# Who's Building LA: Local Partners Help Bring Creative Workspace Concepts to Life
The Los Angeles region offers an abundance of resources for commercial workspace design, and Tangram Studio has built its reputation by tapping into this rich local ecosystem. Rather than relying on distant suppliers, the company has cultivated deep relationships with LA-area vendors who share their commitment to innovation and quality.
For over 15 years, Tangram Studio has prioritized local procurement for everything from glass and metal to plastics and upholstery. This approach delivers three key advantages: better quality control, faster turnaround times, and stronger collaborative relationships that fuel creative solutions.
## Partners Make the Difference
**"We like co-creating and working closely through details and ideas with our vendors,"** explains Charlotte Wiederholt, Creative Director for Tangram Studio. **"As industrial designers, we know a lot about design, but we don't always know everything about the manufacturing process."**
This collaborative mindset has fostered partnerships like the one with Valentine Woodworks in Fullerton, a manufacturer specializing in high-pressure and thermal fused laminates, rigid thermofoil, and veneer components. With aerospace industry roots, Valentine understands the precision required for complex commercial projects.
**"Working with Tangram Studio is awesome, because it's not the same thing over and over,"** says Tony Lenzini, President of Valentine. **"Everything they do is reinventing the wheel. When we tackle a new design, we work together to figure out how to make it, what materials will work, and how to manufacture it economically."**
## From Design to Finished Product
Tangram's process begins with architect and designer consultations to establish requirements and budget parameters. Initial concept renderings are created for client review while the design and engineering team simultaneously develops production methods and identifies the right suppliers.
**"A lot of people can draw anything to look great on a computer,"** Wiederholt notes. **"But the problem is that you can't actually make everything. We are sure that what we're showing our clients we can in fact build and build well enough to live up to our 10-year warranty."**
This practical approach prevents costly surprises down the line. Lenzini explains their collaborative method: **"We go through the requirements without preconceived limitations and figure out what we can do well. But we'll also come back to value-engineer the assignment with Tangram. We save a lot of time by doing that."**
Once clients approve the design, detailed shop drawings are created in SolidWorks, along with CAD drawings and physical samples. Complex assemblies are broken down into individual components—sometimes 500 to 700 parts for a single project. These detailed specifications allow suppliers like Valentine to program their machinery for precise production.
**"Typical practice is to hand your requirement over to a vendor who will work with their sources and try to hit the mark,"** says Wiederholt. **"But there's a major risk of information getting lost in translation, for misunderstandings or missed expectations. Being on the same team makes a huge difference in the outcome."**
## Seeing Is Believing
One unique aspect of working with Tangram Studio is the opportunity for clients to visit local suppliers and witness their projects taking shape. This transparency builds confidence and creates meaningful connections between clients and craftspeople.
**"The connection to things actually being made is something in general Americans are a bit removed from,"** Wiederholt observes. **"There's a fascination around 'wow, you're making this for me and I get to see it and meet the people who are actually building it for me.' Our clients always love the experience of going to the factory."**
For suppliers, seeing the completed project provides valuable perspective on how their components contribute to the larger vision. Valentine's work might represent one of ten different elements alongside glass, metalwork, and fabrics—but seeing the finished workspace helps them understand their role in creating inspiring commercial environments.
## What Makes LA So Unique?
Los Angeles offers something special for creative commercial design: a culture of innovation combined with diverse manufacturing capabilities scattered throughout the region.
**"There's definitely a drive here to do something creative. People are always trying to push the boundaries in Los Angeles,"** Wiederholt concludes. **"What people are doing in LA is really fascinating. We love to drive around in the alleys of the city. What can we see and find? What are people building? You can find it in the Valley. You can find it in Fullerton. You can find it downtown and in the arts district. You don't see that diversity anywhere else, at least not at the scale of right here in Los Angeles."**
This geographic diversity of specialized manufacturers, combined with a shared commitment to creative excellence, makes Los Angeles an ideal ecosystem for innovative commercial workspace design. By building strong local partnerships, companies like Tangram Studio can deliver both creative vision and manufacturing precision—creating workspaces that truly inspire.
*Originally published in Who's Building LA and LABusinessJournal.com*
