Designing the Future of California Living: Inside OpenScope Studio
- Serina Calhoun
- Aug 20
- 2 min read
The first architect we welcomed into our Vendor Program was OpenScope Studio, and for good reason. Our founder Serina, a fellow architect, has partnered with them for years and knows their work in ADUs, housing developments, and office-to-residential conversions is among the best. For those of you who know Serina, you know her standards are exacting, so her support of OpenScope is high praise indeed.
At OpenScope Studio, architecture is about more than buildings. It’s about shaping communities, solving problems, and making the most of every square foot in California’s cities. With projects spanning the Bay Area, Greater Los Angeles and San Diego, OpenScope partners with decision-makers who are ready to move forward and need a trusted guide to turn big ideas into actionable plans.
Their work ranges from individual apartment building owners to national REITs and everything in between. Whether it’s designing a single property or evaluating an entire portfolio, their mission is the same: identify opportunities for growth and create spaces that meet both present and future needs.
With 18 dedicated professionals in their San Francisco and Los Angeles offices, OpenScope has scaled quickly in recent months to meet the demand for larger projects while staying committed to their California roots. As founder and principal Mark Hogan puts it: “It’s great to know you are providing new homes for people in a part of the country that has been facing a shortage of housing for decades.”
One of OpenScope’s specialties is uncovering ways to add housing density by leveraging California’s evolving land use laws, including the multifamily ADU law and the state density bonus. Their deep expertise with existing apartment buildings and regulatory frameworks means they can quickly assess feasibility and deliver clear, strategic recommendations.
From the first feasibility study to the final ribbon cutting, OpenScope thrives on the moment a project comes to life - when months of planning, collaboration, and design transform into real homes for real people.
Because every project begins with trust, they require a contract agreement before starting. And because so many clients come through word of mouth and proactive outreach, OpenScope values the lasting relationships that grow from each collaboration.
In a state where space is precious and housing is in high demand, OpenScope Studio is proud to help shape the future one smart, well-designed project at a time.
Contact them today for your next housing project!
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