Dwell Magazine is bringing back its popular Open House event to Los Angeles in 2025, offering architecture enthusiasts an exclusive opportunity to tour some of the city's most remarkable residential designs. The three-hour event, scheduled for Saturday, October 18th, 2025, will showcase three architecturally stunning houses on the east side of Los Angeles, along with a special visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's historic Hollyhock House.
The event builds on the success of last year's inaugural Open House, which was organized to celebrate Dwell's 25th anniversary. The magazine's decision to revive this popular format allowed a select group of readers to experience featured homes firsthand, creating an intimate connection between the publication's content and its audience. Due to the overwhelming positive response, the publication has decided to make it an annual tradition.
The carefully curated tour will feature three distinct residential projects that represent innovative approaches to contemporary design, all rooted in Los Angeles's renowned spirit of architectural experimentation. The first stop is the Descanso House in Silver Lake, where architect Richard Stampton has transformed a 1920s residence for himself and his wife, with a particular emphasis on outdoor living spaces. The renovation demonstrates how historic structures can be reimagined for modern lifestyles while respecting their original character.
The second featured property is the Lark House in Mount Washington, a collaborative project between Taalman Architecture and landscape design firm Terremoto. This project showcases the transformation of a compact cabin into a sophisticated family retreat, illustrating how thoughtful design can maximize limited space while creating comfortable living environments. The partnership between architecture and landscape design firms highlights the growing trend of integrated indoor-outdoor living solutions.
The tour's third residential highlight is the San Marino House, designed by the acclaimed firm Fung + Blatt. This project features multiple pavilions arranged around a hillside midcentury home, demonstrating how contemporary additions can complement and enhance existing modernist architecture. The design approach shows how architects are finding creative ways to expand living spaces while maintaining the integrity of significant architectural works.
The crown jewel of the tour will be Frank Lloyd Wright's Hollyhock House, Los Angeles's only UNESCO World Heritage site and a pivotal work in the development of California modernism. Built in the early 1920s, this architectural masterpiece represents Wright's experimentation with textile block construction and his adaptation of his design philosophy to the Southern California climate and landscape. The inclusion of this historic landmark provides participants with context for understanding the evolution of residential architecture in Los Angeles.
Due to the private nature of the residences included in the tour, the guest list is necessarily limited, making this a highly exclusive opportunity for architecture and design enthusiasts. Tickets are available through Eventbrite, and interested participants are encouraged to register early given the restricted capacity. The event represents a unique chance to experience remarkable architecture in person, guided by experts who can provide insights into the design process and architectural significance of each property.
The 2025 Dwell Open House reflects the magazine's commitment to connecting readers with exceptional design and architecture, moving beyond traditional media formats to create immersive educational experiences. By focusing on Los Angeles's east side, the tour highlights the area's emergence as a center for innovative residential design, showcasing how contemporary architects are addressing the challenges of urban living while celebrating the region's architectural heritage.
