Rapt Studio designed the new offices for musical instrument manufacturer Fender, located in Los Angeles, California.

Fender transforms music worldwide, and has become a revered industry name and a cultural icon. Beginning their story in Southern California, Fender expanded their corporate base to Scottsdale, Arizona. With the meaningful decision to move to the epicenter of the thriving music industry, Fender’s return to their California roots celebrates their heritage and takes their legacy into the future. Fender partnered with Rapt Studio to create a new office along Los Angeles’ famed Sunset Boulevard at Columbia Square. As a bold presence in Hollywood, the new space fuses with the city’s creative energy to engage future generations of musicians.

Built to engage professionals and music enthusiasts alike, Fender’s newest home reflects the company’s commitment to accompanying artist on their musical journey. Surrounded by celebrated music icons like the Palladium, Fonda Theatre and Amoeba Records, the company’s new office at Columbia Square embraces the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles and places instruments close at hand for employees and visitors alike.

Home to executive, creative, marketing, product, and digital teams, the office is made of two unique spaces: two floors of a mid-rise office building and an adjacent 8,600-square-foot structure referred to as the “Bungalow.” Though separate, both spaces emphasize Fender’s desire to be part of their new Hollywood home and create an overall collaborative environment between departments. The reception area is on the ground-level, and the public is welcome to walk in and explore a large installation and feature wall. Throughout both spaces, large windows allow views in to the design zones and music lounges.

The design of the space was influenced by the sleek contours, niche colors, and finely tuned hardware of Fender guitars—while still taking into account the workflow and product development process unique to the teams at Fender. It was critical that the space support all of Fender’s business objectives, from their design process to technology-driven efforts like e-commerce, and app development.

Designer: Rapt Studio

Design Team: David Galullo, Sam Farhang, Keith Muller, Daniela Covarrubias, Ashley Cocilovo, Matt Azen, Sarah Devine & Andrew Ashey

Contractor: Howard Building Corporation

Photography: Eric Laignel

40 Images | expand for additional detail