drivers, with client collaboration serving as an essential reference point. Within the vast set of parameters that define each design problem, budget and time are considered positive challenges. Our work is rooted in rigorous material experimentation and exploration of evolving fabrication technologies and means of construction. Pushing these techniques, complexity, texture, and restraint are intertwined. Vertebrae's recent projects include private residences, commercial interiors, and large scale artworks and have appeared in the LA Times, Interior Design, The California Design Biennial, and numerous museums and galleries. Southern California residential work includes projects in Venice, Manhattan Beach and Los Feliz. Vertebrae is a Los Angeles based architecture practice founded by Lisa Little. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design - Landscape Plans - Modular Home Additions - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Home Gym Design & Construction - Prefab Houses - Rooftop Deck Installation ### Areas Served - Los Angeles - Bel Air - Brentwood Los Angeles - Hollywood - Venice - Glendale - Pasadena - Inglewood - Burbank - Universal City - Santa Monica - Hawthorne - North Hollywood - Brentwood - Monterey Park - Huntington Park - Sherman Oaks - Altadena - Culver City - San Gabriel - Studio City - West Hollywood - Beverly Hills - South Pasadena - Pacific Palisades - El Segundo - Malibu - Marina del Rey - Topanga - East Pasadena - Playa Vista - Dodgertown - Playa del Rey - Toluca Lake ### Typical Job Cost $150,000 - 15,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Vertebrae Art and Architecture | | Address | 725 South Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, California 90014, United States | | Phone | (424) 273-4426 | | Website | http://vertebrae.la | | License Number | C-32748 | | Followers on Houzz | 299 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/vertebraeLA/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Vertebrae Art and Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/vertebrae-art-and-architecture-pfvwus-pf~184706810) - **Website:** http://vertebrae.la - **Phone:** (424) 273-4426 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: C 32748 - Type: Architect - Issued by: California Architects Board **Certifications & Awards** - 2023 AIA \| Los Angeles Residential Architecture Honor Award: Plymouth ADU - 2022 AIA \| Los Angeles Design Award: Psyop - 2019 AIA \| California Design Award: Troll Blue Swell - 2018 AIA \| California Design Award: MicroApartment - Licensed architect in the state of California - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2016–2025), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [AIA Los Angeles](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-los-angeles-pfvwus-pf~1829789113) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 17 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — Stephanie Ladeira, April 2016** > Vertebrae is a well-run, responsive firm - and Lisa was excellent in helping us stretch our vision for what our space could be while keeping our budget in mind. Not only is our kitchen remodel beautiful and bold, but it also made our kitchen a much more highly-functional space. One of the things we most appreciated was that we were unable to make huge structural changes, so Lisa designed a space that works for my husband who is a chef and how we work together in our space, and solved for our tremendous storage needs. The result is a GORGEOUS, modern, streamlined kitchen that is aesthetically different than any kitchen we have seen. Our home is old (1930s) and Lisa cheerfully worked through, and created solutions for, all of the difficult aspects of our kitchen, such as doors in awkward places, a random wall that created a big division in the kitchen, an old vent for the original 1930s stove, and more. We also asked Lisa to design a one-of-a-kind powder-coated, steel breakfast bar that ended up being a focal point of coolness in our breakfast nook. ### All 17 reviews **★★★★★ — American Building Concepts, Feb. 2024** > Lisa and her team have been great to work with, exceptional attention to detail with clear and precise plans. Love the contemporary style and cutting edge details. Would love to work with them again on more projects. **★★★★★ — HU-526550350, Feb. 2024** > Lisa (Sensitive Information Hidden) and her team have consistently proven to deliver excellence in a very timely manner. Her talent and critical thinking are unparalleled, always accompanied with professionalism. **★★★★★ — paul marsolan, Feb. 2024** > Huge fan of the team at Vertebrae. They have taken an extremely stressful process of doing a full rehab of a house and taken tons of the heavy lifting off of my wife and I. I highly recommend them to anyone waiting to do a simple rehab or a full build out. They have taken millions of choices and boiled them down to the few that my wife and I want to make. Also, they have used their magnificent skill to create unique touches to our house that have blown me away. **★★★★★ — jcordic, Feb. 2024** > Lisa and her team at Vertebrae are top notch professionals. I have been a general contractor for 40 years and it is a pleasure building with Vertebrae. Their drawings and specifications are very clear and follow the highest standards in the industry. I love the seemingly minor things too; they're never late, never miss a meeting, and their meeting minutes are detailed and accurate. Their attention to our schedule and the tasks at hand help deliver smooth, on-budget projects. Lisa background in education also provide for beautiful, creative work. > I highly recommend Vertebrae Art and Architecture. > John Cordic > RJC Builders, Inc. **★★★★★ — Jordan Cammarata, July 2017** > Lisa has been great to work with, not to mention--a great person and skilled designer. She has helped many of my clients successfully complete their projects. I'd highly recommend Lisa and her team at Vertebrae for any modern architectural and interior endeavor! **★★★★★ — User, July 2017** > Lisa and Vertebrae Architecture created a beautiful design for renovation of our 1947 hillside home. Her design kept the structure intact and would have carved a new floor out of an area now full of debris. She designed a wonderful set of asymmetrical bookcases and a striking concrete patio/staircase down to a terraced garden. Sadly, due to hillside permitting and other issues, the project was not completed. But working with her was a real pleasure. She listened to our crazy ideas and kept us realistic, all while infusing the process with creativity. **★★★★★ — Adam Shandrow, April 2016** > Working with Lisa was absolutely fabulous. I was working on getting a large, 14 story historic building's change of use approved through the city site plan process. Lisa and her team were not only able to provide the needed architectural drawings, but they were instrumental in driving the theme, design and overall look and feel of the project. I felt that her designs were very complimentary of the building while maintaining an aesthetic that would appeal to a modern audience. > > There is no doubt that should I pick up another project, Lisa will be part of the team. **★★★★★ — almirconstructuion, April 2016** > Working with Lisa Little and her architecture firm, Vertebrae has been a pleasure. Lisa is always available to consult with on project questions and always has great solutions that meet both the needs of the client and the builder. **★★★★★ — HU-746997, April 2016** > Working with Lisa and her group was a great experience. I am a general contractor and work with a lot of architects and designers and Lisa is one of the best. She has a way with clients and her designs are progressive. She is a joy to work with. **★★★★★ — john Case, April 2016** > Vertebrae is a amazing creative group of very talented architects that listens to a clients wishes and come up with very creative solutions. **★★★★★ — ARTLESS, April 2016** > We worked with Lisa/Kristy on various projects in the Los Angeles area. We highly recommend working with them, we love their ideas and designs. Communication is great always and everything goes smoothly with them. A pleasure! **★★★★★ — M K FURNITURE, March 2016** > As furniture/cabinetry makers, we were hired by Vertebrae to complete a residential project located in Malibu. Their vision was very clear and professionally designed. Always efficient and courteous, it has been a pleasure working with Lisa Little and her entire staff. We are looking forward to collaborating soon on other projects! > > MK Furniture **★★★★★ — marc9694, March 2016** > Vertebrae did a complete remodel of our two stories of approx. 7,000 sq. ft. of offices. Staying within budget, they provided us with very stylish, contemporary offices we enjoy every day, and are proud to show off to vendors and customers. They delivered what they promised, meeting deadlines and more. We were very pleased with their aesthetic, their service, knowledge and follow-through. **★★★★★ — balqinai, June 2015** > I worked with Lisa on making the interior design of an apartment and she came up with a truly beautiful, simple and minimalist design. I highly recommend working with her and you'll be satisfied with her design. **★★★★★ — DirkWard, Feb. 2015** > I can't recommend Lisa Little highly enough. Compared with other architects I've worked with, Lisa Little's work is truly extraordinary. For the project Lisa did for us, everyone involved gained respect for her design creativity and problem solving, knowledge and navigation of codes, as well as her strong working relationships with top contractors and tradespeople. Lastly, her attention to detail while managing the project meant that the great design work was executed flawlessly. I'll certainly work with Lisa again, and I recommend her highly. **★★★★★ — wemmick216, Sept. 2014** > Lisa Little worked wonders in our smallish Venice space. We had complicated needs and she found elegant solutions within a tight budget. We redid a kitchen from the walls out, extended it a bit, added a bar, added in a huge walk-in closet and staircase in the master bedroom, and reconfigured a guest loft. The latter involved enclosing a half-wall for privacy via rotating shutters that Lisa dreamed up and designed. The shutters rotate open when the loft is not in use and closed when we have company up there. This was a brilliant idea, brilliantly executed at not much cost. Lisa helped with fixture choice, color choice, and furniture choice, and worked closely with the general contractor and his subs. She exhibited great taste, a firm hand, and a keen eye on the budget. Recommended without reservation. ## Selected projects - [Plymouth ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/plymouth-adu-pj-vj~7277763) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 16 - [Venice Micro Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/venice-micro-apartment-pj-vj~814911) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 7 - [Troll Blue Swell](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/troll-blue-swell-pj-vj~2594395) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 6 - [Psyop](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/psyop-pj-vj~6461293) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Chartreuse House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chartreuse-house-pj-vj~446086) - Location: Venice, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: Contemporary conversion and addition of an existing 1905 Craftsman on a walkstreet in Venice, CA. Project is a collaboration with Tierra Sol y Mar. Photos by Art Gray. - [Toolbox](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/toolbox-pj-vj~5672405) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Poinsettia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/poinsettia-pj-vj~459286) - Location: Manhattan Beach, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: Photos by Art Gray - [Technicolor Burbank](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/technicolor-burbank-pj-vj~2594514) - Location: Burbank, CA - Photos: 4 - [Nomo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nomo-pj-vj~7702022) - Location: Santa Monica, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: By re-using the existing foundation and framing of a 1960’s suburban home, selective architectural interventions greatly minimize the waste and cost that typically result from demolishing and starting fresh. The result is a completely transformed space—a fun, light-filled, and colorful home for a family of four. The dark wood, metal, and stucco exterior form a striking contrast with the play of color, pattern, and texture within. A two-story wood screen separates the entry from the rest of the h… - [Highway House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/highway-house-pj-vj~7664692) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 25 - [Redux](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/redux-pj-vj~7359186) - Location: Santa Monica, CA - Photos: 8 - [Elodie](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elodie-pj-vj~7277797) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 13 [See all 12 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/vertebrae-art-and-architecture-pfvwus-pf~184706810) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/1011494828.m3u8?s=da738bac5321f3e77d015e813ec826c8913e8a1d&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Community Q&A **Q: Cabinets are so sleek** *(in Photo Questions)* Would you be able to tell me what they are made of? A: Hi, They are custom cabinets - painted wood. **Q: Floor** *(in Photo Questions)* What is this flooring called? It's beautiful! A: It is a polished concrete floor with color aggregate to match the counter top and cabinet color. **Q: Oven and cooktop -- could you supply manufacturer? Bertazzoni? Thanks** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Yes they are both Bertazzoni! **Q: Barra de desayuno** *(in Photo Questions)* Dónde puede encontrarse la barra de desayuno? A: Hi, the bar is a custom designed steel powder coated bar. **Q: Love the distribution** *(in Photo Questions)* The distribution looks awesome and looks really smart the way you incorporate that amount of areas in a small place. If you could send me the Floor plans I would love to see it clearly. A: Hi Cesar Thank you so much for your inquiry. I'm sorry but I don't release the floor plans for my projects. If you have a project that you'd like to collaborate on, please contact me. Thank you so much for understanding. Lisa Little **Q: What is the composition of the awesome bar?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi. It's a custom steel powder coated bar. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*