At TOLO, we believe the character of our built environment profoundly affects quality of life, so we work to respond to the demands of each project with intelligent, creative solutions, while remaining attentive to the client’s schedule and budget. Our portfolio is diverse: including art installations, single-family homes, retail and restaurants, as well as larger projects such as hotels, multi-family housing, and mixed-use developments. Each design is developed in close relationship with the client, and with a careful determination of their needs and constraints.

We are proud that many of our projects have been cited in publications and awarded for their inventiveness, social vitality, and accomplished craftsmanship. Our studio in Downtown Los Angeles contains a fabrication shop, which allows us to test the material characteristics of our designs through prototypes and scale models.

First established in 1998, the practice’s early work, led by Peter Tolkin, focused on the revitalization and redevelopment of buildings in Old Pasadena, a historic downtown shopping and entertainment district. Peter’s experience in Pasadena led to work in other cities, such as Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Long Beach. The practice has completed residential, retail and commercial projects throughout the region, including Pasadena's award-winning Saladang Song restaurant, the Sherman Residence in Encino, and the Sunglass House in Malibu.

In Merced, the practice designed a series of mixed-use buildings, including retail storefronts and lofts, in conjunction with a comprehensive downtown revitalization initiative. In Claremont, the practice was responsible for the planning of the West Village Expansion, a project encompassing retail, movie theaters, hotel facilities, and a town square. The practice’s winning proposal for the development of a two-block mixed-use project, called Metlox, in Manhattan Beach created a public space connecting the city’s civic center with its main commercial street. A number of these projects have received awards from the American Institute of Architects and many have been featured in publications such as Domus, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Dwell, Architectural Record, and Interior Design.

Renamed after Sarah Lorenzen joined as principal in 2015, TOLO has built on Peter Tolkin’s early success. Recent note-worthy work includes Night Gallery in downtown Los Angeles, an art studio complex for artist Charles Gaines, and a monumental public sculpture with Gaines, titled ‘Moving Chains,’ which travels to it’s second location in Cincinnati this fall.