About Us

Celebrating more than 75 Years of Gruen Associates’ influence on our industry, our projects and legacy of professional talent.

Our Practice

Since 1946, Gruen Associates succeeds as one of Los Angeles’ best known legacy firms with a deep portfolio of landmark projects. Building on the trailblazing success of legendary Founder Victor Gruen, we continue to provide creative solutions through superior planning, architecture, retail architecture, transportation planning and design, urban design, interior design, and landscape architecture services. Our impact on the profession and the world continues into the future under the leadership of Managing Partner Michael A. Enomoto, FAIA and his Partners—Larry Schlossberg, AIA, AICP, LEED AP BD+C; Debra Gerod, FAIA, LEED AP; Ashok Vanmali, AIA; and Jill Wagner, AIA, LEED AP.

At the heart of Gruen Associates’ leadership group is the “Associates.” Developed over many years, the Associates Group contributes to the strength and capability of the firm. The five partners of today were all promoted from this professional core group. Our success, without question, is also due in part to the dedication of our talented 75-person staff. Quite unique is the level of diversity that has organically been the character and DNA of the firm. Throughout our history, the leaders and staff have worked together with a shared commitment and holistic purpose for our industry, clients and projects.

Innovators for significant, complex and challenging projects, Gruen Associates has won more than 250 awards including the 2019 American Planning Association (APA) Los Angeles Section Distinguished Leadership – Planning Firm Award and the 2015 Firm Award by AIA California​ for our collaborative practice, a portfolio of over 10,000 projects worldwide, and contribution and pivotal role in mentoring future generations of professionals. We continue to provide research, innovative design and project management through personal attention, while taking advantage of the wide range of expertise and technical capability of a large organization for the highest quality service for our clients. Through technical excellence, we create multi-purpose, engaging spaces and buildings for community interaction, and social and economic growth.

Gruen Associates is part of the AIA 2030 Commitment towards meeting the 2030 Challenge as leaders and advocates through AIA California, local AIA chapters, as well as our roles as architects, landscape architects and planners charged with supporting stated goals of the program. We were also certified by the Mayor’s City of Los Angeles Green Business Program (LAGBP), demonstrating our commitment to become greener and more sustainable in everything we do.

Our Culture