Art is not separate from life and life is not separate from Architecture.

- GULLA JÓNSDÓTTIR

GULLA JÓNSDÓTTIR

Gulla Jonsdottir is a pioneering Icelandic Architect and Designer renowned for her innovative approach to spatial design, characterized by its dynamic use of curved forms and a deep sensuality. Her iconic style is marked by the creation of unique spatial experiences that harmoniously blend with nature and the surrounding environment, seamlessly integrating organic beauty with functional design. Her work unlocks a visual landscape that is both futuristic and a warm reflection of yesterday’s vision of tomorrow.

Since founding her practice in Los Angeles in 2009, Gulla has dedicated herself to redefining modern design and pushing the boundaries of Architecture and Interior Design. Her Atelier, composed of an international team of Architectural designers, undertakes a diverse range of projects spanning hospitality, hotels, resorts, restaurants, residential towers and residences as well as wellness spaces around the globe.

Gulla’s design philosophy thrives on transforming conventional perceptions of Architecture and Interior Design, driven by her artistic curiosity and a commitment to questioning the status quo. Her creative process begins with fluid, superfluid sketches that embody her belief in the interconnectedness of Art, Design, Architecture, and Nature.

Her academic journey began with a study of mathematics and biology in Iceland, before she moved to Los Angeles to pursue architecture at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (Sci-Arc). Upon Graduation and prior to establishing her own firm, Gulla gained invaluable experience working with Richard Meier on prestigious projects such as the Getty Center Museum and Gagosian Gallery, contributing to Retail- and Set Design at Tokyo Disney Seas at Walt Disney Imagineering, and as Vice President of Design at the hospitality design firm Dodd Mitchell Design for nine years.

Throughout her distinguished career, Gulla has garnered numerous accolades. Wallpaper magazine recognized her as one of the top creative talents in USA for two consecutive years, and the Huffington Post named her the new Zaha Hadid at the starting of her career.

In 2024, she received the Woman in Design award from Hospitality Design Magazine and in 2022, she was honored by the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce as a Leading Woman in Design.  Additionally, she was selected as Interior Design's Firm Leader for Hospitality Interiors in 2020.

Gulla has also won several awards for her projects, including the Best Hotel Resort Design of the Year for the Macau Roosevelt, and the Best International Restaurant Design award in 2021 for Esperanza restaurant fine dining, from both Interior Design Magazine and Hospitality Design Magazine.

Interior Design Magazine awarder her the Gold Key Award for Best Spa Design: Paz spa at Cabo Azul Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico.

Best Design of the year was awarded by Esquire Magazine for Red O restaurant in Los Angeles and Boutique Design magazine gave Best Hotel Design awards for Cabo Azul Resort as well as Architectural Digest; Best Bar in America for La Peer hotel.

Gulla is an active member in the design community and serves on a few boards, such as:

•              West Hollywood Design District, Board of Governors

•              Visit West Hollywood Board member

•              The DESIGN MIAMI.LA Honorary Committee member

Gulla Jonsdottir and her International team continue to inspire and innovate, reshaping the language of Architecture and Interior Design with their exceptional vision and unwavering commitment to excellence.