Market
New Construction in Los Angeles
Los Angeles work is largely infill, renovation, and ground-up projects on constrained sites — plus the hospitality and retail build-outs Ernie Sandoval has managed from concept to opening along the coast.
What is different about Los Angeles
Entitlement and permitting drive the schedule more than framing does. Site access, parking, and neighbor context shape what is buildable before design begins.
California energy code is the most demanding in the country, so envelope, glazing, and electrification decisions are set early and documented carefully.
Coastal and seismic detailing
Salt air, marine humidity, and seismic requirements change hardware, cladding, and connection choices. Corrosion-resistant fasteners and careful flashing are not upgrades here.
Concept build-outs and renovation
For restaurant and retail projects, Ernie's Virtual Design Studio work — vendor coordination, build oversight, and launch — runs on the same discipline applied to residential construction.
Frequently Asked
Do you work on Los Angeles renovations as well as new builds?+
Yes. Remote creative direction and project management for concept build-outs and renovations is handled through the Virtual Design Studio.
What slows Los Angeles projects down most often?+
Permitting and inspection sequencing, followed by long-lead materials. Both are manageable with early planning.