Citation Award 2025
West Side Urban Forum

Sunset Apartments

Creating community.

Modern multi-story apartment building with balconies and greenery, surrounded by landscaped gardens, trees, and outdoor seating areas.

Located at 7800 Sunset, between the energy of Sunset Boulevard and the quieter, historic single–family neighborhood to the south, this mixed–use project brings nature and calm into an urban context. An orange grove referencing Hollywood’s agricultural past, a sculpture garden, and vine–covered podium walls together create a lush backdrop for residents.

Location
Los Angeles, CA

Role
Design Architect / AOR

Courtyard
Residents have access to a private courtyard positioned at the heart of the development, featuring a pool surrounded by amenities including an indoor gym, co–working space, yoga patio, BBQ, lunch area, and an olive grove. This landscaped enclave enhances daily life and reinforces a strong sense of community.
Tiered design
Above the podium, the residential levels rise in a stepped formation–each floor set back from the one below to increase distance from neighboring homes. This tiered design allows for expansive private terraces planted with citrus trees, extending the garden grove upward. Each terrace is equipped with retractable shading, giving residents control over sunlight and comfort throughout the day.
Materials
The podium is expressed in architectural concrete, while the upper facade features large tile panels, floor–to–ceiling windows, and wood-decked terraces planted with cascading greenery. This composition is complemented by an interior palette selected to maximize natural light and create a fresh, welcoming atmosphere.
Client
Retail Branch
Scope
New Construction: Mixed–Use
Commercial & Residential
SQ.FT
118,850 sf
Stories
5
Number of units
75
Cost
$135M
Status
On hold

Modern white multi-story residential building with balconies, surrounded by palm trees and greenery, in a sunny setting.

Modern, open-concept kitchen and living space with white walls, wooden flooring, a white dining table with orange chairs, a beige sofa with cushions, a floor lamp, and a woman preparing food in the kitchen.

A spacious balcony with wooden flooring, glass railing, and green plants. There is a white table with chairs, bottles, and glasses. A woman practices yoga on a mat, and a man sits on a sofa in the background, looking at the view.

A modern residential complex with multiple white buildings, balconies with glass railings, and rooftop terraces. There are landscaped gardens, a swimming pool, and walking paths in the courtyard, with trees and colorful bushes. Mountains are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

A modern multi-story apartment building with white exterior, large glass balconies, and numerous potted plants. Palm trees line the street in front, with people walking and cars parked nearby during sunset.

Chantal delivered this stunning 100 unit residential building with remarkable efficiency and exceptional speed. We obtained quick approval from our land use attorneys and the LA City Planning Department. The project provided aesthetic appeal and seamless integration into the neighborhood. Chantal skillfully coordinated with all consultants, many of whom she recommended from her extensive experience. We were delighted to be Chantal’s first client after she started CARA.

Brian Sweeny
CEO, Retail Branches LLC

Rodeo Tower

A tall, modern glass skyscraper surrounded by various residential and commercial buildings in an urban cityscape at sunset.

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