Architecture Built on Technical Expertise and Trust
Every project begins with constraints—codes, budgets, existing buildings, permitting requirements, and unknowns. Our job is to find the path forward and design solutions that work in the real world.
Who We Are.
Ziese Architecture specializes in adaptive reuse, existing building repositioning, and complex permitting work.
For 24 years, the firm has navigated the entitlement process, code pathways, and regulatory frameworks that make existing buildings difficult—and that most architecture firms avoid.
We take on projects that require expertise in change of occupancy, seismic retrofit, historic review, CEQA, and LADBS plan check.
This isn't a side practice. It's what we've built the firm around.
The firm also practices residential architecture, including custom homes, remodels, and ADUs, with the same level of care, technical precision, and problem-solving expertise we bring to every project type.
Experience in multiple jurisdictions:
Ziese Architecture has successfully completed projects throughout the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County, including work in Venice, Burbank, Glendale, Malibu, Pasadena, and other surrounding communities. Our experience spans a range of jurisdictions and review authorities, allowing us to navigate local zoning, planning, and permitting requirements specific to each municipality.
What We Do.
Ziese Architecture delivers projects from initial feasibility through construction documentation and permitting.
The firm works with homeowners, developers, business owners, and public agencies on projects requiring careful coordination with planning departments, building officials, and project consultants.
With 24 years of experience, we have successfully completed projects across a variety of sectors, including residential, office spaces, hospitality, restaurants, civic developments, and industrial facilities. Our approach emphasizes sustainable design strategies while celebrating the sensory and aesthetic qualities of materials, creating environments that feel both intuitive and meaningful for their occupants.
Ziese Architecture provides services for:
Custom homes and major residential remodels
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
Commercial tenant improvements (restaurant, retail, office, and creative space build‑outs)
Adaptive reuse and fire rebuild projects, including historic structures and code legalization
Daniel Ziese - AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Principal + Founder
Principal Architect, Daniel Ziese, is a licensed California architect (License #C32234), AIA, NCARB-certified, and LEED AP BD+C, with 24 years of professional practice and over 200 completed projects across Los Angeles. He brings a depth of understanding that is invaluable to clients seeking to realize their projects, with experience spanning hospitality, multifamily housing, mixed-use development, educational facilities, retail centers, and commercial office projects.
Prior to founding Ziese Architecture in Los Angeles, Daniel worked with Orange County firms Dougherty + Dougherty, Thomas Cox Architects, KTGY, and Bundy-Finkel Architects, contributing to a wide range of project types and scales.
Daniel holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona, where he graduated with honors, and is a recipient of the American Institute of Architects National Scholarship. He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).