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P R O F I L E | R O C K W E L L G R O U P
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t is a new beginning for Warner Music Group:
A few months ago, the large record company
relocated seven of its groups (Warner Records,
Warner/Chappell Music, Atlantic Records,
ADA, WEA, Elektra and Rhino)—almost 600
employees—to the historic former Ford Motor
Company factory in downtown Los Angeles.
To accommodate the new headquarters, the
site—which comprises a five-story tower and an
adjoining two-story building, originally designed
by architects John Parkinson and George
Bergstrom in 1912 as a place to manufacture
and show Model Ts—was transformed from an
advanced state of disrepair.
In 2014, Rockefeller Kempel Architects led
a complete restoration and modernization to
preserve and enhance the original character of
the building, which has since obtained LEED
Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building
Council in 2018. Rockwell Group was in charge
of the whole interior design concept based on the
record company's history and catalogue of work,
music making and performance. Each one of
Warner Music Group's seven groups has its own
space with a distinct look, reflecting the groups'
unique cultures.
Starting on the ground floor, a flexible 150-
seat live performance space and adjacent lounge
area—that can be used for concerts, presentations
or meetings—showcases Warner Music Group's
roster of recording artists and songwriters in an
airy atmosphere. Also situated on this floor and
the mezzanine, the two-story co-working space
features several types of seating and tables, as well
as a pool table, a ping pong table and other games.
e tones are mostly neutral and combine with the
original poured concrete flooring, while pops of
blue and purple add freshness and contrast. e
color palette of soft hues with touches of bright
tones continues on the first floor, shared by the
offices of ADA, WEA and Rhino. e 110-seat
commissary, adorned with photos of artists and
songwriters, serves Stumptown Coffee and light
fare. e lobby features a chandelier installation
with the logos of the publishing company and each
of the labels while the iconic Warner Music Group
"W" button logo is on a wall.
Dedicated to Warner Records, the second level
is home to a large-scale video wall in the reception
area, a cozy, artists' lounge, and commissioned
artwork by Shepard Fairey, Tristan Eaton, and
