An arrival that isn’t cold.
Originality
We believe every lot deserves an original design tailored to its maximum potential. Crafting environments where comfort, creativity and community organically thrive.
Every lot deserves a design that belongs to it.
YDS is a Southern California architecture studio grounded in smart design and stress-free approvals. We work on homes, multifamily housing and commercial spaces, and carry them from the first zoning read to a permit in hand.
Maximize Value
Most of the cost savings happen during programming and design. Our process is built to get the most value out of the property before anything is built.
Original × Creative
We create original spaces that belong to their context. No two lots are alike, so no two designs should be.
Comprehensive Supervision
Our involvement goes beyond design. We handle the technical and permitting stages so the project moves smoothly from paper to physical reality.
Portfolio
Multifamily, mixed-use, institutional and residential work across Southern California. Each project starts from the same question: what does this particular site want to become?
Start a project.
Tell us where it is and what you have in mind. An architect looks at the property and gets back to you within one business day. No cost, no obligation.
- 01We study the property. Zoning, lot and what the site can hold.
- 02We talk it through. A short call or email about your goals and options.
- 03You get a clear next step. Scope, timeline and a fee quote if you want one.
Or call 626-660-0206 · info@ydsarch.com
Our Process.
We guide you through the whole project, from first planning to design concepts to every permit you need, so you’re ready to build with confidence.
Contextual Intelligence
We read the site first: zoning, overlays, topography, neighbors, light. The design starts from what the lot allows and what the street already is.
Integrated Synthesis
Program, budget, code and form are resolved together, so the design that looks right is also the one that pencils and permits.
Regulatory Navigation
Zoning, entitlements, use permits, state housing laws and fire rebuilds. We manage every city interaction and keep you updated.
Plan
- Remote property assessment: codes, zoning and structural factors that affect cost
- Architect consultation to capture your vision and lay out options
- As-built survey of existing conditions
- Contract to start design
Design
- A full drawing set: site plan, plans, elevations, sections and 3D visualizations
- Documentation review so you can refine everything before approving
Permit
- Coordination with structural, Title 24 and CUP consultants
- We handle the city departments in LA, Riverside, Orange and beyond
- Construction-ready documents for bidding
We draw lines. Then make them real.
YDS Arch is a Southern California practice founded by principal architect Yifu Pan, AIA. Our focus is multifamily housing: small-lot subdivisions, courtyard apartments, podium buildings and mixed-use infill, taken from feasibility through permits. We also design commercial, institutional and residential work for owners, developers and business owners across the region. We use AI tools to move faster through feasibility and visualization. The drawings, the code reading and the sign-off stay with licensed people.
- Services
- Multifamily & infill housing · Small-lot subdivisions · Mixed-use & commercial · Institutional · Custom homes & rebuilds · Zoning feasibility · Entitlements & permitting
- Service area
- California and Nevada
- Studio
- Bradbury Building, 304 S. Broadway, Los Angeles 90013
- Office
- 177 N. Primrose Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016
- Contact
- info@ydsarch.com 626-660-0206
Do you handle city permits and approvals?
Yes. We specialize in zoning analysis, entitlements and permitting for multifamily and mixed-use projects, including SB 684 subdivisions, density bonus, TOC and CUPs, and we manage everything from planning to permit submission.
Do you work with developers or just homeowners?
Both: first-time homeowners, seasoned investors, developers and business owners, on residential and commercial projects.
Do you offer permitting-only services?
Yes. If your design is already done, we can take it through plan check and permitting.
Consultation at the historic Bradbury.
We invite you to experience our new studio headquarters inside the iconic Bradbury Building.
Plan your visit →Getting here
The main entrance is on Broadway, right next door to Blue Bottle Coffee.
Parking: Grand Central Market Parking (308 S. Hill St) or LA Times Parking (213 S. Spring St), both a short walk away.
When you arrive, call your project lead and we’ll bring you up to the studio.
Open in Google Maps ↗Resources
Zoning guides, multifamily housing-law explainers and news from the YDS team.