little tokyo towers

In the heart of Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, OWIU has completed its most expansive commercial project to date: the transformation of over 7,000 square feet of public spaces at Little Tokyo Towers, an assisted living facility. Engaged as both architects and builders through their construction arm, Inflexion Builds, OWIU meticulously designed and constructed environments that foster warmth, community, and a deep sense of belonging for the elderly residents.

Before OWIU’s engagement, the initial design for these spaces leaned towards a stark, hospital-like aesthetic—functional but devoid of soul. "As this was the place where the elderly were spending their final good years, we wanted to make sure that the public spaces were conducive and inviting for them to leave their rooms, meet their friends, get a tea or coffee, and enjoy their time," says Joel Wong, founding principal of OWIU.

Drawing inspiration from the modern ski resorts of Japan, where families gather to unwind after a day on the slopes, we envisioned a series of spaces that would encourage social interaction, comfort, and a rich communal life. The newly designed program includes a welcoming lobby, a security desk entry area, a library, a conversation room, a gathering room, a meeting room, and a multipurpose hall capable of hosting over 100 people. Additionally, a new kitchen, a dedicated ping pong room enclosed with delicate Shoji doors, and custom furnishings from OWIU’s Svelte Chair and Table collection bring a tactile warmth to the interiors.

Throughout the project, OWIU's signature craftsmanship is evident in the intricate woodwork and bespoke detailing. The security desk, a statement piece, features patina copper panels, while the lobby’s central coffee table—a striking composition of a large natural boulder and a live-edge wood slab—anchors the space with organic grandeur. Natural white oak envelops the public spaces, from built-in carpentry to trim details, creating an environment that is not only inviting but deeply resonant with the lives it serves.

Built over three phases, this renovation goes beyond aesthetics—it redefines how shared spaces can enhance the daily lives of the elderly. OWIU’s approach ensures that residents are drawn out of their private quarters, engaging with the community in spaces designed to nurture conversation, leisure, and connection. More than a renovation, this is a reimagination of what assisted living can feel like—a place where every detail is attuned to the dignity and comfort of its inhabitants, where architecture becomes a vessel for a richer, more fulfilling way of life.