Firm

BOTO Design Architects is a boutique, full-service architecture, acoustic, and interior design firm with studios in Los Angeles and Colorado. It was founded in 1983, by Principal Architect Bret Thoeny in Venice, California.

For over 35 years, BOTO Design has specialized in ground-up commercial buildings, warehouse renovations, creative workspaces, post-production studios, and tenant improvements.

As a comprehensive design practice, BOTO Design orchestrates the process from concept through construction, culminating in a strikingly diverse body of work. Our commitment to creating enduring client relationships is evident in the remarkable number of repeat clients and referrals received. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional service and being highly accessible on all levels, throughout all phases of a project. We are with the client from before a lease is signed through move-in, and beyond.

As designers, we value timeless, elegant solutions. It's important that our work contributes positively to its environment by respecting context, scale, and function. Our process is practical and efficient, often thriving on the challenge of defining budget-oriented strategies. Simply put, we do not over-design. We continually strive to listen to our clients to ensure that the end result satisfies their needs and represents their brand appropriately. 

Although we are small in size, we are big in stature. We excel at  delivering large-scale projects with focused client attention and have a proven track record with an extensive client list.

Head shot of Bret Thoeny, Principal Architect

Bret Thoeny, Principal AIA

With nearly 35 years of experience, Bret Thoeny brings an in depth knowledge of design & construction to the leadership of BOTO Design. His insight into current market trends in real estate & architecture make a unique combination that leads to creatively executed projects and an understanding of thoughtful, value added design. Bret began his career specializing in the design of technical sound recording studios. Most notably, were the studios at Paisley Park for Prince. Using his experience gained from there, he naturally expanded into film & TV production facilities, as well as office spaces to support them. With a keen eye on development and a recognition of changing office trends on the Westside, Bret was at the forefront of the warehouse conversion & adaptive re-use movement - which is now gaining momentum in other areas of the city and beyond. Since then, he has diversified the firm to include a wide range of project types, including retail stores, restaurants, office tenant improvement, landlord/owner representation and high end single family residences. With his technical insight on production & recording facilities, he is frequently called on to consult on other projects. Bret is involved with all phases of design and construction on all projects. Bret is married with two children and lives in Santa Monica. He is a registered architect in the states of California & Colorado.

Jennifer Lau, Senior Project Manager

Jennifer Lau brings 25 years of project management & interior design experience across a diverse range of project types to BOTO Design. She started her career in the greater Washington, D.C., area with corporate TI’s and government contract work. After completing advanced graduate studies in Seattle, Jennifer worked on several renowned public projects such as the Seattle Public Temporary Central Library (recipient of the 2003 AIA/LA Library Buildings Award), the Seattle Seahawks Stadium (CenturyLink Field), and the Seattle Light Rail (Sound Transit) system expansion. Upon relocating to Los Angeles, Jennifer focused on high-end single family residential, multi-family residential, and mixed-use projects. In 2006, Jennifer joined BOTO, and over the past 16 years, she has successfully executed a wide array of projects ranging from residential, creative TI, commercial interiors, and adaptive reuse. Her combination of skills allows her to focus on management and client relations. Jennifer is involved in all phases of design and development from feasibility studies, programming, concept, design development, permitting, construction documents, interiors, furniture procurement, and construction administration.

Dila Heiden, Interior Designer

Dila has been involved in interior design and architecture for most of her life. Watching her architect parents design and build variety of structures and start their own firm meant that Dila grew to see the practice of architecture as a community-based profession. After graduating from Marmara University in Istanbul/Turkey in 1999, she moved to Los Angeles. She joined the BOTO Design Architects team in 2019 as an interior designer after gaining experience on high-end residential, aircrafts and 5-star, luxury hotels in Santa Monica under the wings of Michael Smith. With an eye for quality, a superior sense of style, and a budget-centered approach to business, Dila Heiden has proven herself as an innovative designer. She offers a balance of creativity, collaboration and forward thinking with a structured, organized and detailed mentality; enabling her to deliver focused development, follow through and total completion to each aspect of the design.

Resources:

Architect’s Guide to New Commercial Building DevelopmentArchitect’s Guide to Building Renovation & Tenant Improvements

TOP