Fortune House is a minimal residence located in Los Angeles, California, designed by OWIU. OWIU, a design firm co-founded by Amanda Gunawan and Joel Wong, has created a unique aesthetic rooted in their Asian heritage. Growing up in diverse communities such as Singapore and Indonesia, and influenced by frequent trips to Japan, the duo has blended elements from various Eastern cultures to create a third-culture aesthetic. The team, which also includes Jackson Chan from Hong Kong and Michelle Kim from Korea, was a natural fit as they all shared a common emphasis on the centrality of food and communal gathering in Asian cultures.

The kitchen was made a focal point in the design of Fortune House, with a custom island and adjacent dining room visible upon entrance. A 12” Parallam wood beam runs across the ceiling between the kitchen and living room to suggest a partition without disrupting the flow between spaces. The kitchen has been reoriented to create a more open floor plan, with wrap-around countertops and hidden storage for a clutter-free look.

Chan and Kim, who both work from home, sought a neutral space that promotes creativity and productivity. The use of natural wood elements and a soft off-beige palette creates warmth in the workspace, while natural light provides a calming atmosphere. The multi-functional design concept is a continuing theme for OWIU, as their own studio transitions from an office to a casual gathering space.

OWIU aimed to keep some defining elements of the original structure, such as the curved fireplace, which was updated rather than redesigned. Fortune House was designed as a conversation between cultures, work and life balance, and aesthetic and utility. It reflects the evolving needs of contemporary creatives seeking a space that balances productivity and peace of mind. The kitchen, in particular, sparks memories of old traditions while inviting the inhabitants to create new ones. OWIU’s design marries the old and the new to create a new balance.