Academy of Country Music

Project Statement

Founded in Los Angeles in 1964, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) originally represented the renegade spirit of western country music artists outside of the “Nashville Music Machine”, such as Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. Their attitude that was 'more bar room than boardroom' is a sentiment that can be seen threaded throughout the design of the new headquarters.

The building's exposed timber construction and concrete floors become the perfect foundation for the headquarters design that is layered with natural wood, stone, and leather accents to create a rich and comfortable aesthetic. A custom leather-wrapped reception desk at the entrance stands in contrast to the burnt wood wall behind. Industrial perforated metal panels split the space and align with the exposed concrete walls of the building core, further reinforcing a grittier rugged look and feel.

With the architectural language defined, the design focuses into smaller moments that celebrate Country Music. This can be seen in the two screen planting systems that flank the reception and create a boundary between the public spaces and private offices and open workstations. Narrowing in, the band wrapping the base is made using the inside of guitars while the shelves at the top are placed based on the most popular chords played in Country Music.

Private offices and central workstations are supported by a variety of meeting rooms, as well as a content creation studio and editing space, and a chic lounge complete with a stage for hosting live performances for industry members and staff alike with a generous adjoining balcony overlooking the hip neighborhood.

Framework for Design Excellence Narrative

Design for Integration: Through close collaboration with our contractor, engineers, and local artisans, we celebrated the company’s narrative by designing and fabricating bespoke elements, including the office-reception screens, custom leather desk, curated artwork, and history wall. This thoughtfully integrated approach created a tactile and immersive workspace that engages the senses while fostering community connections. By prioritizing partnerships with local small businesses, we not only enhanced the design's authenticity and originality but also contributed to the local economy, embodying our commitment to integrated design principles.


Design for Resources: The design emphasizes and celebrates the exposed mass timber structure, along with the raw beauty of the concrete floors. We prioritized the use of low-VOC materials and selected options with high recycled content to promote sustainability. Moreover, the collaboration with local artisans not only minimizes transportation emissions but also supports the surrounding community, effectively reducing the overall carbon footprint of the project.


Design for Well-Being: The office space features interior demountable walls that filter natural light, promoting a healthy, uplifting environment. Workstations and offices are equipped with height adjustable desks, task lighting, and ergonomic chairs, ensuring comfort and support. The biophilic approach utilizes plants at the screen walls further enhances the wellbeing of occupants. Lighting is designed to provide both direct and indirect lighting, with dimming capabilities for user control. The office suite also includes a dedicated space for nursing mothers, as well as for general wellness and respite, promoting overall health and wellbeing for all occupants.