About Vertebrae
Vertebrae is a Los Angeles-based architecture and design practice founded by Lisa Little in 2012. The studio approaches design through a combination of computation, engineering, and craft, working across scales from sculpture and public installations to residential and commercial projects. Rooted in the history of Southern California's architectural and spatial experimentation, Vertebrae draws on the legacy of the Light and Space art movement of the 1960s, employing emergent materials and contemporary fabrication techniques to create environments that engage light, volume, and scale.
The practice is a certified Woman-Owned Business and holds multiple certifications including designations from the State of California, the City of Los Angeles, and the California Unified Certification Program, among others.
Expertise in Small Space Design and ADUs
A significant focus of Vertebrae's work is the design of compact living environments, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The studio has developed a thorough understanding of how to integrate full living programs and functionality into footprints smaller than 500 square feet. Projects such as the award-winning Venice Micro-Apartment, Clerestory Loft, and the Breakers Studio demonstrate this capability in practice.
As an ADU contractor and accessory dwelling unit builder, Vertebrae applies a consistent set of design principles to small space living:
- Creative use of every cubic foot of available space
- High storage-to-living-space ratios
- Visual and acoustic separation within compact layouts
Beyond these functional principles, the studio uses considered material palettes and precise design details to give each project a distinct character. Vertebrae's small space work has been featured in publications including The Wall Street Journal and the LA Times.
The practice also holds a broader conviction that smaller housing footprints contribute to reduced carbon emissions and less waste — a perspective that informs its commitment to this type of work.
What Is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a separate dwelling — attached or detached — that coexists on a lot with a single-family home. ADUs are part of a state initiative aimed at increasing housing density. By definition, an ADU includes a separate entrance, a full kitchen, and a full bathroom, with square footage limits governed by local code regulations.
ADUs serve a range of purposes for homeowners:
- Generating rental income from the property
- Supporting multigenerational or non-traditional family living arrangements
- Allowing homeowners to downsize into the ADU while renting out the primary residence
It is worth noting that while an ADU can be rented, it cannot be sold separately from the primary single-family home. Parking requirements for ADUs are also frequently reduced or waived under applicable regulations.
Vertebrae's recognized awards in this area include the 2025 Architizer A+ Award for Palisades Redux ADU and the 2023 AIA LA Honor Award for Plymouth ADU, reflecting the studio's track record as an experienced detached ADU builder and granny flat builder in the Los Angeles area.
