Carla V Cruz

Principal Designer

Collaborating closely with my client, we took this 1970’s Burbank home and transformed it into an open oasis enveloped in varying shades of white and neutrals. By removing and relocating walls, we were able to design a more fluid transition from kitchen to living area as well as maximize the master suite to allow for a walk in-closet and ensuite bathroom. Custom designed vanities complete the unique minimalist aesthetic in the guest and master bathrooms.

Principal Designer

Designed for the talented chef Trevor Faris, Hank’s is an open and airy deli concept in Toluca Lake that enables patrons to view, smell, and taste the delicious concoctions provided by chef and his team. My role as designer entailed creating a fluid work flow for staff and production as well as designing and drafting the layout and shop drawings for the custom front counter. I consulted on interior and exterior colors schemes and FF&E.

Principal Designer

The iconic Hotel Erwin, located in Venice California, invited me to re-envision the Dining Area, their To-Go-Pizza Concept and their common restrooms. The designs for these varying public spaces have their unique characteristics, tying together mid century silhouettes, contemporary tilework, custom furniture, and a familiar color scheme that is reminiscent of Venice during the Dogtown days. These spaces cohesively narrate the sunny and “wacky” story of the early beach days in Venice California.

Project Management Team

World renowned fashion designer Dries Van Noten, decided to take his trail blazing retail brand to Los Angeles and call it home in 2020. Working as a key leader in the project management team, alongside Designer G. Kantner, I assisted in all aspects of project management, research, vendor coordination, on site construction supervision, facilitating budgets, and construction administration. It was a great pleasure working with the talented Dries Van Noten team, albiet remotely, to bring this extraordinary space to life under such extraordinary circumstances.

Design Consultant for M Winter Design

Located in the up and coming vibrant neighborhood of West Adams, this retro food and lounge concept developed alongside one of the most sought after executive chefs in LA. I designed the bar, back bar, custom millwork and fixtures and assisted the staging of the space.

Designer for M Winter Design

Newly registered Los Angeles landmark located in the heart of the city, is now designed to have a expansive interior market hall that is equipped with a full brewery, double kitchen, large bar and lounge. The design encapsulates the beautiful finishes of the 1930’s, when the building was first constructed. I participated in all aspects of the design and construction, including working closely with the Historic Preservation Board to ensure the design was realized and met the necessary historic preservation requirements.

Designer for M Winter Design

Located in the Historic Claremont Club & Spa hotel, as part of an Accor International renovation to better serve club members and local patrons alike, this new cafe brings about an exciting and inviting revitalization to the property. The design stays true to the architectural vernacular and history of the property while creating a cozy ambience with a heavy focus displaying gourmet pastries, fresh bread, and wine offerings.

Designer for M Winter Design

Formerly a mechanic’s shop tucked away in Venice California, this newly repurposed space is designed to feel like a home away from home. With mid century influences, we designed custom storage solutions, work stations, kitchenette, furniture, office fronts and a multi-functional screening room.

Designer for M Winter Design

Manuela is housed in the courtyard of Hauser Wirth, a public art space in the burgeoning Arts District of downtown Los Angeles. With Manuela, emphasis is placed on organically textured and aged finishes. The name of the restaurant is an ode to Manuela Wirth, part owner of the Hauser Wirth global art chain. The design of the restaurant, pays homage to the architectural integrity of what was once a flour mill in the early 1900s. We pulled inspiration from the shapes, textures, and stories that were uncovered during the construction of the gallery and courtyard.

Designer for M Winter Design

Jaffa the restaurant, is an airy and contemporary Californian twist on Israeli cuisine and use of materials. Inspired by the beautiful art-filled coastal city of Jaffa in Israel, we drew ideas from the heavy use of plaster, sandstone, and formed cement found in the region. Coupled with a mix of vintage and modern furniture as well as hand crafted lighting, the design brings about a thoughtful homely yet fresh ambience to the dining experience.

Designer for M Winter Design

Bursts of blush pink characterize this Silverlake bistro amidst the use of familiar Mexican influenced materials. Opening the ceiling and baring the structural beams helped to warm the space even further.

Designer for M Winter Design

Located just off of the world famous Hollywood Boulevard, The Lono provides patrons with a sleek romantic escape from all the fuss of the main Hollywood street. Influenced by Polynesian textiles and materials, along with a woodsy color palette, the main entry bar and foyer sets the foundation for the delicious food and cocktail program conceived by the Melrose Umbrella Co. collective.

Ranked Most Beautiful LA Restaurant 2017 by LA Eater

Designer for M Winter Design

Tucked away behind 3rd Street in West Hollywood, sits a little bungalow with alfresco dining, reminiscent of a classic Italian osteria with bursts of yellows, greens, and soft whites throughout.

Design Consultant for M Winter Design

Touching on the tones of the original location, Jaffa on Venice Boulevard is a mix of warm and cold hues and textures that help balance the hardness of the encompassing materials; concrete board forms and wood; staying true to the breezy and carefree energy of the coastal city of Jaffa, Israel.

Design Assistant for Robert McKinley Creative Services

This luxurious beachfront home situated along the coast of Montauk New York, was designed very thoughtfully. The home included a hand-selected melange of hand crafted finishes and architectural features, as well as carefully curated furniture and artwork throughout. I had the great pleasure of assisting in all aspects of the design development, from research and sampling, to furniture space planning and procurement.

Featured in Architectural Digest

Design Assistant for Robert McKinley Creative Services

Located in the popular Lower East Side of NYC, Tijuana Picnic brings to life midcentury Mexican colors, finishes, furniture and energy. The downstairs area is a DJ driven lounge with focal emphasis on the unique mural and brass enlaced bar. I assisted on construction supervision, bar design and branding details, as well as acquiring final FF&E.

Design Assistant for Robert McKinley Creative Services

In the heart of the Brickell Miami night scene is this thoughtful designed brasserie and cabaret duo experience.

The Marion brasserie which is inspired by European restaurants with a Miami sensibility, combines unique found furniture imported from abroad alongside modern and clean finishes.

The El Tucán cabaret is designed to bring the early Cuban musical/dance experience back to life. The stage and furniture are draped in soft velvets and mohairs which are enveloped in brass accents and custom fixtures throughout.

I assisted on all aspects of the design development, spec writing, research, sampling, and deliverable coordination

Design Assistant for Robert McKinley Creative Services

Sant Ambroeus is a beloved token of NYC and I had the great pleasure of assisting on all aspects of the design development for the Sotheby’s headquarters coffee shop in midtown Manhattan. Carrying over the soft whites and pinks that are a Sant Ambroeus staple, the design also brought together stone finishes and custom Murano lighting to keep true the classic yet chic Italian aesthetic.