Taking an unorthodox approach to problem solving through strategic consulting, planning and architecture

SCAAA founded in Los Angeles by the Korean American architect and real estate investor Steven Song, is most philosophically aligned with two powerhouses of twentieth century architecture —Denise Scott Brown and the late Robert Venturi, who in 1972 published the book, Learning from Las Vegas, which studied the city in its urban form. The husband-and-wife team mentored Song at the start of his architecture career, and they credit him with looking at their thesis on Modernism from a fresh perspective, then adapting and expanding on their ideas for contemporary times.

Kukje Gallery, a vital cultural hub in Seoul, showcases works by renowned contemporary local and international artists. SCAAA’s ongoing work on the campus, including a current office and gallery renovation, reflects a shared commitment to thinking globally and acting locally.
Photo credit:
Kim Yongseong (김 용성) @mongsang._

"The Learning part of that book's title, and the implied importance of a mindset of curiosity and a willingness to question - even challenge - conventional wisdom, spoke to me," states Song. SCAAA's approach, which Song describes as "intentionally rigorous and inevitably all-encompassing", includes establishing and cultivating relationships, conducting extensive research, advising clients on business strategy, and problem solving. Their design strategies and solutions address current conditions (economic, social, cultural, and contextual), while anticipating future ones; for example, the impact of the recent pandemic on urban life, and the evolution of established cities and the creation of new ones.

RYSE: SCAAA’s architectural design for the RYSE development reflects a thorough understanding of how to best integrate hospitality, retail, art spaces, and restaurants.
Photo credit:
Kim YongKwan
@yongkwankim_photo

RYSE: The thoughtful design of a multi-level and multi-use lobby realizes the hotel’s attractive location near arts colleges, commercial and retail avenues, and an international airport.

RYSE: The inviting open-air café with connected passageway is an elegant and thoughtful design solution to re-directing the pedestrian flow that previously bypassed the site.
Photo credit:
Kim YongKwan
@yongkwankim_photo

Since its founding in 2012, SCAAA has garnered numerous hospitality and commercial commissions in some of the most dynamic regions in the Pacific Rim and the U.S., delivering projects such as the boutique hotel, RYSE, a co-working space for creatives called BLDG BLCKS, and staff offices for Kukje Gallery—all located in Seoul, South Korea; the Philippine Stock Exchange in Manila; an office building repurposed from the former headquarters of the Los Angeles Rams National Football League (NFL) team; the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel on Dallas Market Center's 100-acre campus; and the U.S. prototype for TOUS les JOURS, a bakery café franchise with more than 1,650 stores worldwide. SCAAA also advises real estate owners on long-term development projects for destination resorts in California and Hawaii, and on Jeju Island, known in the tourism industry as the "Hawaii of Korea".

BLDG BLCKS: The co-working experience, designed specifically for creative businesses, begins with a well-curated front of house that reflects the target group's distinct culture.
Photo credit:
Courtesy of SCAAA

BLDG BLCKS: As the project’s site is located outside major retail corridors, SCAAA designed the main communal area as an inventive gathering and gallery space to showcase the creatives' designs and work.
Photo credit:
Courtesy of SCAAA

BLDG BLCKS: Recognizing the client’s distinct brand of co-working, the SCAAA team designed an elegant and flexible workshop to attract "maker-tenants" who add cultural value to the community.
Photo credit:
Courtesy of SCAAA

SCAAA's goal is to leave something better than they found it, for their clients, their clients' customers, and for their communities. As Song observes, "Our clients partner with us to find their light bulb moment."

DoubleTree by Hilton: Working at the intersection of commerce and design, the team focused on redesigning the space to better cater to both visitors and locals.
Photo credit:
Courtesy of SCAAA

DoubleTree by Hilton: SCAAA’s extensive research and reading of case studies of the Dallas nightlife and hospitality scene informed the redesign of the public spaces, which included the physical redesign and rebranding of the patio area.
Photo credit:
Courtesy of SCAAA

DoubleTree by Hilton: SCAAA’s expansion to a new studio in Dallas reflects its steady growth of work in the area, beginning with the public spaces renovation of the DoubleTree Dallas Market Center Hotel in 2015.
Photo credit:
Courtesy of SCAAA

About SCAAA

We are a strategy consulting, planning, and architecture practice with studios in Los Angeles, Seoul, Osaka, and Dallas. We elevate our clients’ businesses by forging lasting relationships that enable us to plan today for the economic, sociological, and cultural paradigm shifts of tomorrow.

About Steven Song

Prior to founding SCAAA, Steven Song worked for MADA s.p.a.m., based in Shanghai, and SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), based in New York City. He is also CEO of Axle Companies, which invests in real estate and social impact businesses. Song is on the board of the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, and SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture).